The collagen face mask that went viral on TikTok has gained a lot of attention. From the bold claims to the reaction videos its hard not to be curious. The brand claims the mask has anti-aging and skin-tightening benefits, all backed by clinical data. With images and testimonials flooding social media, it’s easy to get swept up in the hype, and run to purchase. It is also easy to get caught in the halo effect if you are trying the product for the first time.
If you want to dig a little deeper into evidence before you spend your money, keep reading. In this article, we’ll examine the brand’s claims and separate the facts from the marketing buzz. Does this collagen face mask really live up to its viral fame?
Claim 1: 90% Absorption Compared to Regular Collagen
Regular collagen used in skincare often has a molecular weight too large to penetrate the skin’s outer barrier. It typically sits on the surface, providing only superficial hydration. The Sungboon Editor collagen face mask claims over 90% absorption of collagen compared to traditional collagen. The brand attributes this to its ultra-low molecular weight collagen.
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The brand claims the small size of the collagen can pass through the skin barrier more efficiently than traditional collagen. This claim is scientifically plausible. Research on low-molecular-weight collagen demonstrates that smaller peptide chains can enter the skin and improve its elasticity and moisture retention more effectively.
It is important to remember traditional collagen cannot pass through your skin barrier. So a 90% increase in zero is not hard to achieve. And while the penetration may be improved, you should not assume you are getting a substantial increase in collagen penetration.
Claim 2: Firming and Lifting Saggy Pores
The brand also claims the collagen face mask can help firm and lift saggy pores. In addition to the low molecular weight collagen, the collagen face mask also has peptides. The highest concentration peptide, according to the ingredient list is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5. This is probably one of the ingredients the brand is referencing when they say ultra-low molecular weight collagen, because it is a collagen fragment.
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In addition to palmitoyl tripeptide-5 there is a cocktail of other peptides including: Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Hexapeptide-11, and Hexapeptide-9. These peptides are known for their ability to boost production of important skincare proteins like collagen and elastin. As well as preventing oxidative stress that can prematurely age you by destroying the proteins.
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As skin loses collagen, it also loses its firmness and elasticity, leading to enlarged, saggy pores. The peptides, combined with ceramides, which help to rebuild the skin’s moisture barrier, improve the skin’s texture, making pores appear smaller and less noticeable.
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An important caveat with the benefits of peptides in your skincare routine, is you have to continue to use them to keep getting their benefit. You body breaks down and replenishes fresh collagen and other proteins every couple of days. If you want to see the benefits of this collagen face mask, you will have to continue to use it. Using the mask one time will give you a temporary fullness and glow because it is packed with hydrating ingredients. However, those benefits will not last.
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Claim 3: Nourishing the Skin from Within
The ingredient list highlights several nourishing compounds, including:
- Water: The only ingredient that can actually hydrate your skin. Other ingredients lock in moisture, but water is the only way you can hydrate your skin.
- Glycerin: This is one of the best ingredients for moisturizing skin. Research shows it can help pull water and other active ingredients into the lower layers of your skin.
- Shea Butter: A rich emollient that can lock moisture into your skin.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Both low- and high-molecular-weight forms of hyaluronic acid are included. These variations penetrate different layers of the skin to ensure comprehensive hydration.
- Ceramides: These lipids help strengthen the skin’s barrier, locking in moisture, and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Together, these ingredients create a cocktail of hydration and barrier protection that enables the mask to nourish the skin from the inside out, further supporting the claim of deep nourishment.
Related Post: Demystifying Your Skin Barrier: What Is It and How Does It Get Damaged
Claim 4: Immediate Cooling Effects
This is one of the most straight forward claims. The collagen face masks includes Mentha Rotundifolia (Spearmint) Leaf Extract, Mentha Viridis (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, and Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract. Menthol, a compound found in these plants, has a cooling effect on the skin, providing instant relief from heat and puffiness. This sensation is especially beneficial for reducing inflammation or calming irritated skin.
If you do not like the tingling feel that can be associated with menthol or you have sensitive skin, this product may not be right for you.
Final Verdict on This Collagen Face Mask and The Claims
In the world of viral skincare trends, it’s important to approach products like the TikTok collagen face mask with a little bit of skepticism. Skincare is not a sprint it is definitely a marathon. So you have to be cautious when you see someone that has used a product once talking about how much it has “transformed their skin.”
To give this collagen face mask some credit, it is different from most collagen skincare product. It does include peptides that can penetrate your skin barrier. However one time use is not going to transform your skin. The Sungboon editor collagen face masks can offer temporary hydration and a plumping effect. However, the long-term benefits and clinical backing of this particular product remain unclear.
Before jumping on the bandwagon, consider if this product truly meets your skin’s needs. If you are already using a product with peptides or a retinol you probably do not need this collagen face mask. But if you want to just try something new, or add something new to your routine temporarily this could be a great option for you.