Understanding Mask Liquids, Essences, Serums, and Sleeping Masks

When making a liquid for compressed sheet masks, you need to consider the desired properties and active ingredients. The liquid should be able to fully saturate the compressed mask and deliver beneficial ingredients to the skin.

Differences between Mask Liquid, Essence, and Serum

While there can be overlap in ingredients, mask liquids, essences, and serums typically differ in texture, concentration, and intended use:

• Mask Liquid: Often has a lighter, more watery consistency to easily soak into the compressed mask. The concentration of active ingredients can vary depending on the formulation goal, but it's designed for a single, intensive treatment session.
• Essence: Generally has a lightweight, slightly viscous texture. It is often used after toning and before serum, acting as a preparatory step to hydrate the skin and enhance the absorption of subsequent products. Essences typically contain a moderate concentration of active ingredients.
• Serum: Usually has a more concentrated formula with a higher percentage of active ingredients targeting specific skin concerns (e.g., anti-aging, brightening, hydration). Serums tend to have a slightly thicker or gel-like texture compared to essences and are applied before moisturizer.

Mask liquid is called a "mask" because it is used in conjunction with a sheet mask to create a physical barrier on the skin, allowing the ingredients to penetrate more effectively during the application time. While some mask liquids might be highly concentrated, the term "mask" refers more to the application method and the intensive treatment experience rather than just the concentration, which can vary.

Sleeping Mask vs. Night Cream

Sleeping masks and night creams are both used as the last step in an evening skincare routine, but they have some key differences:

• Night Cream: Typically has a richer, thicker texture designed to provide hydration and nourishment throughout the night. It forms a protective layer on the skin to prevent moisture loss.
• Sleeping Mask: Often has a lighter, gel-like or creamy-gel texture compared to traditional night creams. It is formulated to be absorbed into the skin while you sleep and often contains a higher concentration of active ingredients for targeted treatment (e.g., intense hydration, brightening, soothing). Sleeping masks create a permeable layer that allows the skin to breathe while still delivering a concentrated dose of beneficial ingredients overnight. Products like the Water Sleeping Mask Base and Cica Sleeping Mask Base are examples of bases designed for this type of product.

In summary, while the lines can sometimes be blurred, these product types generally differ in their texture, concentration levels, and how they are intended to be used within a skincare routine to achieve specific benefits.