Belei Charcoal Balancing Mask: Why This $15 Mask is a Must-Have

In March of 2019, Amazon made a splash in the beauty industry with the launch of their very own skincare line, Belei. First featuring 12 products (all under $40), the no-frills skincare collection echoed the Ordinary from a cost and positioning perspective with their tagline “no beauty secrets, only beauty solutions.” Belei’s mission: to provide consumers with simple, effective products formulated with heavy hitting ingredients.

“Belei offers a simple approach to skincare with products built around key ingredients with proven effectiveness.”

-Amazon.com | Belei Mission Statement

First: 5 Reasons To Give Amazon’s In-House Line a Try

Reluctant to purchase beauty products with an Amazon label? After years of working in the luxury beauty industry, I was also skeptical when I first heard rumor of the mega-brand’s beauty debut. But after a bit of research and trying out several of Belei’s best-sellers for myself, I was recommending the product line to all of my family and friends. Outside of the incredible price point, here are five reasons you should consider giving Belei a try for yourself:

1. Belei products are formulated without parabens, fragrances, sulfates, and phthalates
2. The brand is 100% cruelty free; products are not tested on animals
3. All packaging is eco-friendly — a sustainability claim most beauty giants are still striving for
4. Belei items are eligible for free, two-day shipping with Amazon Prime
5. Amazon fully believes in their formulation, and all products are backed by a 1-year guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied with your purchase for any reason, you’re eligible for a full refund

Why I Love a Good Charcoal Mask

I’ve been a charcoal mask lover since first discovering Origins Clear Improvement in high school. I’ve always found these deep-cleaning masks to be incredibly effective at reducing breakouts and clearing pores. The only two negatives I’ve consistently experienced: 1) these masks can be messy (I typically apply a charcoal mask just before showering for this reason), and 2) activated charcoal can leave skin extremely dry.

Belei Charcoal Balancing Mask: What Makes This Product So Incredible

Named to the Self Healthy Beauty 2019 Award list as the “Best Mask For Combination Skin,” the Belei Charcoal Balancing Mask is not your ordinary charcoal-based product thanks to one key ingredient: hyaluronic acid. The combination of this ultra-hydrating acid with traditional, purifying charcoal powder and kaolin clay translates to deep cleaning without the typical moisture loss.

My Experience With Belei Charcoal Balancing Mask

My experience with this product exceeded my expectations in every sense. The first thing I noticed was the consistency — unlike charcoal-based products I’ve used in the past, Belei’s formula is lightweight and reduces to an almost gel-like consistency upon application. Only a quarter-size amount was needed to cover my face in full, and I loved that it spread evenly on my skin vs. clumping like traditional charcoal masks. I had planned to keep the mask on for the full 15 minutes to put the hyaluronic acid to the test, and to my surprise I never once experienced an ounce of drying, cracking, or itching. The mask was so comfortable that I actually missed my timer (oops) and wore it for a full 20 minutes before washing it off.

Pro Tip: While the mask is thin in consistency, I was surprised by the effort required to remove it fully (which I find typical of all charcoal masks). I highly recommend following Belei’s recommendation and using a cloth to wipe off any excess residue.

The result of my first time trying this gem: absolute baby soft skin, retained hydration, and a noticeable reduction in an outbreak I had been unsuccessfully attempting to clear. Since my first time trying this mask, I’ve moved to bi-weekly use and have been absolutely thrilled by this new addition to my skincare routine. Something about it feels so luxurious (with a $14 price point? I’ll take it!), and I’ve never used a mask that deep cleans while hydrating so effectively.

What Others Are Saying

With over 700 five-star reviews, customers agree that this product is a win.

From a Customer With Combination Skin

“Best. Face. Mask. Ever.

I have oily to combination skin. It hydrating and cleansing at the same time and it leaves my skin feeling very clean and baby soft.”

AMAZON.COM REVIEW

From a Customer With Sensitive Skin

“I was really afraid to try this product, because I have sensitive skin that reacts poorly to most products, and reacts very badly to clay masks. I wanted something that would pull out impurities in my skin before applying pore shrinking toner, and this product was perfect! I’ve used it weekly, and “charcoal mask” day is my favorite day of the week. After this mask, a toner and some light moisturizer, I’m in love with the way my skin looks.”

AMAZON.COM REVIEW

From a Customer With Dry Skin

“I definitely want to recommend this product to anyone with dry, itchy skin and anyone that may need fragrance free items. This product works so well and gets my pores clean and doesnt dry me out or make my skin flake. So glad I found this product, especially for this price! I got lucky on this one. I recommend this item to anyone and everyone.”

AMAZON.COM REVIEW

The final verdict: this Amazon alternative gets a thumbs up from my skin and wallet — it’s a must-have for clear, hydrated skin, and a new staple in my winter skincare lineup.

Looking for More Beauty For Less? Here are 3 Drugstore Makeup Items I Swear By.

Thank you so much for stopping by! If you’re interested in more beauty, you can view all past articles here, or if there’s something specific you’d like to see, please send me an inquiry.

Cheers to beautiful, hydrated skin (and heavier wallets!).

This post contains affiliate links.  If you click on an affiliate link and later make a purchase, I may receive a small commission. Read my full disclosure statement {here}