Do you remember the Shake & Shot Rubber Masks from Dr.Jart+? The brand has upgraded the concept and introduced the Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask, a mask that combines a unique sorbet-like texture with an intense cooling effect. But is this new formula actually an improvement, or is it simply a new take on an old favorite? Let’s find out.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links (marked with *).
Cooling skincare - useless trend or a trend we need to pick up as quickly as possible?
If you wonder whether cooling skincare actually makes sense, the answer is yes! And it’s not just because cooling your skin feels refreshing during summer. There is scientific evidence suggesting that heat exposure may contribute to premature skin aging. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as thermal skin aging. Research has shown that heat can stimulate the production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes involved in collagen breakdown, potentially contributing to changes associated with skin aging.
It’s common knowledge that sun exposure can make your skin age faster. After all, UVA radiation penetrates beyond the stratum corneum, while UV radiation is also one of the factors contributing to oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals. Although research into thermal aging is not new - the main paper on the topic was published around 20 years ago - this doesn’t mean the subject has been neglected in recent years. Researchers have continued to investigate how heat affects the skin and the mechanisms that may contribute to thermal skin aging.
Lots of Korean brands are picking up on the cooling skincare trend, and I think that’s a good thing. Our environment is changing, and we’re increasingly dealing with higher temperatures, intense UV exposure, and prolonged periods of heat. What surprises me is that we don’t really talk about the potential impact of heat on our skin. We often see brands mention that a product can lower skin temperature, but we tend to treat it as nothing more than a pleasant cooling sensation and simply move on. Maybe there’s more to cooling skincare than just making your skin feel refreshed during summer.
Photoaging vs Thermal aging - are they the same thing?
Photoaging and thermal aging are two different processes. Photoaging is strongly associated with UV radiation, which can contribute to oxidative stress and damage to the skin, while thermal aging refers to the potential effects of prolonged heat exposure on the skin.
Do cooling products actually have a cooling effect?
There’s no simple answer. Some products containing menthol can create a strong cooling sensation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they significantly lower the skin’s temperature. Other products use menthyl derivatives or blends of botanical ingredients that may actually help lower skin temperature, yet they may not feel particularly cooling on the skin.
One important note: I love putting sheet masks in the refrigerator and then applying a cold sheet mask to my face. However, we don’t currently know whether simply cooling a sheet mask provides the same effects as a formula containing ingredients specifically designed to lower skin temperature. There doesn’t seem to be enough research directly comparing these two approaches, so it’s worth keeping that in mind. A cold product can certainly feel refreshing, but we shouldn’t automatically assume that the sensation means it provides the same biological effects as a product designed to induce cooling.
Meet the brand: Dr.Jart+
Dr.Jart+ is a South Korean brand that probably doesn’t need much of an introduction. The brand is constantly evolving, with new lines, formulas, packaging, and even updated versions of its classics. For example, the Ceramidin line looks quite different from how it did when it first became popular. There are also newer collections, such as Peptidin and Teatreement, although the availability of some lines varies between markets.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about Dr.Jart+ is how much the brand has grown. Today, it has a truly global presence, with products available across numerous international markets. And despite its huge popularity, Dr.Jart+ is actually a relatively young brand. It was founded in Seoul in 2005 by architect Leeo (Chin Wook) Lee.
According to Dr.Jart+’s own history, Leeo discovered a blemish balm that was used in dermatology clinics while working as an architect. Inspired by the idea of combining skincare and makeup, he began working with laboratories to develop his own version, eventually creating the Dr.Jart+ BB Cream. The brand name itself represents the philosophy “Doctor Joins Art” - combining skincare science with creativity and design.
And if you think dermatology and architecture don’t have much in common, Dr.Jart+ is a great example of how well they can work together. If you’ve ever seen photos or videos of Dr.Jart+ flagship stores, you’ll probably notice how much attention the brand pays to interior design. This is a good reminder that the beauty industry isn’t only about technology, ingredients, or marketing claims. Today, consumers also pay attention to packaging, social media, visual identity, and even the spaces where brands present their products. Design has become an important part of the beauty experience.
But back to Dr.Jart+. The brand combines science, skincare innovation, and art to create products targeting different skin concerns. Cicapair focuses on soothing and sensitive-looking skin and is built around Centella Asiatica, also known as Tiger Grass. Ceramidin is centered around barrier care and ceramides, making it particularly interesting for dry or compromised skin. Vital Hydra Solution focuses on hydration, with products featuring ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and PENTAVITIN™.
There’s also Dermaclear, a cleansing-focused collection, while Teatreement is designed for oily and blemish-prone skin and features Australian Tea Tree Leaf and niacinamide in many of its products. Peptidin is another collection focused on peptides, while the V7 line has traditionally focused on brightening and radiance. And then there are Dr.Jart+’s BB Creams. Interestingly, the brand claims that its BB Cream helped introduce the BB cream concept to the American market, following the product’s success in Korea.
Another important chapter in the brand’s history came when Estée Lauder Companies acquired the remaining interest in Have & Be Co. in 2019, making Dr.Jart+ part of the Estée Lauder Companies portfolio. Today, Dr.Jart+ continues to operate as a globally recognized Korean skincare brand, combining its original science-meets-art philosophy with constantly evolving formulas and product concepts.
Although the brand may not have as many big and attention-grabbing launches as it did in the past, Dr.Jart+ still releases new products. However, these days, the brand seems to focus more on improving and updating its tried-and-true formulas rather than constantly introducing completely new ones.
Dr Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask - Packaging
When I received this mask, I was a bit surprised because it looked nothing like what I expected. Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask comes in a package that resembles a large pouch, and inside, you’ll find a tray with four small containers and a spatula. What I love about these tiny containers is the little detail indicating how much water you need to add to the product. It’s a simple but thoughtful touch that makes the preparation process much easier.
Dr Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask - Texture & Scent
You might be surprised to learn that this mask comes in powder form, which transforms into a gel-like or sorbet-like texture once you add a little water. It has a distinctive scent that I can’t quite put my finger on, but let’s get back to the texture. Once the mask has been applied and set, it can be easily removed with water.
Dr Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask - Ingredients
Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch, Sucrose, Erythritol, Cyanocobalamin, Ceramide NP, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyacetophenone, Tocopherol, Sodium Dehydroacetate
Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch is a texturizing and stabilizing ingredient that helps improve the product’s consistency and maintain its stability. It can also help thicken the formula and give it a smoother, more uniform texture. Sucrose is simply sugar, and what do sugars do in cosmetics? They help moisturize the skin! In skincare, sucrose acts as a humectant, helping attract and retain water and contributing to a more hydrated, comfortable feel.
Erythritol is a sugar alcohol, so it’s not surprising that brands use it in skincare products. Like other sugar alcohols, it has humectant properties that help attract and retain moisture in the skin. It also has cooling properties, which can provide a refreshing sensation when applied to the skin. Cyanocobalamin is a form of vitamin B12. It is a water-soluble vitamin that can also have antioxidant properties. In skincare, it can be found in products targeting signs of aging and pigmentation, as vitamin B12 may help support the skin and reduce oxidative stress. Vitamin B12 is also important for healthy hair, although evidence for topical B12 specifically helping with dandruff, hair loss, or hair breakage is limited.
Ceramide NP (formerly known as Ceramide 3) is a skin-identical lipid that naturally occurs in the skin. Ceramides act like the "cement" between skin cells, helping to hold the skin barrier together. Ceramide NP strengthens the skin barrier, reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and helps keep the skin hydrated. Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional ingredient used as a preservative and preservative booster in cosmetic formulations. It has mild moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, helping to keep products stable while supporting the effectiveness of other preservatives.
Caprylyl Glycol is a multifunctional ingredient with emollient and humectant properties. It helps keep the skin hydrated, improves the texture and feel of cosmetic formulations, and can contribute to a smooth, soft finish on the skin. Salicylic Acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) with exfoliating and keratolytic properties. It helps loosen and remove dead skin cells and can normalize the keratinization process. Unlike water-soluble AHAs, Salicylic Acid is oil-soluble, which allows it to penetrate into sebum-rich pores and help unclog them. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it particularly useful for acne-prone skin. If you struggle with ingrown hairs or keratosis pilaris, Salicylic Acid can also be a helpful ingredient to look for.
Hydroxyacetophenone is an antioxidant that also acts as a preservative booster, helping improve the effectiveness of the preservative system and enhance the formula's stability. Tocopherol is an antioxidant commonly known as Vitamin E. It is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps protect the skin from free radical damage and supports the skin's natural lipid barrier. It can also work synergistically with Vitamin C to boost antioxidant protection. Vitamin E may provide some photoprotective benefits, but it is not a substitute for sunscreen. Despite common claims, it does not act as a preservative or significantly improve scars. While some Vitamin E-rich formulations may feel too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin, Tocopherol itself is not universally considered pore-clogging. Sodium Dehydroacetate is the sodium salt of dehydroacetic acid. It is a synthetic preservative with antimicrobial properties that helps protect the product from microbial contamination and extend its shelf life.
How to use Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask ?
Open the container of Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask and add water up to the indicated line. Mix the powder with the spatula provided until it transforms into a sorbet-like texture. Apply an even layer to your face using the spatula and leave it on for 10 minutes. Rinse the mask off with water. The brand recommends to use Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask as a makeup prep.
How does Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask work?
Do you remember the old Dr.Jart+ Shake & Shot Rubber Masks? The experience was fun: they came in two parts that you had to mix together, and most of the time, you ended up with a nice, rubbery texture. Plus, the packaging was unique - kind of creepy, but definitely memorable. Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask isn’t the same type of mask, but I actually think it’s an improvement. It feels like a combination of a modeling mask and a cryo mask. Modeling masks became popular again in 2025, but they’re nothing new. They’ve been a staple in aesthetic practice for years. We often call them “algae masks,” even though they aren’t necessarily made from algae itself but from algin, a polysaccharide derived from algae that is commonly used as a gelling and thickening agent. Even for estheticians, however, algin masks can sometimes be tricky to mix. The water temperature, room temperature, and even the specific brand of mask can affect the proportions of powder and water needed to achieve the right consistency. Algin masks also have another downside: they can be difficult to remove from clothing or hair. Even the dry powder can be surprisingly stubborn, and if you accidentally wash a large amount of the mixed mask down the sink, it can potentially contribute to clogging. This is one reason why I find a format like Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask much more convenient. Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask isn’t an algin mask; it uses Sodium Carboxymethyl Starch as one of its key texturizing ingredients. It’s a cooling mask that is easy to mix and easy to remove, and I find it much less messy than a traditional algin mask.
Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask - Skin Compatibility
Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask - Alternatives
The most similar texture I’ve found to Dr.Jart+ Cryo Sorbet Icy Facial Mask is the Some By Mi PDRN Spirulina Soothing Sherbet Mask*. I got it recently, so you can expect me to share my review with you soon. If you’re looking for a cooling mask but don’t mind whether it’s algin-based or not, Torriden Balanceful Modeling Pack* is another option. It’s an algin-based modeling mask that the brand describes as having a cooling effect, although Torriden doesn’t provide a specific figure for how much it lowers skin temperature. PURCELL Pixcell Biom O2 Enhancer Modeling Mask* is another interesting option, as it is reported to lower skin temperature by around 5°C. Another one to consider is Dr.Ceuracle Expert Spirulina Cooling Modeling Mask*, which is advertised as being able to lower skin temperature by up to 10°C.
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