Alpha-H Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask

Where I got it

I picked this up at Recreateyourself.co.nz when I ordered my Alpha-H Vitamin Profiling set. They were doing 20% off all Alpha-H products so I decided to give this one a go. I already use the OG Liquid Gold and I am loving it so far. I have the rose version as well, which is suppose to be more hydrating, but I will get to that after the I finish the classic one.

So this mask is usually approx. $82, but after discount it came down to about $62, they were also doing free samples and gift with purchases too. RY and Adorebeauty are pretty much the two places I shop mostly for skincare products that are not readily available in NZ stores. Free shipping most of the time, but that depends on the current promos, etc.

What I got

This is the Alpha-H Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask (50ml). Transform your skin with the Alpha-H Liquid Gold Ultimate Perfecting Mask, a multi-benefit formula powered by a 20% Combination Hydroxy Acid blend. Ideal for those with visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, pigmentation, enlarged pores and loss of elasticity, the intensive treatment acts as an at-home skin peel that mimics the results of micro needling and chemical peels. Powered by a deeply hydrating base of Shea Butter, Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera to strengthen the natural moisture barrier, the face mask uses Glycolic Acid to support cell renewal and collagen production whilst brightening the skin tone to balance pigmentation. Meanwhile, Lactic Acid sweeps away dead surface cells to smooth the skin texture and Tazman Pepper™, derived from the Tasmanian Pepper fruit, helps to calm any irritation and redness. When used weekly, the mask contributes to more refined pores, firmer facial contours and a glowing, radiant complexion.

Ingredients: Aqua, Glycolic Acid, Caprylylic/Capric Triglyceride, Lactic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg 100 Stearate, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Squalane, Ceteareth 20, Mannitol, Stearic Acid, Undecane, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Phenoxyethanol, Cyclopentasiloxilane, Butylene Glycol, Panthanol, Tridecane, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Mangifera Indica Seed Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate , Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Parfum, Pentylene Glycol, Allantoin, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Pca, Wheat Amino Acids, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium Edta, Sodium Benzoate, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit Extract, Gluconolactone, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Aloe Barbadensis Extract, Hydroxyproline, Sodium Carrageenan, Dextrin, Ferulic Acid, Waltheria Indica Leaf Extract, Maris Sal, Benzyl Salicylate, Citronellol, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Limonene, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone.

How I find it

This mask came in a plastic jar instead of a tube as shown on the website which was a little strange. I have seen this mask on IG in a tube, I wonder if this is old or new packaging? Anyway, I actually don’t mind this packaging because it is an airless pump so the products are more stable and more hygienic. Of course with the tube packaging you can get every last drop of product, but you can get air into the tube.

Onwards with the review, so after cleansing and toning, I use one full pump of this mask which I thought wasn’t really generous so I decided to get another half a pump, but for some reason it didn’t allow me. I’m not sure if the mechanics of an airless pump of this type does this usually? Anyway, the mask has a creamy consistency and upon contact in my skin, there was a little sting, but it’s very mild and it’s gone in seconds.

After 10 minutes the mask looks kind of absorbed and feels kinda dry on the surface. I simple wash it off with soap and my hands and I can feel an immediate smoothing effect on my skin, almost slippery and I know that this happens with these AHA/BHA peels, they do remove that upper most dead skin cell layer to reveal smooth skin. My skin looked and feel healthy, plump and no redness at all. I didn’t feel the need to use the Liquid Gold after this so I used my new Herbivore Botanicals Bakuchiol Serum and Lapis Facial oil to finish my skincare.

My skin felt comfortable, no irritation, no dryness and looked glowy. Overnight, I woke up with glowing skin and not overly oily complexion. I am quite happy with the results but I do need to use it a few more times in combination of other products to see its own results. I can use this 1-2 times a week so I plan to do that for at least 4-6 weeks before reporting. However, the immediate results are visible and I am very happy with it.

Overall

So, I really do like this mask but this type of airless pump where you press it down and the product comes out at the hole in the middle is not my favourite. I have had troubles with this mechanism when I was using the Dr Dennis Gross Sulphur Mask and the top just does not want to pop back up! I would much prefer a traditional airless pump like my EL Instant Resurfacing Peel.

Anyway, I used this twice a week for 6 weeks to finalise this review and I think it works! It is rather strong if you have sensitive skin or your skin is not used to glycolic acids or AHA acids because even with my skin (I have used AHA and BHAs for years) I still experienced tingling when I apply it and see results. I also compared it with the Estée Lauder Instant Resurfacing Peel and the Herbivore Botanicals Prism 20% AHA + 5% BHA mask to see which one I prefer more. I really love the Estee Lauder peel because it also contains BHA which works better with blocked pores, sebaceous filaments, etc. that is oil-based problems, but AHA is great with getting rid of dead skin cells and revealing brighter and smoother skin. The Alpha-H is probably great if you don’t have congestion or acne problems, but the Herbivore Botanicals was really one to surprise me!