This post contains affiliate links. Product provided by Banish.
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I’m in love with Korean skincare and makeup, it’s how I ended up with a blog and a group with 98k members. But every so often, a noteworthy Western product makes its way into my routine. One such favorite is Banish Pumpkin Enzyme mask, available on the brand’s official website. It’s an exfoliating wash off mask that promises to resurface the skin, reduce unwanted oils, clear pores, and improve overall skin tone and appearance. The star ingredient is glycolic acid - an AHA that’s definitely having a moment in social media right now, especially with dermatologists.
How to use
Apply a thin layer after cleansing
Wait for 10-15 minutes
Rinse off
Use 1-3 times a week or as needed
There’s a slight tingle during use, but nothing major or uncomfortable. The sensation goes away as soon as the mask is rinsed off. Brand instructions state that the tingle goes away after 1-2 minutes. I keep my mask on for less than 10 minutes, and for me the tingle is fairly constant during the entire application. Your experience may differ.
My impressions
I am absolutely in love with this mask. I’m on my second jar and would happily get more. I was very careful when trying the pumpkin mask at first, because I’m a regular tretinoin (prescription retinoid user). I’m now happily using the Banish mask every other week or so and it makes my skin glow! I haven’t had any issues with irritation or peeling, but please be extra careful if you are introducing this while on retinoids. Make sure your existing retinoid routine is well established and tolerated before experimenting with any other exfoliants.
I have combination skin with an oily t-zone and dry/normal everything else. I apply Banish Pumpkin Enzyme Mask almost over the face, avoiding the eye and lip area. I leave it on for maybe 2-3 minutes, then rinse. My skin is immediately softer and more radiant. It drinks up all subsequent routine steps (toner, essence, etc) and looks and feels extra good for a few days after. I don’t have huge pigmentation issues anymore, but what little spots I have are lighter as well. In all fairness, I cannot attribute that result to the mask alone, because I use other products that can help even out the skin tone. The biggest difference I notice from the mask is the texture and feel of the skin - not a dry flake in sight, and everything is sooooo smooth!
Banish Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is a premium-priced product, and for me it’s worth the price tag. Each application only needs a dime sized (maybe a tad more) amount - no need for a thick layer. The first jar lasted me more than six months. The official materials state the shelf life is 6 months once opened, but I didn’t notice any change in color, smell, or efficacy even toward the bottom of the jar. I stored mine in the bathroom, away from sunlight. Of course, if you have super resilient skin and end up using this weekly or more often, yours will run out faster. I haven’t had a product that makes such a noticeable difference in a single use before, so I definitely recommend it if you have the budget for it.
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Banish Pumpkin Enzyme Mask ingredients: Pumpkin Fruit Purée (Cucurbita Pepo), Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Phenoxyethanol, Citric Acid, Meadowfoam Seed Oil (Limnanthes Alba), Xanthan Gum, Glycolic Acid, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid), Organic Sugar Cane Extract (Saccharum Officinarum), Organic Bilberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Myrtillus), Organic Sugar Maple Extract (Acer Saccharinum), Organic Orange Peel Extract (Citrus Sinensis), Organic Lemon Peel Extract (Citrus Limon), Organic Cranberry Fruit Extract (Vaccinium Macrocarpon), Organic Neem Seed Oil (Melia Azadirachta), Organic Rosemary Leaf Extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis), Organic Sunflower Seed Oil (Helianthus Annuus), Organic Cinnamon Cassia (Cinnamomum burmanni) Powder, Organic Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) Powder, Organic Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) Powder, Organic Allspice (Pimenta dioica) Powder, Organic Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) Powder, Organic Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) Powder, Organic Alcohol