Retinol Intense Daily Mask
Retinol Intense Daily Mask
Product Description
Product overview
A gentle, vegan sheet mask formulated with a triple retinoid complex (Retinol + Retinal + Bakuchiol) and 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid. Designed for daily use, this K-Beauty innovation helps smooth skin texture, minimize pores, and deliver deep hydration without irritation—perfect for retinol beginners and sensitive skin types.
Triple Retinoid Complex
Combines Retinol, Retinal, and Bakuchiol for effective anti-aging with minimal irritation—ideal for retinol beginners.
Texture & feel
SENSORYTriple Retinoid Complex
Combines Retinol, Retinal, and Bakuchiol for effective anti-aging with minimal irritation—ideal for retinol beginners.
8 Types of Hyaluronic Acid
Multiple molecular weights penetrate different skin layers for deep, lasting hydration and a plump, dewy finish.
Plant-Based Sheet Material
Flexible, ultra-thin mask adheres seamlessly to facial contours for optimal ingredient absorption.
Pore-Refining Action
Niacinamide and adenosine work together to minimize enlarged pores and improve overall skin texture.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENot recommended. Contains Retinol and Retinal (Vitamin A derivatives) which should be avoided during pregnancy. Consult your healthcare provider.
Not safe. Contains Soybean Oil, Olive Oil, and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride which may feed malassezia yeast.
Hypoallergenic tested. The gentle retinol concentration with soothing bakuchiol makes this suitable for most sensitive skin types.
Retinoids increase photosensitivity. Use in PM routine only and always apply SPF 30+ the following morning.
Avoid combining with other retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, or Vitamin C in the same routine to prevent irritation.
EVE VEGAN certified. No animal-derived ingredients or animal testing.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSRetinol 10ppbProven
Gold-standard anti-aging ingredient that speeds up cell turnover, stimulates collagen production, and reduces fine lines. The low concentration makes this mask gentle enough for daily use and retinol beginners.
- Mechanism: Converts to retinoic acid in skin, binding to retinoid receptors to regulate gene expression
- Benefits: Reduces wrinkles, fades dark spots, improves texture, minimizes pores
- Clinical Evidence: Decades of research supporting anti-aging efficacy
Retinal (Retinaldehyde) TraceProven
One step closer to retinoic acid than retinol, making it up to 11x faster-acting. Provides enhanced anti-aging benefits while remaining OTC-accessible.
- Potency: Only one conversion step to active retinoic acid vs two for retinol
- Speed: Studies show faster visible results compared to retinol
- Antibacterial: Has additional antimicrobial properties beneficial for acne-prone skin
Bakuchiol Not disclosedPromising
Plant-derived retinol alternative from the Babchi plant. Provides similar anti-aging benefits without the irritation, making this formula more tolerable for sensitive skin.
- Source: Extracted from Psoralea corylifolia (Babchi plant) seeds
- Research: British Journal of Dermatology found comparable efficacy to 0.5% retinol with less irritation
- Bonus: Does not increase photosensitivity unlike traditional retinoids
8 Types of Hyaluronic Acid Multi-weightProven
Multiple molecular weights of HA penetrate different skin layers for comprehensive hydration from surface to deeper dermis.
- Included forms: Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed HA, HA Crosspolymer, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, and more
- Capacity: Can hold up to 1000x its weight in water
- Multi-depth: Different sizes target epidermis, dermis, and skin surface
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) High position in INCIProven
Versatile brightening and pore-minimizing ingredient positioned high in the formula for effective concentration.
- Benefits: Minimizes pores, controls sebum, brightens skin, strengthens barrier
- Compatibility: Works synergistically with hyaluronic acid and peptides
- Well-tolerated: Suitable for all skin types including sensitive
45 ingredients
Water, Dipropylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Hydroxyacetophenone, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Arginine, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, Diethylhexyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Bakuchiol, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecanol, Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate, Sucrose Palmitate, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Solanum Melongena (Eggplant) Fruit Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Retinol, Retinal, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Hydroxycitronellal
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEBest used in PM routine. Skip additional retinol serums when using this mask. Follow with moisturizer if needed.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Prep
Start with clean skin. Apply your regular toner to prep skin for better absorption.
Apply Mask
Use the included tweezers to pull out a sheet mask. Unfold and apply to face, adjusting to fit your facial contours. Avoid eye and lip areas.
Wait 10-20 Minutes
Relax and let the essence absorb. Remove the mask after 10-20 minutes—don't let it dry out completely on your face.
Pat In Remaining Essence
Gently pat any remaining essence into your skin until fully absorbed. No need to rinse. Follow with moisturizer if desired.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You're new to retinol and want a gentle introduction
- You have early signs of aging (fine lines, uneven texture)
- You want to minimize the appearance of pores
- You prefer sheet masks over traditional serums
- You have normal, dry, or combination skin
- You want a convenient daily anti-aging treatment
- You prefer vegan and cruelty-free products
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis)
- You're already using prescription retinoids
- You prefer fragrance-free products
- You need high-strength retinol for deep wrinkles
- You have extremely sensitive or reactive skin
- You dislike sheet mask formats
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESLightweight essence absorbs well. Niacinamide helps control sebum. Some may find the olive oil content slightly heavy.
8 types of hyaluronic acid provide deep, lasting hydration. Olive and soybean oils nourish dry skin beautifully.
Balances hydration across different zones. Quick-absorbing formula doesn't overwhelm T-zone.
Hypoallergenic tested. Bakuchiol buffers retinol irritation. Contains fragrance—patch test first if very reactive.
Retinoids help with acne, but contains oils that may trigger breakouts in some. Not fungal acne safe.
Triple retinoid complex targets fine lines and loss of elasticity. Deep hydration plumps and firms.
Results timeline
WEEK 12+Immediate Hydration Boost
Skin feels more hydrated, plump, and smooth immediately after use. Some may experience mild tingling as skin adjusts to retinoids.
90% noticed improved hydrationTexture Improvement
Skin texture becomes smoother and more refined. Pores may appear slightly smaller. Any initial sensitivity typically subsides.
75% noticed smoother textureVisible Anti-Aging Benefits
Fine lines appear softer. Skin tone becomes more even. Overall complexion looks brighter and more radiant.
65% noticed reduced fine linesCumulative Results
With consistent use, skin firmness improves. Dark spots fade. Pores remain minimized. Optimal anti-aging benefits achieved.
80% would repurchaseRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Gentle introduction to retinol—minimal irritation
- Excellent hydration from 8 types of hyaluronic acid
- Convenient 30-pack format for daily use
- Visible improvement in skin texture and smoothness
- EVE Vegan certified, cruelty-free
- Good value per mask (~$0.70-0.90 each)
- Includes tweezers for hygienic removal
- Suitable for sensitive skin types
Criticized
- Contains fragrance (not ideal for very sensitive skin)
- Not fungal acne safe (contains problematic oils)
- Not pregnancy/breastfeeding safe
- Lid packaging can leak
- Low retinol concentration (10ppb) won't satisfy advanced users
- Not travel-friendly (350ml total volume)
- Some initial tingling for first-time users
- Results require consistent, long-term use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso contains retinol complex with CICA for soothing. Similar daily-use format with 30 masks. Features 4th generation retinol with LHA for texture refinement.
Different format (serum not mask) but similar gentle retinoid approach. Higher concentration of next-gen retinoid. No hyaluronic acid or bakuchiol.
Focuses on lifting with retinol + collagen. Cream mask texture is richer. Only 4 masks per pack but higher concentration actives. Better for mature skin.
Serum format with retinol + centella. More concentrated formula for targeted treatment. Lacks the convenience of sheet mask format but offers precise application.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Use within one year for optimal efficacy of retinol actives.
Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep lid tightly sealed to prevent essence evaporation. Refrigeration optional but can enhance cooling effect.
Pull-out tub container with included tweezers for hygienic mask removal. Stacked sheet design for easy access.
No—350ml total volume exceeds carry-on liquid limits. Consider decanting a few masks for travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQNo, this product is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It contains Retinol and Retinal, which are Vitamin A derivatives that should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development. While Bakuchiol alone is generally considered safer, this formula contains multiple retinoids. Always consult your healthcare provider before using retinoid products during pregnancy or nursing.
No, this mask is not fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed malassezia yeast, including Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, and Polyglyceryl-4 Oleate. If you're prone to fungal acne, consider alternatives with simpler formulas that avoid these fatty acids and esters.
It's best to avoid using this mask in the same routine as other active ingredients like additional retinoids, Vitamin C serums, AHAs (glycolic, lactic acid), or BHAs (salicylic acid). These combinations can cause excessive irritation, especially for sensitive skin. If you want to use multiple actives, use them on alternating days or at different times (e.g., Vitamin C in AM, this mask in PM).
This mask works best for normal, dry, combination, and mature skin types. It's particularly excellent for those new to retinol or with sensitive skin, thanks to the gentle retinol concentration and soothing bakuchiol. Dry and mature skin will especially benefit from the 8 types of hyaluronic acid. Those with oily or acne-prone skin should patch test first, as the formula contains some oils.
You'll notice immediate hydration benefits after the first use. For texture improvements and pore refinement, expect to see changes within 3-4 weeks of consistent use. Visible anti-aging benefits like reduced fine lines typically appear after 6-8 weeks. For optimal results, use consistently for 12+ weeks. Remember that retinol is a long-term commitment—results compound over time.
Use this mask after cleansing and toning, before serums and moisturizer. The ideal routine order is: Cleanser → Toner → This Mask → Serum (optional, avoid other retinoids) → Moisturizer. Best used in your PM routine since retinoids increase sun sensitivity. Always apply SPF 30+ the following morning.
This mask has a comedogenic rating of approximately 2/5—generally considered low and unlikely to clog pores for most people. However, it does contain Olive Fruit Oil and Soybean Oil which can be comedogenic for some individuals. If you're highly acne-prone, patch test first. The niacinamide and retinoids in the formula actually help minimize pores and control sebum production.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. For best results and maximum retinol efficacy, try to use within one year of opening. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the lid tightly sealed between uses to prevent the essence from drying out or oxidizing.
Verdict: The Some By Mi Retinol Intense Daily Mask is an excellent choice for retinol beginners and those seeking a gentle, convenient anti-aging treatment. The triple retinoid complex (Retinol + Retinal + Bakuchiol) delivers effective results without the harsh side effects of stronger formulations. With 30 masks per pack and 8 types of hyaluronic acid, it offers outstanding value for daily hydration and texture improvement. However, it's not suitable for pregnant women, those with fungal acne, or users seeking high-strength retinol. The inclusion of fragrance may also deter some sensitive skin users. Overall, a solid K-Beauty innovation for those looking to maintain youthful, hydrated skin with minimal fuss.
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 |
Dipropylene Glycol
Fragrance, Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxyacetophenone
|
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Caprylyl Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Humectant, Hair Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
|
|







