Edible Face Mask Trend
Face Masks That You Can Eat Exist — Here’s What a Dietician Has to Say About Them
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If you've ever looked at your face mask and thought about what it might taste like or how many calories it might have, you were actually ahead of an emerging beauty trend. Brands are releasing edible masks, some of which have ingredients that are similar to the boosts you'd put in your morning smoothies.
Golde and Four Sigmatic are among the brands touting masks that you can mix with water and slather across your skin. We asked dietician Lori Zanini, R.D., C.D.E., if it is safe to actually eat them. The short answer: yes, you can eat these masks, but Zanini offered one caveat.
"Just because you can eat something doesn't mean you necessarily should or that it is recommended," she said. "These edible masks won't contain sufficient amounts of micro or macronutrients, so I'd recommend consumers think about their goal. If this is something that is fun to do every once in a while — then enjoy." She goes on to say that she wouldn't recommend it being a part of one's daily routine.
Read on for her thoughts on the edible masks.
Golde Superfood Masks Kit
The Golde Superfood Masks Kit ($60) contains two masks that are made from 100 percent edible superfoods: Clean Greens Anti-Pollution Face Mask (which contains a total of four ingredients) and the Lucuma Bright Instant Exfoliating Face Mask (which has five).
"If [someone were to eat this mask] the main nutritional benefit would be a dose of antioxidants coming from the mango and the papaya [in its formulas]," Zanini said, "Of course, I have to say it's much easier and safer to grab a cup of fresh fruit or make your own smoothie with similar ingredients."
Four Sigmatic Mushroom Face Mask and Tonic
The Four Sigmatic Mushroom Face Mask and Tonic ($40) is actually sold as a dietary supplement. "Four Sigmatic's mask provides a supplement fact label and [the brand] encourages consumers to eat it," she said. "It's safe to eat. However, helpful to note that FDA does not regulate any supplements so consumers should always be aware of this."
Zanini explains its nutritional value if you were to decide to mix it into your smoothie. "Four Sigmatic's mask includes reishi mushroom, which may help improve immunity and boost energy when consumed, and activated charcoal," she said.
So the next time you're thinking about eating your face mask, you can feel good knowing these have been vetted by a dietician. They may not instantaneously give you glowing skin from the inside out — but if that's what you're after, you should probably just put it on your face.
