Introduction
Skoah may not yet be a household name but within skincare circles it is whispered about with the kind of affection usually reserved for well kept secrets. The Canadian brand has built a loyal following by mixing spa sensibilities with science backed formulas, so each launch feels like a small event.
Their latest offering is simply called Aha Mask, a name that sounds like the punchline of a eureka moment and promises one for your complexion. Skoah sums it up as a minty glycolic exfoliator designed to whisk away dullness while giving skin a fresh start. Think tingling peppermint paired with fruit derived alpha hydroxy acids and a cocktail of soothing plant extracts that aim to polish without punishing.
I spent the last two weeks applying the mask as directed, letting the cool tingle do its thing before rinsing and observing the results. Below is what I discovered and whether this quick fix merits a spot in your routine along with your hard earned dollars.
What is Aha Mask?
Aha Mask belongs to the wash-off mask category, a step used after cleansing and before moisturizing. Unlike leave-on treatments that stay on the skin or sheet masks that sit for prolonged periods, wash-off formulas are applied for a short window then removed entirely, making them a good choice for anyone who wants a quick treatment without disrupting the rest of a routine.
This particular mask combines two main ideas: chemical exfoliation and sensory refreshment. The chemical aspect comes from glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid sourced here from apples and grapes. AHAs dissolve the glue that holds dead cells to the skin’s surface, helping to smooth texture and brighten tone in one move. The sensory side is delivered by peppermint oil, which provides a noticeable cooling tingle while the acids get to work.
Supporting these headline ingredients is a mix of plant extracts and sodium hyaluronate. The extracts—think arnica, calendula, ginkgo and others—aim to keep potential irritation in check, while sodium hyaluronate offers lightweight hydration so skin does not feel stripped once the mask is rinsed away.
In short, Aha Mask is marketed as a once-or-twice-a-week treatment that lifts dull surface cells, perks up circulation with a minty chill and leaves skin feeling smoother in about fifteen minutes flat.
Did it work?
In the name of skincare science I shelved my usual wash off mask for a few days before starting this trial, which made me feel very scientific indeed. Fourteen days felt like a fair window to see if the minty promises would translate into visible change, so I stuck to the instructions twice a week, always in the evening when my skin is less prone to daytime irritants.
The first application delivered an immediate icy buzz that bordered on bracing but never crossed into sting territory. After rinsing my skin felt undeniably smoother, almost as if a fine film had been lifted. Makeup glided on more easily the next morning, though any brightening effect was subtle, more a soft glow than a traffic stopping gleam.
By the fourth day my T zone looked a touch clearer and the tiny bumps along my jaw were starting to flatten. I did notice a faint tightness on my cheeks, so I followed each use with a hydrating serum and that kept any dryness in check. The cooling sensation remained consistent with each session, never lasting more than a minute, and there was no lingering redness once the mask was off.
Heading into week two the returns started to level out. Texture continued to improve in small increments but the overall radiance plateaued. Friends commented that my skin looked “well rested” which counts as a win, yet the promised wow factor of a revitalized complexion never fully materialized. On the upside I never experienced flaking or significant irritation, a common hazard with glycolic formulas.
So did it deliver? Partially. The mask smoothed and refreshed on contact and offered gentle resurfacing over time, but it stopped short of the transformative results I reserve shelf space for. I will finish the jar because it is pleasant to use and does no harm, but I will probably not repurchase. Still, if you love a quick minty pick me up and want a mild introduction to AHAs this could be a cheerful addition to your rotation.
Aha mask’s main ingredients explained
The star of the formula is glycolic acid, the smallest alpha hydroxy acid which lets it slip easily between surface cells and dissolve the protein bonds that keep dead skin hanging around. While the brand does not disclose the exact percentage, the tingle suggests a moderate strength that sits comfortably for home use. Because glycolic acid can increase sun sensitivity anyone using this mask should be diligent with SPF the next morning.
That chilly rush on contact comes from mentha piperita oil. Peppermint delivers an instant cooling sensation that feels invigorating though those with very reactive skin might notice fleeting redness. Essential oils are also mildly fragrant, something to note if you prefer fragrance free routines.
A generous lineup of botanical extracts rounds things out. Arnica and calendula are old school soothers, echinacea and mimosa tout antioxidant benefits while ginkgo, linden and sea kelp algae supply trace minerals and calming polysaccharides. None of these plant ingredients are known to be comedogenic, meaning they are unlikely to clog pores or trigger breakouts, which is good news for anyone prone to congestion.
Sodium hyaluronate appears midway through the list and acts as the hydration safety net. It draws water to the skin so the freshly exfoliated surface does not feel stripped. PVM/MA decadiene crosspolymer and propylene glycol alginate give the mask its smooth, stay put texture while helping humectants hold onto moisture.
Preservation is handled by diazolidinyl urea and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, both common in water based products. They do a solid job at keeping microbes out though anyone with a known sensitivity to formaldehyde releasers should patch test first. The pH is balanced with triethanolamine, sodium hydroxide and citric acid, a trio that also helps keep glycolic acid in its effective range.
There are no animal derived ingredients or byproducts so the mask is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Regarding pregnancy safety glycolic acid is generally considered low risk at concentrations under 10 percent yet guidelines vary and peppermint oil can be sensitizing, so it is best to skip or get explicit approval from your healthcare provider before use.
Finally while the ingredient list avoids obvious pore cloggers like mineral oil or high molecular weight silicones anyone with very sensitive noses or skin may find the peppermint scent and tingle a touch assertive. If that sounds like you apply a thin layer for five minutes on first use, rinse and observe before committing to the full quarter hour.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here is a quick rundown of the highs and lows after two weeks of minty masking.
What works well:
- Smooths rough patches in one use so makeup sits more evenly.
- Provides a noticeable cooling sensation that makes the 15 minutes feel spa like.
- Offers gentle exfoliation with minimal redness making it approachable for AHA beginners.
- Formula is vegan friendly and includes a solid roster of soothing plant extracts.
What to consider:
- The tingle may feel too intense for very reactive or compromised skin.
- Radiance gains plateau after the first week so results can feel modest over time.
- Requires an extra hydrating step afterward to counter mild post rinse tightness and the price leans toward the premium side for a wash off mask.
My final thoughts
After giving Aha Mask a fair two week audition my verdict lands at a respectable 7/10. It smooths quickly, keeps irritation low and delivers that peppermint pick me up I did not know I craved until I rinsed it away. Still, its glow factor peaks early so thrill seekers hunting for dramatic radiance might crave something punchier. I would recommend it to friends who are new to acids, short on time or simply love a cooling sensation during their evening wind-down. If your skin is seasoned to higher strength exfoliants or you measure value purely in before-and-after selfies you may feel underwhelmed.
A good wash-off mask can be the difference between makeup that sits and makeup that glides, so it is worth choosing one that meets your own tolerance and goals. I have rotated through more clay, enzyme and acid blends than I can count and a few standouts spring to mind for anyone shopping around. Deascal’s Pink Clay Glow Mask remains my all-rounder of choice: it multitasks by exfoliating, clearing pores and brightening in one easy session and its price tag is refreshingly sensible. Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask offers a grape-seed twist on deep cleansing that leaves skin feeling light and refined while Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask gives a gentle yet noticeable boost when dullness strikes. For budget-minded exfoliation The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Masque punches well above its weight with a mix of clay and BHA that keeps congestion in check. I have used each of these enough times to trust their performance and they cover a range of budgets and skin needs.
Before you introduce any new acid-based treatment remember a couple of basics. Patch test behind the ear or along the jaw first, apologies for sounding like an over-protective parent. Wear sunscreen the next day and accept that results last only as long as you keep up the routine. With those caveats in mind Aha Mask is an approachable entry to chemical exfoliation that earns its place for some, even if it stops short of game-changer status for others.