Dr. Medion Carboxy Masks: What’s the Difference? Focus on Ingredients and Effects

The Japanese brand Dr. Medion currently offers five different types of carboxy masks. Each one is based on the same key mechanism: a chemical reaction that releases carbon dioxide (CO₂). This is the essence of carboxytherapy — the effect of CO₂ on the skin promotes tissue oxygenation, known scientifically as the Bohr–Verigo effect. Carboxytherapy improves microcirculation, stimulates lymphatic drainage, activates fibroblasts, supports collagen remodeling, and enhances the elasticity and density of collagen fibers.

While the overall skin response to CO₂ is similar across the range, each mask differs in format (sheet, bottle, powder + gel packs) and formulation. They vary in their active ingredients, the amount of CO₂ released, the duration of skin contact with CO₂, and the additional benefits provided.

Key ingredients: hydrolyzed collagen, sodium hyaluronate, artemia extract, eelgrass extract, rose extract, vitamin E derivative

Recommended use: once a week or as needed; leave on for 10 minutes for an instant glow

This sheet-format carboxy mask is simple and quick to use — no rinsing required and only 10 minutes of application time. It works through the CO₂ reaction combined with targeted ingredients like artemia extract, which helps repair photo-damaged skin and stimulates fibroblast activity, and eelgrass extract, known for its brightening properties.

Despite the short application time, the results are noticeable and distinct from other masks in the range. It delivers a visible lifting effect — the skin looks more toned, firm, and smooth. It also improves skin texture, temporarily minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines. The tone becomes more even, making this mask a great choice for weekly use in hyperpigmented skin. The essence is lightweight, non-sticky, absorbs well, and layers beautifully with other skincare.

Key ingredients: three stable forms of Vitamin C (Et-VC, GO-VC, Amitose 3GA), extracts of artichoke, strawberry, actinidia, licorice, baikal skullcap, green tea

Recommended use: can be used daily; leave on for 10 minutes

This dual-chambered gel mask delivers two separate formulas that you mix in your hand before applying. In just 10 minutes, it refreshes the skin, evens out texture and tone, and restores radiance. It offers professional-level care at home with minimal effort. The upgraded 2024 formula includes three stabilized forms of Vitamin C.

Spaoxy Dualgel VC+ is the gentlest mask in the lineup. It releases a high amount of CO₂ (you might feel a tingling sensation — that’s normal), but thanks to its airy gel texture, the gas disperses quickly, making it ideal for daily use.

Its glow-enhancing and tone-evening effects come from the synergy of botanical extracts and the three Vitamin C derivatives: 3-glyceryl ascorbate (anti-inflammatory), 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid (brightening and photo-damage repair — very well tolerated even by sensitive skin), and caprylyl 2-glyceryl ascorbate (hydrating and antioxidant action).

The plant extracts reinforce its calming, brightening, and hydrating benefits. It also offers a gentle aromatherapy boost with a citrus scent from sweet orange essential oil — used in low, skin-friendly concentrations that don’t cause irritation.

Key ingredients: ascorbic acid, royal jelly extract, hyaluronic acid, rose oil

Recommended use: 1–2 times per week; apply for 15–30 minutes

Inspired by the success of their professional carboxy treatments, Dr. Masato Hiki created this powerful at-home version that rivals in-clinic results. Spaoxy Gel combines a gel and powder to create a CO₂-infused foam — like a “jacuzzi” for your skin. The high concentration of CO₂ and prolonged skin contact visibly improves microcirculation, deeply cleans pores, softens dead skin, and enhances hydration.

The microbubbles also provide a gentle massage-like stimulation, resulting in smoother, brighter, fresher-looking skin. This mask enhances all skin parameters — tone, moisture, pore clarity, and elasticity.

Its formula focuses on deep hydration, with hyaluronic acid and rose oil delivering both moisture and aromatherapy benefits. According to the Dr. Medion team, this mask delivers the most dramatic all-around performance and is ideal for an anti-aging skincare routine.

Key ingredients: hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract, two forms of Vitamin C — APPS and ascorbic acid, extracts of ginger, licorice, and soy

Recommended use: 1–2 times per week; apply for 15–30 minutes

As the name suggests, Bright Plus focuses on brightening and improving uneven tone. It contains a combination of Vitamin C derivatives — including APPS (trisodium ascorbyl palmitate phosphate), a unique form that is both water- and oil-soluble. It delivers 20 times more pure Vitamin C to the skin than conventional forms. APPS boosts collagen synthesis and inhibits tyrosinase — helping reduce pigmentation and supporting anti-aging benefits.

Licorice extract enhances the brightening effect, thanks to glabridin, a flavonoid that reduces melanin production and delivers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. Using multiple brightening agents allows this mask to target various pathways of pigmentation, making it ideal for skin with melasma, post-acne marks, photo-damage, or dullness.

Thanks to the inclusion of Vitamin C, this mask also offers noticeable firming and wrinkle-smoothing benefits. Visible improvement can be seen after just one use. The golden gel has a vibrant citrus scent from grapefruit, neroli, and sweet orange essential oils.

Key ingredients: pink clay, B vitamins, Vitamin C (APPS), squalane, allantoin, royal jelly extract, centella asiatica

Recommended use: 1–2 times per week; apply for 15–30 minutes

Dr. Medion’s limited-edition masks are not just about fragrance — though the Osmanthus edition does feature a delicate apricot-honey scent crafted by Japanese perfumer Maho. Like the other masks, it delivers CO₂ to the skin but stands out thanks to its unique blend of ingredients designed to target oiliness, inflammation, and post-acne concerns.

Pink clay offers detox and mild exfoliation, B vitamins support regeneration, APPS brightens, allantoin soothes, and centella heals. Together, they form a complete care routine for oily, acne-prone, and textured skin with visible pores and post-inflammatory marks.

The effect of this mask is comparable to a gentle, non-invasive facial cleansing: blackheads are reduced, pores look cleaner and tighter, and post-acne marks appear lighter.