So many face masks, so little time! This year I’ve amassed 3 superb cacao based antioxidant face masks. They are similar, but each a bit different so I’ve broken down the differences between them to help you choose.

Birchrose + Co Cacao + Honey Antioxidant Face Mask Review

I received this antioxidant mask in my April Art of Organics beauty subscription box. It took me a few weeks to try it but then I fell in love: my face has never felt softer than after using this clay and cacao mask. I used to attribute it to the honey but I imagine a lot has to do with the white willow bark (a natural salicylic acid/BHA) as well. The honey and cacao are the main scents – it’s actually surprising to know that this face mask also has peppermint oil and spearmint oil – I don’t get that minty feel.

I plan on using this mask more (and repurchasing when I finish) because I think has a lot of potential to help my melasma, dark spots and hyperpigmentation. I do think BHA’s have helped my melasma (although I’m using less in pregnancy) and I’m reading more and more about the benefits of rosehip oil for anti-aging and hyperpigmentation.

This mask does require a thorough mixing before use –  the ingredients tend to settle. Most ingredients are organic which is great!

My Art of Organic box guide claims this mask will “aid in the structural rejuvenation of collagen, while oxygenating pores to draw out bacteria. Skin is left hydrated, balanced and glowing.” The last part is definitely true!

Josh Rosebrook Cacao Antioxidant Mask Review

Despite my sensitivity to most fragrances and essential oils, I’ve grown to love Josh Rosebrook’s blue tansy based vital balm cream from my July Beauty Heroes box, so I’ve been actively trying more of his organic skin care products. This cacao based mask is the deepest, darkest and thickest of the three masks. It’s definitely the most earthy scented as well. The only similar ingredients to the Birchrose +Co mask is cacao and rosehip. And whereas the Birchrose + Co mask only needs to be worn for about 10 minutes, Josh Rosebrook recommends at least 30 minutes for this mask.

The Josh Rosebrook Cacao antioxidant mask ingredient list is long: Cacao, tumeric, ashwagandha and ginko for brightening and circulation; Chickweed, alfalfa, elderberry, calendula, sage and st johns wart for calming; Beetroot, marula and baobob to soften, moisturize and protect skin. This antioxidant mask also contains lavender, licorice, marshmallow root, rosemary, witch hazel, fenugreek, and several other oils like almond and avocado.

This does seem to promote circulation, and as described my face does get slightly red and warm after using this mask.

Mahalo Skin Care The Bean Cacao Antixodiant Mask Review

Another antioxidant and detoxifying cacao based natural non-toxic face mask, the Mahalo The Bean is works somehwere in between the spectrum of the Birchrose Co cacao and honey mask and the Josh Rosebrook antioxidant mask. The Bean cacao mask is not as moisturizing as the Birchrose Co cacao version, but more moisturizing and less thick than Josh Rosebrook’s version.

Mahalo promotes high hopes for their cacao antioxidant mask: it’s supposed to firm, detoxify, boost collagen and circulation and reverse environmental impacts on the skin.

The ingredients are more complex than the Birchrose Co mask, and the full ingredient list is just as complex if not more than the Josh Rosebrook Antioxidant Mask. This mask is also the most “chocolately” to me. Like the Birchrose Co version, it also has honey and clay.

• Astaxanthin, Bergamot, Carrot, Coffee, Tumeric and Watermleon for brightening (I really like astaxanthin for brightening from my Maya Chia products)
• Sea buckthorn, cinnamon, sandalwood, cacao and lycopene for antioxidant boosting, anti-inflammatory promoting and free-radical protection

I use this mask often when I’ve had a rough week – the cacao/chocolately scent is comforting. My skin isn’t as red as after using the Josh Rosebrook version. Most ingredients are “clean”: either local, wild harvested or organic. Like the Josh Rosebrook mask, you want to wear this one for at least 30 minutes.

My recommendations:

The Birchrose Co cacao mask is so softening and only $32 – I would definitely recommend buying it. Then between the Josh Rosebrook or Mahalo antioxidant masks: You really only need one or the other. The Josh Rosebrook is a bit less expensive and contains rosehip, but Mahalo’s the Bean does contain a bit more volume and it’s more moisturizing.

Swatches of organic antioxidant cacao face masks: Mahalo the Bean on the left, Birchrose Co in the middle and Josh Rosebrook antioxidant mask on the right