Introduction
La Biosthetique may not dominate every bathroom shelf yet its reputation among beauty insiders is hard to ignore. The French-German house has spent decades perfecting that sweet spot between salon science and indulgent self care, and its latest launch lands right on that intersection.
The name “Comforting Enzyme Peeling Mask” is quite a mouthful for such a gentle promise, but the brand insists it marries the cushy feel of a mask with the results of a mild peel. According to their claims, a ferment of pomegranate enzymes whisks away dull cells while an extract from the resurrection plant drenches skin in moisture and calm. No rubbing, no stinging, supposedly just a brighter complexion after one use and even better after a few.
I put those claims to the test during a full two-week trial, working the mask into my regular evening routine to see if it could truly justify its lofty name and the price that accompanies it.
What is Comforting Enzyme Peeling Mask?
Comforting Enzyme Peeling Mask sits in the wash-off mask category, meaning it is applied, left to work for a set time, then removed with water. Wash-off masks are popular because they deliver a concentrated treatment without remaining on the skin long enough to cause irritation or interfere with other products.
This formula relies on a pomegranate enzyme ferment to dissolve the layer of dead cells that can make skin appear dull. Unlike grainy scrubs, it does not need manual rubbing, so it is kinder to easily flushed or reactive complexions. Alongside the exfoliation step, an extract from the resurrection plant is included to pull in moisture and top up hydration levels during the short wear time.
The brand positions the mask as a twice to thrice weekly treatment for most skin types or a weekly treat for sensitive ones. The promised result is a smoother surface and increased radiance after each use, with gradual refinement of pores when used consistently.
Did it work?
In the name of science I benched my usual wash off mask for a few days before the test run, feeling very much like I deserved a lab coat for the gesture. Fourteen days felt like a fair window to watch for any glow up, so I slotted the product in three evenings the first week then twice the second, rinsing after the ten minute mark each time.
First impressions were quietly promising. My skin felt pillow soft straight after rinsing and looked a touch fresher the next morning, almost as if I had slept an extra hour. There was zero sting and only the faintest flush that faded in minutes which I took as a sign the enzymes were doing their thing without upsetting my barrier.
By day seven the quick wins plateaued. Makeup glided on a bit smoother and a stubborn dry patch along my jawline was noticeably calmer but pores around my nose stayed their usual size. I kept waiting for that unmistakable post facial clarity yet the mirror offered a more subtle shift: a gentle smoothing effect rather than a full reset.
The second week echoed the first. Each application left skin supple and comfortable but the brightness boost never pushed past moderate. Hydration was definite while the mask sat on my face but did not translate into long term plumpness. On the upside I experienced no irritation at all which is rare for an exfoliating step in my routine.
So did it deliver on its promises? Partly. It is kind to sensitive skin and does leave the complexion a shade more refined but the results stop short of the transformative glow implied in the marketing. I enjoyed using it yet I will probably stick to my existing rotation and leave this one as an occasional treat for when I need a fuss free polish.
Main ingredients explained
The undisputed star is the Lactobacillus/punica granatum fruit ferment extract, a fancy way of saying pomegranate enzymes that have been pre-digested by friendly bacteria. This ferment nibbles away at the glue holding dead cells together which delivers the gentle exfoliation you feel without the scratch of physical scrubs or the tingle of glycolic acid. Because the enzymes work only on the skin surface they are far kinder to a reactive complexion than classic acids yet still manage to coax out a bit of brightness.
Hydration duty sits with glycerin and the resurrection plant extract (myrothamnus flabellifolia). Glycerin is a tried and tested humectant that grabs water from the environment while the resurrection plant adds a sugar called trehalose that helps the desert shrub survive drought. On skin this translates to a quick surge of moisture and a temporary smoothing of fine dehydration lines. Caprylic/capric triglyceride and coco-caprylate/caprate round things off by creating a light emollient film so that any newly revealed cells do not lose water straight away.
The base uses cetearyl alcohol and cetearyl glucoside to give the mask its creamy texture. Although cetearyl alcohol is technically a fatty alcohol it is non drying and well tolerated by sensitive skin. Worth mentioning though: isopropyl palmitate and caprylic/capric triglyceride sit mid-range on the comedogenic scale which means they can occasionally clog pores in congestion-prone skin. If you are highly blemish prone patch test first.
The preservative system leans on modern, gentle options like 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol and a radish root ferment which keep microbes at bay without the sting some older preservatives cause. Tocopherol (vitamin E) lends antioxidant support and also protects the oils in the formula from going rancid.
No animal-derived ingredients pop up in the INCI so the mask is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, although certification is not stated. Fragrance is absent too which explains the neutral scent and lowers the risk of flare-ups for anyone with perfume sensitivities.
Pregnancy questions always deserve caution: while none of the listed ingredients raise obvious red flags the safest route is to get a green light from a healthcare professional before slotting any new topical into a prenatal routine.
Last little callouts: the formula avoids traditional exfoliating acids so it layers happily with retinoids or vitamin C without overloading the skin. It is also free from mineral oil and silicones, something that may appeal if you prefer a lighter after-feel.
What I liked/didn’t like
Here are the main takeaways after two weeks of steady use.
What works well:
- Gentle enzyme action leaves skin soft and calm with zero sting or post use redness
- Noticeable short term boost in smoothness and a mild uptick in radiance after each application
- Fragrance free formula plays nicely with sensitive or reactive complexions
- Compatible with stronger actives like retinoids or vitamin C because it avoids classic exfoliating acids
What to consider:
- Brightness plateaued after the first few uses so results may feel subtle for those chasing a dramatic glow
- Hydration surge is pleasant but fleeting and may need to be followed with a richer moisturiser
- Mid range comedogenic emollients could trigger congestion in very blemish prone skin
My final thoughts
After two weeks of regular dates with Comforting Enzyme Peeling Mask I feel confident handing it a respectable 7/10. It is the sort of wash off treatment that slots effortlessly into a routine, gives skin a quick polish and never overstays its welcome. If you are easily irritated by acids yet still want a gentle nudge toward glow, you will probably enjoy it. If you chase dramatic glass-skin results you might find the finish a touch too polite. I would recommend it to friends with sensitive or combination skin who like low-drama exfoliation, though I would also caution them to temper expectations around long-term brightness.
A quick word on perspective: I have trialled more enzyme and clay masks than I can tally, from pharmacy staples to hyped splurges, so I feel I gave La Biosthetique’s newcomer a fair shake. It holds its own on comfort and softness but does not quite edge out some of my personal benchmarks.
Speaking of benchmarks, anyone shopping around could look at a few solid alternatives I have rotated through recently. Pink Clay Glow Mask by Deascal is an excellent all-rounder that sweeps away dullness, keeps pores clear and leaves skin looking freshly pressed at a wallet-friendly price. For a little extra resurfacing, Tata Harper’s Resurfacing Mask leans on natural BHAs for a brighter payoff while still being gentle. Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask is brilliant when oil control is priority yet it manages to avoid the desert-dry afterfeel. Finally, The Ordinary’s Salicylic Acid 2% Masque gives a straightforward unclogging session that acne-prone skin tends to appreciate.
Before you dive in, remember a few basics. Always patch test first (sorry for sounding like an over-protective parent) and introduce any new exfoliant slowly if your skin is on the sensitive side. Results are never set in stone and will only stick around with consistent use and a solid overall routine.