Introduction
Skoah may not yet be a household name in every bathroom but within skincare circles it is quietly admired for formulas that put performance before pomp. The brand has built a reputation for no-nonsense treatments that respect the skin barrier while still delivering visible results.
The simply named Enzyme Mask follows that philosophy. Skoah calls it a gentle enzyme exfoliator powered by papaya-derived papain that promises to whisk away dead cells and brighten all complexions, sensitive types included. Over a full two-week trial I put those claims to the test, using the mask exactly as directed to see if it truly earns a spot in a well-edited routine and if it is worth spending on in today’s crowded mask market.
What is Enzyme Mask?
Enzyme Mask is a wash-off treatment designed to give skin the benefits of exfoliation without the abrasion associated with scrubs or the potential sting of stronger acids. Wash-off masks are formulas that sit on the skin for a short window, then are removed with water, providing a concentrated yet time-limited dose of active ingredients. This setup is helpful for beginners or anyone wary of leave-on actives because it limits contact time and therefore lowers the chance of irritation.
At the heart of this particular mask is papain, an enzyme extracted from papaya that breaks down the proteins holding dead surface cells together. By loosening that bond, papain helps slough off dull build-up so fresher cells can come forward. The formula is rounded out with hydrators and botanical extracts so the skin does not feel stripped once the mask is rinsed away.
Skoah positions the mask as suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, and calls out benefits for concerns like early aging, blemishes and visible pores. Used two to three times a week for 10 to 15 minutes, it aims to leave the complexion smoother and a touch brighter without the downtime that can follow more aggressive exfoliating methods.
Did it work?
In the name of science I benched my usual wash-off mask for three full days before starting the trial, which felt very laboratory of me, and then used Enzyme Mask every other night for the next two weeks. Fourteen days strikes me as enough time to gauge whether a formula can at least nudge tone and texture even if deeper claims like wrinkle reduction need longer.
Application was straightforward: a thin, even layer on freshly cleansed skin, a quiet 12-minute scroll through emails, then a thorough rinse. The first session left my face with that post-facial silkiness you get after a gentle polish but no redness or tightness. A slight fruity scent lingered for a minute or two, then disappeared.
By the end of the first week I noticed a modest uptick in radiance when morning light hit my cheekbones, the sort of subtle glow that makes you question if you slept better or if a product is pulling its weight. Blemishes from a recent hormonal flare looked less angry though they did not vacate the premises any faster than usual. Pore size and fine lines stayed largely unchanged, which did not surprise me given the mask’s mild approach.
During week two I kept waiting for that next-level smoothness enzymes sometimes deliver but the results plateaued. Skin felt consistently soft, makeup glided on with fewer flakes around the nose and there was zero irritation, a win for my occasionally reactive complexion. Yet any promises about noticeably refining texture or dialing back oil remained more aspiration than reality.
So did it live up to the brand’s claims? Partly. It absolutely provides a gentle, fuss-free exfoliation that leaves skin comfortable and a touch brighter. It just stops short of the transformative payoff I look for when space in my routine is at a premium. I will happily finish the jar on low-key self-care nights but I doubt I will repurchase. Still, if your skin craves minimal-risk maintenance instead of a dramatic overhaul this mask could be a pleasant addition.
Enzyme mask’s main ingredients explained
Papain sits at the core of this formula and is the reason the mask feels like a mild polish rather than a tingle fest. As a proteolytic enzyme from papaya it digests the bonds between dead surface cells so they rinse away easily, revealing fresher skin without the need for gritty particles or strong acids. Because papain is plant derived and no other animal ingredients appear on the INCI the mask looks suitable for both vegans and vegetarians, though strict purists might want written confirmation from the brand.
Supporting players include a clutch of botanical extracts such as bearberry, arnica, echinacea, mimosa bark and calendula. Bearberry brings naturally occurring arbutin that can nudge dark spots over time while the rest offer varying degrees of soothing or antioxidant support. Oat kernel extract and allantoin are classic calming agents that help keep the post-rinse feel cushy rather than stripped. Humectants like algin and sodium polyacrylate draw and hold water which explains the subtle plumping effect I noticed after each use.
The preservative system leans on phenoxyethanol with ethylhexylglycerin and caprylyl glycol, a trio widely used for keeping water-based products stable at a low concentration that is generally well tolerated. Fragrance is present and gives the mask its fleeting fruity scent; that will be a non-issue for most but worth noting if you are highly sensitive to perfumes.
On the comedogenic front nothing leaps out as a major pore clogger. The formula is free of classic heavy hitters like coconut oil or isopropyl myristate so those prone to breakouts should find it friendly. For context comedogenic means a substance has the potential to block pores and trigger blackheads or pimples.
Pregnancy brings its own skincare rulebook and the presence of arbutin-rich bearberry plus papain means extra caution is smart. Both ingredients lack definitive safety data for expecting parents so it is best to run the mask past a healthcare provider before applying.
One last callout: the pH sits in a skin-comfortable zone so the enzyme remains active without compromising the acid mantle. Combined with the absence of alcohol or physically abrasive particles this explains why the mask feels gentle even with repeated use.
What I liked/didn’t like
After two weeks of use, these are the points that stood out most.
What works well:
- The papain-driven formula delivers a quick boost of smoothness and light radiance without the sting or redness some exfoliants cause
- Soothing extras like oat extract and allantoin keep skin calm so even sensitive complexions can use it multiple times a week
- Requires only a short 10 to 15 minute window, making it easy to slot into an evening routine when time is tight
What to consider:
- Results plateau at “nicely maintained” rather than “noticeably transformed” so thrill seekers may feel underwhelmed
- The added fragrance is mild but could be a sticking point for noses or skin that prefer unscented formulas
- Given its moderate payoff the price tag may feel steep next to stronger actives that cost a similar amount
My final thoughts
After a fortnight of regular use I land on a solid 7/10 for Skoah’s Enzyme Mask. It is friendly, reliable and kind to the skin barrier yet it never quite delivers the jaw-dropping smoothness its marketing flirts with. If you are new to exfoliation or have a complexion that flares at the slightest provocation, its gentle papain formula is a safe bet for weekly upkeep. If you are chasing visible pore shrinkage or a fast track out of a breakout you will probably crave something punchier.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes, but with qualifiers. I would steer a sensitive-skin colleague toward it without hesitation because it does the maintenance work with virtually no risk. For my more seasoned skincare friends who already tolerate acids and want a bigger glow return I would suggest they sample before committing.
Of course the world of wash-off masks is vast and a fair review should point out a few worthy alternatives. The Pink Clay Glow Mask by Deascal is my current all-rounder darling; it combines gentle chemical exfoliation with clay detox and a surprising radiance boost at a very wallet-friendly price. If you like your masking sessions to feel like a mini spa treatment Flavanone Mud by NIOD offers a clever multifaceted approach that leaves skin notably clearer after a single use. For those who prefer a plant-forward formula the Instant Detox Mask by Caudalie purifies without overdrying and consistently resets congestion for me. And if you are after something that tackles excess oil especially well the Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask by Innisfree packs volcanic clusters that mop up sebum and leave skin comfortably matte. I have rotated through each of these more than once and they all hold their own depending on what my skin is begging for that day.
Before you slather anything on, a quick reality check. Masks are helpers not magicians; the brightness and smoothness they create fade if you stop using them. Please patch test first – sorry for sounding like an over-protective parent – and remember that consistency is what keeps the glow going.