Aquaglow Hydrate Mask
Aquaglow Hydrate Mask
Product Description
The Pendrell AquaGlow Hydrate Mask is a fragrance-free overnight gel mask that combines a copper peptide complex (GHK-Cu) with three molecular weights of humectants β hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, and glycerin β to flood skin with moisture while you sleep. Its signature blue gel goes on clear and is enriched with niacinamide, squalane, and soothing botanicals like centella, aloe, and goji berry to brighten, calm redness, and support overnight repair. You wake up to plump, dewy, refreshed skin.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Multi-Weight Hydration
Hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, beta-glucan, and glycerin draw and hold water across multiple layers of skin.
Copper Peptide Complex
Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) supports collagen production, firmness, and the skin's overnight repair cycle.
Calming Botanicals
Centella (gotu kola), aloe vera, Boswellia, and echinacea soothe redness and comfort sensitive skin.
Goes On Blue, Dries Clear
A signature all-natural blue gel that applies clear and seals moisture in invisibly while you sleep.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Generally considered low-risk, but confirm copper peptides with your OB-GYN.
No problematic fatty acids, esters, or polysorbates that feed malassezia. Independently verified as fungal-acne safe.
Works as a final-step seal over retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, and AHA/BHA applied earlier in the routine.
Fragrance-free and free from common allergens, but a 24-hour patch test is recommended for very reactive skin.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Sodium Hyaluronate ~1% Proven
The salt form of hyaluronic acid and the mask's headline hydrator. It binds water to the skin and helps it stay plump and supple overnight.
- Source: Acts as a humectant that can hold many times its weight in water for instant, visible plumping.
- Source: Lower molecular weight than pure HA, helping moisture reach deeper layers of the skin.
𧬠Polyglutamic Acid <2% Promising
A fermentation-derived humectant often compared to hyaluronic acid. It draws and holds water at the skin's surface and may support wound healing.
- Source: Created from bacterial fermentation; capable of forming a moisture-locking film on the skin.
- Source: Frequently layered with HA to extend and reinforce surface hydration.
π¦ Glycerin High Proven
One of the most studied humectants in skincare, sitting second on the INCI list. It pulls moisture into the skin and reinforces the barrier.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Source: Its low molecular weight allows it to carry moisture into deeper layers of skin.
π΅ Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) <1% Promising
The hero peptide that gives this mask its distinctive blue tone. GHK-Cu is studied for boosting collagen, improving firmness, and supporting skin regeneration.
- Source: A 1998 exploratory study saw increased procollagen production in 7 of 10 participants using copper tripeptide.
- Source: Human data is still limited, so results are described as promising rather than definitively proven.
π Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~2-4% Proven
A multitasking form of vitamin B3 that strengthens the barrier, regulates oil, fades dark spots, and improves the look of pores and texture.
- Source: Well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Source: Converts to NAD in the skin, which supports cell repair and a stronger barrier.
π©Ή Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5) <2% Proven
A humectant and skin-soother found naturally in skin and hair. It hydrates, calms, and supports wound healing.
- Source: Penetrates into the skin's layers and binds water like a humectant.
- Source: Converts to pantothenic acid once oxidized, a compound found in all living cells.
πΎ Beta-Glucan <1% Promising
A soothing polysaccharide that hydrates, calms, and reinforces the skin's natural barrier while acting as an antioxidant.
- Source: Studies suggest it can penetrate deeply and may help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- Source: Helps fight free radicals and has been shown to support wound healing.
πΏ Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract <1% Proven
A Southeast Asian herb famous for anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin-repairing properties, rich in antioxidants and amino acids.
- Source: Contains madecassic acid and asiaticoside, compounds linked to soothing and barrier support.
- Source: Traditionally used to help treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
π« Squalane <3% Proven
A lightweight emollient that mimics skin's own lipids, locking in moisture without a greasy feel. It is also an antioxidant.
- Source: Research shows squalane is non-irritating even at 100% concentration.
- Source: Sugarcane-derived squalane is recommended for those with malassezia concerns.
π‘οΈ Tocopherol (Vitamin E) <1% Proven
A fat-soluble antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and strengthens the lipid barrier.
- Source: Helps keep the skin's natural lipids, ceramides, and fatty acids healthy.
- Source: Pairs well with vitamin C, stabilizing it and boosting the effectiveness of both.
π¬ Trehalose <1% Promising
A sugar-based humectant with antioxidant properties that draws moisture from the air to keep skin hydrated.
- Source: Helps fight free-radical molecules that can contribute to visible aging.
- Source: Used alongside hyaluronic acid in medicine to help treat dry eyes.
π΅ Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract <1% Proven
A classic natural soother that hydrates and calms irritated or stressed skin while supporting recovery.
- Source: Acts as both a humectant and emollient, drawing in and trapping water.
- Source: Contains antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E plus skin-supporting polysaccharides.
π΄ Lycium Barbarum (Goji Berry) Fruit Extract <1% Promising
An antioxidant-rich botanical that helps brighten and protect the skin from environmental stress.
- Source: Contains polysaccharides, carotenoids, and flavonoids that help neutralize free radicals.
- Source: Its polysaccharides help hydrate the top layer of skin.
27 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Hydroxyacetophenone, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglutamic Acid, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Disodium EDTA, Beta-Glucan, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Copper Tripeptide-1, Centella Asiatica Extract, Squalane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Trehalose, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract, Betula Alba Bud Extract, Xanthan Gum, Crithmum Maritimum Extract.
Note: Pendrell does not publish exact active percentages. Concentrations shown above are estimates based on INCI position and typical formulation ranges.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use it as the very last step of your PM routine. The mask seals in everything beneath it and works overnight β apply 2β3 nights a week, or nightly when skin feels especially dry.
π How to Use
Cleanse & Prep
Start your PM routine on clean, dry skin.
Layer Treatments
Apply your serums and treatments and let them absorb.
Apply the Mask
Smooth a thin, even layer over your face as the final step. The blue gel goes on clear.
Sleep & Rinse
Leave on overnight and rinse off in the morning. Can also be worn during the day or on hands.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- Your skin feels dry, tight, or dehydrated β especially overnight
- You want copper peptides plus layered hydration without fragrance
- You have sensitive, acne-prone, or fungal-acne-prone skin
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe formulas
β Consider alternatives if:
- You want a rich, occlusive balm for very dry or mature skin
- You dislike gel textures or any slight tackiness overnight
- You need a large jar or tube β this is a compact 50 ml
- You want a clinically high, disclosed percentage of one active
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight gel with no heavy oils β hydrates without adding shine or greasiness.
Delivers deep humectant hydration, though very dry skin may want a richer balm layered on top.
Balances hydration across oily and dry zones without feeling heavy.
Fragrance-free with calming centella, aloe, and Boswellia. Patch test very reactive skin first.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe, with barrier-supporting niacinamide.
π Results Timeline
Instant Plump & Glow
Skin looks dewy, feels softer, and appears more hydrated and bouncy right after the first overnight use.
~85% noticed softer skinCalmer, Smoother Skin
Redness settles and texture feels smoother as humectants and soothing botanicals build up moisture.
~70% noticed less rednessBrighter, More Even Tone
Niacinamide and antioxidants help fade the look of dark spots and boost overall radiance.
~60% noticed brighteningFirmer, Healthier Barrier
With consistent use, copper peptides and beta-glucan support a firmer-looking, more resilient barrier.
~50% noticed firmnessβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Thoughtful, multi-layered hydration (HA + polyglutamic acid + beta-glucan + glycerin)
- Rare copper peptide plus niacinamide pairing at a mid-range price
- Fragrance-free, fungal-acne safe, vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe
- Lightweight gel that suits oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
β Criticized
- Compact 50 ml size compared with some competitors
- Limited independent and third-party reviews so far
- Blue tint can look startling before it goes clear
- Exact active percentages are not disclosed by the brand
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Also an overnight hydrating mask with niacinamide and a brightening focus. Lacks copper peptides and polyglutamic acid, but offers similar wake-up hydration for less.
A no-frills humectant moisturizer with HA, amino acids, and glycerin. Covers core hydration, but without peptides, botanicals, or the overnight-seal positioning.
Targets the HA + B5 hydration angle at a very low price. A serum rather than a sealing mask, so it misses the squalane, peptides, and antioxidants.
π Comparison with Competitors
Pendrell AquaGlow Hydrate Mask (Featured)
$28.00Laneige Water Sleeping Mask
$33.00Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask
$49.00COSRX Ultimate Nourishing Rice Spa Mask
$18.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Hygienic squeeze tube (50 ml) β no fingers in a jar
Yes β 50 ml is under the 100 ml carry-on limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally considered low-risk. The formula contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens β the actives usually flagged during pregnancy. Its core ingredients are humectants (hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid, glycerin), niacinamide, panthenol, and soothing botanicals. The one ingredient with limited pregnancy-specific research is copper tripeptide-1, so if you are pregnant or nursing, confirm with your OB-GYN before use.
Yes. Independent ingredient databases verify it as fungal-acne (malassezia) safe. It avoids the free fatty acids, problematic esters, and polysorbates that can feed malassezia. The squalane and glyceryl caprylate it contains are generally well tolerated by fungal-acne-prone skin.
Yes. Because this is a hydrating, fragrance-free sealing mask rather than an exfoliating treatment, it layers comfortably over actives. Apply your retinol, vitamin C, or AHA/BHA serum first, let it absorb, then use the mask as your final overnight step to lock everything in and buffer potential dryness or irritation.
It suits most skin types and rates excellent for oily, combination, sensitive, and acne-prone skin thanks to its lightweight, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free gel base. Dry and very dry skin will also benefit, but may want to layer a richer occlusive cream on top in colder months.
Hydration is immediate β most people wake up to plumper, softer, dewier skin after the very first use. Calmer texture and reduced redness tend to show within 1β2 weeks, brightening around week 4, and firmness-related benefits from the copper peptides with consistent use over 8+ weeks.
It is the final step of your PM routine. Cleanse, tone, apply serums and treatments, add eye cream and moisturizer if you use them, then seal everything with a thin layer of the mask before bed. Use it 2β3 nights a week, or nightly when your skin feels especially dry.
No. It rates very low on the comedogenic scale (roughly 1/5). The formula is built around humectants and non-comedogenic squalane, with no heavy oils or pore-clogging waxes, making it a strong choice for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
Its Period After Opening (PAO) is approximately 12 months. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and the hygienic tube packaging helps protect the formula from contamination compared with open jars.
Verdict: The Pendrell AquaGlow Hydrate Mask is a smartly formulated overnight gel that punches above its price point. It layers three weights of humectants with a copper peptide complex, niacinamide, squalane, and a roster of soothing botanicals β all fragrance-free, fungal-acne safe, vegan, and reef safe. That combination is genuinely hard to find under $30. The main caveats are practical rather than formulation-based: a small 50 ml size, undisclosed active percentages, and a still-thin pool of independent reviews because Pendrell is an emerging brand. If you want a clean, lightweight, sealing overnight mask for dehydrated or acne-prone skin, it is an easy recommendation. Patch test first if your skin is highly reactive.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 5 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 8 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxyacetophenone
|
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|