Sephora Grapefruit Peeling Mask: Skincare Review

Features

How To Use

Start with a clean face. Make sure you've removed all makeup and your skin is clean and dry. Apply a generous amount of the Sephora Grapefruit Peeling Mask to your face. Avoid the eye and lip areas. Let the mask sit on your skin for about 15 minutes. Once the mask has dried, start peeling it off from the edges. After you've removed the mask, rinse your face with warm water to remove any remaining product. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel and follow up with your favorite moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.

Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, 1,2,Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Lecithin, Parfum (Fragrance), Sodium Polyacrylate, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Extract, Sorbitan Caprylate, Limonia Acidissima Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lactobacillus Ferment, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Maltodextrin, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid

Let’s talk about one of the more interesting masks I’ve tried lately — the Sephora Collection Grapefruit Peeling Mask. I picked this up on a discount (thankfully), because the full price was kind of a turn-off for something that only lasts a few uses. But now that I’ve had the chance to try it out a couple of times, here’s my honest, unfiltered take — from scent to effect, packaging to price, and everything in between.

My First Impressions...

Right off the bat, the packaging is simple and cute. Nothing too fancy or luxurious, but that’s the charm of Sephora’s in-house collection — it looks clean and functional. It’s easy to store, easy to open, and travel-friendly too.

When I first opened it, the scent hit me right away — and oh wow, it is definitely grapefruit. It’s citrusy, tangy, zesty, and surprisingly bold. Personally? I actually liked it. It felt fresh, energizing, and even a bit spa-like. It kind of wakes you up when you open it. But here’s the thing — not everyone will like it. I can honestly say that the scent is strong. Like... if you’re sensitive to fragrances or prefer subtle smells in your skincare, this might not be for you. It can come across as overpowering or too sharp, especially during the first few minutes of applying it. Thankfully, the scent does fade after a while.

The Application...

The mask itself has a smooth, gel-like texture that spreads easily across the skin. It’s not thick or sticky, which I appreciate. It has a slightly cool feel when applied, which adds to the refreshing effect — perfect for hot, humid days or when your skin needs a quick pick-me-up.

This is a peeling mask, so the goal is to exfoliate gently and help remove dead skin cells. The instructions say to leave it on for about 10 minutes, and you’ll feel a slight tingling sensation during that time — nothing intense or irritating in my case, but it’s worth noting if your skin is extra sensitive.

There are no scrubbing particles here. It relies entirely on fruit acids (like AHAs) and grapefruit extract to do the exfoliating. That means it’s a chemical exfoliant, not a physical one, which is generally better for sensitive skin if the formulation is gentle — and thankfully, this one is.

It definitely helped improve the overall texture of my skin — I could feel that post-mask "clean canvas" effect. And even though it’s not a pore-shrinking miracle, I did notice my face looking clearer and more even-toned after regular use (about 1–2 times a week). It didn’t cause any breakouts, redness, or irritation, which is a win for me.

After several uses, I’d say this is a solid mask for when you need a quick refresh or a gentle exfoliation session. I wouldn’t use it more than twice a week, though — it does its job well, but overdoing chemical exfoliants can mess with your skin barrier.

It doesn’t give instant dramatic transformations (don’t expect your skin problems to vanish overnight), but it’s great for maintenance. If your skin feels dull, rough, or congested, this can help bring it back to life gradually.

The only downsides for me are the strong scent (again, I like it, but others might not) and the price — which brings me to...

The Price...

The full price of this mask ranges around ₱500–₱600 (or $9–12) for a single-use or small-size pouch/tube. And for the amount of product you get, that’s a bit steep — especially if you’re on a budget or if you use masks regularly. I was lucky to get this on discount, so it didn’t hurt my wallet. But at full price? I’d hesitate to repurchase unless I really needed it or couldn’t find a similar product for less.

If Sephora offered a bigger size or better value packs, I’d be more inclined to restock. But as it stands, it feels more like a treat than a skincare staple.

⭐ Pros:

• Refreshing grapefruit scent (if you're into citrus!)
• Smooth, gel-like texture — easy to apply
• Gently exfoliates without scrubbing
• Leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and brighter
• Doesn’t strip the skin or cause dryness
• Great for normal to slightly sensitive skin

⚠️ Cons:

• Very strong scent — might be overpowering for some
• A bit pricey for the amount you get
• Results are subtle — not a miracle product
• May not be ideal for ultra-sensitive skin or those who avoid fragrance

My Final Thoughts...

If you're looking for a fun, refreshing exfoliating mask that’s gentle and gives your skin a quick pick-me-up, the Sephora Grapefruit Peeling Mask is definitely worth trying — especially if you can catch it on sale. It smells like summer in a pouch and leaves your skin feeling soft and renewed. But keep in mind: it’s not the most budget-friendly option for frequent use, and the scent might not be for everyone.

All in all, I’m glad I got to try it. I enjoyed the scent, the feel, and the after-glow — but I’d only repurchase if I find it discounted again. 🧡