I Tried the Viral Anti-Aging Hanacure Mask and the Results Amazed Me

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Imagine if all the serums, creams, and treatments in your medicine cabinet could be bottled up into a single, all-powerful anti-aging product—dream scenario, right? Well, that's essentially the claim behind Hanacure, a new at-home facial from South Korea that's so popular, people can barely get their hands on it (us included).

The all-in-one treatment claims to address multiple signs of aging—from wrinkles to hyperpigmentation to loss of elasticity—with the added benefit of skin routines. One scroll through their addictive Instagram testimonial page makes it clear that the #HanacureEffect is no joke. Here’s everything you need to know about K-Beauty’s newest darling.

What is it?

To put it simply, the All-In-One Facial is a gel mask. Inspired by the Lotus flower, a symbol or rebirth and purity in many Asian cultures, the product was designed to have renewing and rejuvenating effects. After developing it for three years, the company's founders launched Hanacure in January of 2017 with the promise that with one use a week for four weeks you'd see visible, age-reversing results.

How does it work?

So how can this mask address multiple skin concerns at once in just thirty minutes? While the brand keeps their formula private, we do know it contains four different peptides (known for their skin firming abilities) and several botanical extracts including green tea, honeysuckle, and of course lotus leaf extract.

The real secret, though, lies in the patented two-step system, which includes a lifting serum and a gelling solution. When they are mixed together pre-application, they create what the company calls their "purifying compound" designed to help soothe irritation, brighten, and moisturize skin.

As it is applied, the carbon dioxide in the air fuses into the formula, which they've dubbed the "OctoLift" technology. The reaction causes the mask to solidify onto skin, creating an intense tightening effect, which theoretically pulls grime and toxins out of pores.

Is it really worth the hype?

Well, the product has managed to sell out every month since its debut, and it's also amassed tons of loyal followers—from actresses and models to everyday women. Even though taking a selfie with it on is seriously freaky-looking, A-listers can’t get enough of it:

We tried it... Here's what happened.

Between Betty Draper’s endorsement and scrolling through the before and afters (continuously wondering how it could really be the same person in the photos), I knew I had to try Hanacure for myself. When it finally arrived in the mail, the package included four sets of the two-step solution, plus a small brush for application. (The starter kit, meanwhile, includes just one single-use application.)

Once I thoroughly washed and dried my face, it was time to mix up the formula. I peeled back the foil on the gelling solution package (making sure I didn’t take it all the way off) then poured in the lifting serum. I then re-covered the solution with the foil and vigorously shook the container as instructed for 20 seconds. The next step was to slather an even layer all over my face, neck, and hands (assiduously avoiding my eyes and lips) with the little brush.

The gel consistency went on clear, and after I was done, I looked more or less like a glazed donut—shiny and glistening. Per the instructions, I was warned that within ten minutes of applying it I’d experience a tingling and pulling sensation.

Sure enough, the formula started to firm up on my skin. While I knew there would be tightening, I hadn’t expected this much intensity from an at-home mask. I'd anticipated something along the lines of a traditional peel-off mask or a clay mask—restrictive but not immobilizing. Instead, the Hanacure literally froze my entire face in place, making it next to impossible to talk, much less finish my Sunday night glass of vino.

My husband, typically unfazed by my beauty experiments, watched in horror as I slowly transformed into one of the Stone Men on Game of Thrones. My complexion even began to crack like Grayscale. Despite looking hideous, I couldn’t stop checking myself out in the mirror: I was absolutely fascinated by what was happening on my face.

After what seemed like forever (read: just the 30 minutes recommended for the mask to do its work) my wait was over. I went back to the bathroom and slowly washed the gel mask off, enjoying immensely the ability to move my face again. It wasn't painful and it pulled off easily.

So, is it worth the price?

My answer is yes. Post-treatment, my complexion had never looked better: My cheeks and jaw seemed firmer, my skin tone more even, and my everything was softer to the touch. (If you're not entirely convinced, there's a $29 starter kit you can test out before you commit.) It’s safe to say I’ve joined the Hanacure bandwagon for good—I just wish I had discovered it sooner.

You can purchase the full kit here.

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