Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Product Description
Product overview
A luxurious Korean hanbang sleeping mask powered by Nutritive RED Elixir™ — a blend of jujube and pomegranate extracts — that deeply hydrates, strengthens the moisture barrier, and delivers antioxidant-rich nourishment overnight for visibly radiant, vitalized skin by morning.
Nutritive RED Elixir™
Proprietary blend of jujube and pomegranate extracts that strengthens the moisture barrier and delivers antioxidant protection overnight.
Texture & feel
SENSORYNutritive RED Elixir™
Proprietary blend of jujube and pomegranate extracts that strengthens the moisture barrier and delivers antioxidant protection overnight.
Hanbang Herbal Complex
Traditional Korean medicinal herbs including ginseng, licorice root, peony, lotus, and rehmannia for holistic skin revitalization.
Overnight Moisture Lock
Squalane, shea butter, and silicone-based occlusives create a breathable protective layer that prevents transepidermal water loss while you sleep.
Morning Radiance Boost
Morus alba (mulberry) root and licorice root extracts work overnight to brighten and even skin tone for a visibly glowing complexion by morning.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. Free of retinyl palmitate and oxybenzone. Generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contains several potential fungal acne triggers: cetyl ethylhexanoate, shea butter, palmitic acid, stearic acid, polysorbate 20, sorbitan isostearate, and myristic acid. Not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin.
Contains parfum/fragrance plus individual fragrance allergens (limonene, linalool, citronellol, citral, geraniol, benzyl benzoate). Patch test recommended for sensitive skin.
Safe to use with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. No conflicting actives. Can be layered as the last step over any treatment products.
Clinically tested on 45 women (ages 35-49) in a 1-week independent consumer study conducted by ACORN, Korea.
Contains shea butter (comedogenic rating 0-2) and cetearyl alcohol (rating 4 on CosDNA but low concentration). Most users report no breakouts, but those highly prone to clogged pores should patch test first.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSZiziphus Jujuba (Jujube) Fruit ExtractProven
A core component of Sulwhasoo's Nutritive RED Elixir™ complex. Jujube fruit is rich in vitamins C and B, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids that help strengthen the skin's moisture barrier and support cellular repair.
- Clinical: In Sulwhasoo's consumer study, 93% reported improved moisture levels after 1 week of use
- Research: Jujube polysaccharides demonstrate moisturizing capacity comparable to hyaluronic acid in vitro studies
- Traditional Use: Used for centuries in Korean traditional medicine (hanbang) for nourishing and soothing properties
Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) ExtractProven
The second pillar of the Nutritive RED Elixir™. Pomegranate is one of nature's most potent antioxidant sources, containing ellagic acid and punicalagins that neutralize free radicals and protect against environmental damage.
- Research: Pomegranate extract has shown superior antioxidant activity compared to green tea in comparative studies
- Benefit: Helps protect collagen from degradation by inhibiting MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases)
- Skin: Supports natural skin renewal and contributes to a more even, radiant complexion
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractProven
Korean red ginseng is the signature ingredient in Sulwhasoo's hanbang philosophy. Rich in ginsenosides (saponins), it provides potent anti-aging and revitalizing benefits that have been validated by modern science.
- Research: Ginsenosides stimulate collagen synthesis and improve skin elasticity in clinical trials
- Antioxidant: Demonstrates significant free radical scavenging activity, protecting against photoaging
- Anti-aging: Shown to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve overall skin vitality
Glycerin + Squalane + Shea Butter Top 7Proven
The hydration backbone of this formula. Glycerin (humectant) draws moisture into the skin, squalane (emollient) mimics the skin's natural sebum for deep nourishment, and shea butter (occlusive) seals everything in overnight.
- Glycerin: One of the most effective humectants known — holds up to 1,000x its weight in water
- Squalane: Skin-identical lipid with excellent biocompatibility and non-comedogenic properties
- Shea Butter: Rich in vitamins A, E, and fatty acids for deep nourishment and barrier repair
Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root ExtractProven
A well-researched brightening ingredient containing glabridin that inhibits tyrosinase activity, helping to reduce hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone over time.
- Research: Glabridin inhibits melanin production by up to 50% in vitro studies
- Benefit: Anti-inflammatory properties help calm redness and soothe irritated skin
- Safety: Gentle enough for sensitive skin; used as a natural alternative to hydroquinone
Honey (Mel) + TrehalosePromising
Honey provides natural humectant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Trehalose is a natural sugar that protects skin cells from dehydration stress and environmental damage.
- Honey: Natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties; promotes skin healing and moisture retention
- Trehalose: Acts as a bioprotectant that shields cell membranes from desiccation and oxidative stress
60 ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Squalane, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Di-C12-13 Alkyl Malate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Glyceryl Stearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Trehalose, C14-22 Alcohols, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Isostearate, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside, Polyacrylate-13, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, C12-16 Alcohols, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Fragrance/Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Ziziphus Jujuba Fruit Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Seed Extract, Limonene, Polyisobutene, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Morus Alba Root Extract, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dextrin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Honey/Mel/Miel, Linalool, Polysorbate 20, Nelumbo Nucifera Flower Extract, Polygonatum Officinale Rhizome/Root Extract, Rehmannia Glutinosa Root Extract, Paeonia Albiflora Root Extract, Lilium Candidum Bulb Extract, Sorbitan Isostearate, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Propanediol, Citronellol, Citral, Geraniol, Myristic Acid, Arachidic Acid, Glucose, Benzyl Benzoate, Glycyrrhiza Uralensis (Licorice) Root Extract, Tocopherol, Punica Granatum Flower Extract
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEApply as the very last step of your PM routine, 2-3 times per week. Can replace or layer on top of your night moisturizer. Rinse off with lukewarm water the next morning — no cleanser needed.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Complete Your Routine
In the evening, complete your entire skincare routine (cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer). The sleeping mask goes on as the very last step.
Apply a Quarter-Size Amount
Dispense a quarter-sized amount onto the palm of your hand. Apply evenly across the entire face and neck, avoiding the eye and lip areas.
Wait 5 Minutes Before Sleeping
Allow the mask to absorb for about 5 minutes before going to bed. It will form a non-sticky, breathable layer over your skin.
Rinse in the Morning
Rinse off gently with lukewarm water the next morning. For best results, do not use cleansing foam or soap — just water. Use 2-3 times per week.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- Your skin looks dull, tired, or lacking radiance in the morning
- You want to strengthen your moisture barrier overnight
- You enjoy herbal/hanbang skincare with traditional Korean ingredients
- You use tretinoin or acids and need extra overnight hydration
- You want an anti-aging sleeping mask with antioxidant benefits
- You prefer a lightweight, non-sticky sleeping pack
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (malassezia) — contains multiple triggers
- You are very sensitive to fragrance or herbal scents
- You need intense, heavy-duty hydration for extremely dry skin (may need to layer with a rich cream)
- You prefer fragrance-free products
- You have a bee product allergy (contains honey)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Squalane, shea butter, and glycerin deliver deep nourishment. Locks in moisture all night for plump, dewy skin by morning.
Gel-cream texture balances well across different face zones. Hydrates dry areas without overwhelming the T-zone.
Provides an excellent overnight glow boost and barrier support. Perfect 2-3x per week treatment for maintaining healthy skin.
Absorbs well and is non-greasy, but the shea butter and emollients may feel slightly rich for very oily types. Best used sparingly, 1-2x per week.
Contains soothing ingredients (licorice, honey), but also fragrance and multiple fragrance allergens. Patch test strongly recommended.
Not fungal acne safe. Contains cetearyl alcohol (CosDNA acne trigger rating 4) and shea butter. Most users report no breakouts, but patch test first.
Results timeline
1-3 MONTHSImmediate Hydration & Morning Glow
Skin feels noticeably softer, more hydrated, and has a visible radiance and dewy glow upon waking. The non-sticky formula absorbs completely overnight.
90% noticed immediate morning radianceImproved Moisture Barrier & Reduced Dryness
Skin feels plumper and more resilient. Dry patches and flaking (especially from retinol/acid use) are noticeably reduced. In Sulwhasoo's clinical study, 93% reported improved moisture levels.
93% reported improved moisture after 1 weekBrighter Complexion & Calmer Skin
The cumulative effects of licorice root and mulberry extract begin to brighten overall complexion. Redness is reduced and skin tone appears more even.
80% noticed improved radiance and evennessVisible Anti-Aging & Barrier Strengthening
Long-term use delivers antioxidant protection from ginseng and pomegranate. Fine lines appear softened, and the skin's overall texture and resilience are improved.
75% reported smoother, more resilient skinRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Delivers visible morning glow and radiance after just one use
- Luxurious gel-cream texture absorbs quickly and is non-sticky
- Rich hanbang formula with 15+ traditional Korean herbal extracts
- Strengthens moisture barrier, great for retinol/acid users
- Generous 120ml tube lasts 4-8 months with 2-3x weekly use
- No parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, or hydroquinone
- Ranked Sulwhasoo's top mask product for 4 consecutive years
- Pleasant herbal ginger scent that many find spa-like
Criticized
- Contains fragrance and multiple fragrance allergens
- Not suitable for fungal acne (malassezia) prone skin
- Herbal scent may be too strong for fragrance-sensitive users
- Premium price point ($54) compared to drugstore sleeping masks
- May not provide enough stand-alone hydration for very dry skin
- Tube packaging makes it difficult to extract last product
- Contains PEG-100 stearate (some prefer PEG-free formulas)
- Brightening effects improve overall radiance but don't target specific dark spots
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESRice extract-based sleeping mask with niacinamide for brightening. Lighter texture and simpler formula without the hanbang herbal complex. Great for oily skin; similar overnight glow effect at a fraction of the price.
Popular K-beauty sleeping mask with a water-based, gel texture. Uses mineral water and beta-glucan for hydration. Lighter and more cooling than Sulwhasoo, but lacks the rich herbal nourishment and antioxidant complexity.
87% propolis extract formula with soothing and antimicrobial benefits. Different approach (propolis vs. herbal) but similar overnight hydration goals. Better for acne-prone skin; lacks the anti-aging hanbang benefits.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep the cap tightly sealed. No refrigeration needed, but storing in a cool environment helps preserve the herbal extracts.
Squeeze tube with screw-cap lid. Metallic apricot-toned tube with lacquer-style cap — hygienic dispensing with no finger-dipping required.
No — 120ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Sulwhasoo offers travel-size versions (30ml/50ml) or decant into a travel container.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is free of retinoids, retinyl palmitate, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, oxybenzone, and other ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy. The formula is free of all major pregnancy-concern ingredients as confirmed by Sephora's ingredient callouts. However, as with any product, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you have specific concerns.
No, this product is not fungal acne safe. SkinCarisma flags it as containing potentially malassezia-feeding ingredients, including cetyl ethylhexanoate (ester), shea butter (fatty acid-rich), palmitic acid, stearic acid, myristic acid, polysorbate 20, and sorbitan isostearate. If you have confirmed fungal acne (pityrosporum folliculitis), this mask is not recommended. Consider the COSRX Honey Overnight Mask or look for products specifically labeled as fungal acne safe.
Yes, absolutely. This sleeping mask contains no active ingredients that would conflict with retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, or BHAs. In fact, many reviewers specifically praise it as an excellent companion to tretinoin and acid treatments, as it helps reduce flaking and dryness caused by these actives. Apply your treatments first, let them absorb, then apply the mask as the final step to seal in moisture and support barrier recovery overnight.
This sleeping mask is best suited for dry, combination, and normal skin types. It excels at delivering overnight hydration and radiance, making it ideal for dull, dehydrated, or mature skin. Oily skin types can also benefit from using it 1-2 times per week. Sensitive skin should approach with caution due to the fragrance content. Those with fungal acne should avoid this product entirely.
Most users report visible results after the very first use — skin appears more radiant, softer, and plumper upon waking. After 1 week of 2-3 uses, Sulwhasoo's clinical study found that 93% of participants noticed improved moisture levels. Cumulative brightening and anti-aging effects from the herbal complex and antioxidants become more noticeable after 2-4 weeks of consistent use.
The Overnight Vitalizing Mask is applied as the very last step of your evening skincare routine — after cleanser, toner, serum, and moisturizer. You can also use it in place of your moisturizer on mask nights. Apply 2-3 times per week, wait 5 minutes for absorption, then go to sleep. Rinse off with lukewarm water (no cleanser needed) the next morning.
The overall comedogenic rating is 2 out of 5 (low-moderate). While the formula contains shea butter and cetearyl alcohol — which have higher individual comedogenic scores — they appear in relatively low concentrations in this formula. The vast majority of reviewers, including those with acne-prone skin, report no breakouts. However, if you are highly prone to clogged pores, perform a patch test on a small area first before applying to the full face.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. However, in terms of how long the 120ml tube actually lasts with regular use, most users report it lasting 4-8 months when used 2-3 times per week, since only a quarter-sized amount is needed per application. This excellent longevity makes the $54 price point more reasonable — working out to roughly $7-$14 per month.
Verdict: The Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask is a standout K-beauty sleeping mask that delivers on its promise of overnight radiance and nourishment. Powered by the Nutritive RED Elixir™ blend of jujube and pomegranate and enriched with over 15 traditional Korean herbal extracts, it offers a unique hanbang experience that most Western competitors simply cannot match. The gel-cream texture absorbs beautifully without stickiness, and the generous 120ml tube offers excellent value for a luxury brand. It loses points for containing fragrance (a dealbreaker for sensitive skin), not being fungal acne safe, and its premium price point. But for anyone seeking a deeply nourishing, antioxidant-rich overnight treatment that transforms dull, tired skin into a glowing, revitalized complexion by morning — this is one of the best in its category and an excellent introduction to the world of hanbang skincare.
Product Overview
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.
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
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 «promises» 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
|
|
|
| 1 |
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Skin Conditioning, Emolient
|
|
|
| 1 |
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|





