Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask Review

Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask
5.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.8 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Methylpropanediol (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil (est. ≈1.0%), Hydroxyacetophenone (est. ≈0.3%), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask to your skincare routine:
 

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Dr. Althea Natural Brightening Velvet Mask to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.1
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Methylpropanediol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Trehalose
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-20 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose Cocoate
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coptis Japonica Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Acorus Calamus Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract
Function:
Origin:
Milk Protein Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Caprylate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Honey Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Perillaldehyde
Function:
Origin:
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.9
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.6
2.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.9 10
10.0
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
2.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 12.9 10
10
All humectants
12.9
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
2
1
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 3.6 20
1.8
All occlusives
3.6
2.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.4
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
1
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
0.3
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.3 5 No
All soothing
3.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Methylpropanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
MethylpropanediolMethylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Sorbitan Stearate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan StearateA vegetable-derived ingredient most commonly used as an emulsifier to stabilize water and oil mixtures.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil

A famous olive oil widely used in skincare as an emollient and occlusive moisturizer. It contains mainly unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidant flavonoids, and oleuropeins. Olive oil is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.

Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Trehalose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TrehaloseA sweet-tasting saccharide that can be found in various yeasts and fungi and that is manufactured from starch for cosmetic purposes. It is one of the most popular sugars in skincare and is mainly used for its humectant properties.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
PEG-20 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-20 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Sucrose Cocoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sucrose Cocoate
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut oil.
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Bifida Ferment Lysate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bifida Ferment LysateA mixture of probiotic bacteria. According to the patent holder, it contains enzymes that are able to repair damaged DNA in skin cells. A single study confirms that it is able to reduce skin sensitivity.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant, soothing, and humectant moisturizing extract obtained from Chinese magnolia-vine berries. Its main compounds are soothing and immunomodulatory lignans.
Coptis Japonica Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coptis Japonica Root Extract
Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces Ferment Lysate FiltrateA humectant moisturizing ingredient made from Saccharomyces yeast culture that contains various enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and beta-glucan.
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract

An extract from the seeds and pulp of pomelo. It contains vitamin E, flavonoids, tannins, and limonoids, and has antioxidant, soothing, and astringent properties. The seeds mostly contain emollient fatty oil.

Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) ExtractAn abrasive rice extract rich in various emollient fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamin E.
Acorus Calamus Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acorus Calamus Root Extract
Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Avena Sativa (Oat) Meal Extract
Milk Protein Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Milk Protein Extract
Glyceryl Caprylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl CaprylateA waxy solid derived from vegetable oils that has emollient and emulsifying properties. It is also known to boost the efficacy of organic acid preservatives by destabilizing the microbe's cell membrane.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Honey Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Honey ExtractAn extract obtained from honey that is comprised of proteins, minerals, and various bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing humectant, and soothing properties.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit ExtractSimilar to coconut milk or water, this fragrant extract has a sweet, coconut scent and contains a beneficial mixture of sugars, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is used as an emollient ingredient in skincare due to its content of lipids and fatty acids.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Perillaldehyde
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Perillaldehyde
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Perilla Ocymoides Leaf ExtractA leaf extract from the mint family that contains antioxidant flavonoids and terpenes.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.