Recently, there was quite the controversy when it was revealed that many facial masks might be unsanitary. As Racked first reported, it turns out that the factories are filthy, masks are folded in people’s homes where sanitary guidelines are completely ignored, and workers are paid sweatshop wages. Racked summarizes the situation as such:
“Mask sheets and envelopes are dropped off to mask folders, who often work in teams of two or three. The stacks of masks are folded using a guide, much like the sort used to fold shirts in a retail shop, and inserted into a mask envelope. There the envelopes sit, one side open, until they’re collected and taken to the factory […] Once in the factory, they are sterilized, filled with essence, and subjected to microbial checks. A post on the Pann news forum noted that sterilized masks could still contain debris such as hair.”
Here’s what to do to protect yourself.
1.) Do not use masks made in Korea.
I am of Korean heritage, but I will no longer use masks made in Korea. Until I hear something of comprehensive reform around conditions in which masks are produced, I outright refuse to use these masks.
2.) Do not use masks that are all-natural or organic.
However, excluding just Korean masks may not be enough. Sources claim that most of the top skincare brands subcontract mask-folding out to at-home workers, because it’s faster and cheaper than using machines to package the masks. This enables brands to keep prices low — but it also means that the conditions in which masks are folded may be unregulated.
According to dermatologist Dr. Leslie Baumann, M.D., “I don’t think the problem is specific to Korean masks. In fact, some of the best skin care technologies come out of Korea. I am wary of any masks that are packaged by hand and do not contain preservatives. As with other products, you need to know where and how the products you use are manufactured.”
I won’t use masks that are all-natural or organic because they don’t tend to contain preservative systems that are as effective as parabens. Contrary to the super cautious skincare consumer’s belief, parabens aren’t in skin care and cosmetics products because manufacturers are cheap or trying to kill you. Parabens are the only effective protection against most bacterial species (Cosmetics and Toiletries, 2005).
Parabens are also naturally found in many foods, including blueberries. I don’t want to rant about how much I love parabens or how unfounded I think many of the studies against parabens are, so I’ll just link you to an old blog post about parabens.
The following paraben alternatives have been found to be effective against fungi, NOT many types of bacteria (Cosmetics and Toiletries, 2005):
- Benzoic acid
- Potassium sorbate
- Sodium benzoate
- Sorbic acid
- Phenoxyethanol
f I am using a facial mask and cannot be sure it is produced under sterile conditions, it better contain an effective preservative system against nearly all forms of bacteria and fungi. At this time, I have found only parabens provide this. None of the natural or organic brands tend to contain parabens, so I’m done with using those masks altogether. (Just my opinion).
3.) Inspect masks closely before using.
Some of the news is downright revolting. A Redditor claimed she found what looked like mold on a mask. Another Redditor shared multiple photos of a dead bug that she found in a sealed sheet mask package. And K-beauty blogger Snow White and the Asian Pear reported opening a mask and smelling laundry detergent and nicotine.
I’m actually a huge fan of facial masks, so this news will not deter me from using them altogether. But I will closely inspect the mask before I use it. If it looks, feels, or smells unusual, I am returning it immediately.
Bottom Line
The skincare mask controversy is, unfortunately, one with evidence that appears to be sound (and, quite frankly, super disturbing). But if you’re like me and don’t want to give up the full benefit of putting 1/3 to 1/2 of a bottle of serum on your face every night (which is how much serum you get in the average mask!), then follow a few safety guidelines. For me personally, I am boycotting Korean masks (for now), making sure I use masks with parabens (yes, you read that right), and inspecting masks very closely before using them.