We couldn’t wait to put the newly launched Heritage Mask by Future 5 Elements to the test - a deeply clarifying and balancing treatment that has an impressive following and reputation as one of the brand’s bestsellers.  
A fusion of herbal tradition and modern skincare, this mask rebalances oily, congested and blemish-prone skin without disrupting the barrier. Highly effective yet gentle, it’s an essential reset for whenever the skin is stressed, sluggish or congested. 

Not your average face mask  

I’ve tried countless detoxifying and purifying masks over the years, but The Heritage Mask by Future 5 Elements stands out for one reason - it’s remarkably gentle while being impressively effective.
Specifically formulated for acne-prone skin, the thoughtfully balanced blend pairs antibacterial botanicals - thyme, juniper, clove, myrrh and sage to clarify congestion, alongside soothing oat, chamomile, flaxseed and allantoin to calm and protect. The result is skin that looks clear and refined, yet calm and never stripped - a crucial difference if you’ve ever experienced that tight, over-treated feeling after a deep cleanse. The Heritage Mask is one you know you can rely on to clarify, refine and revitalise without ever compromising the skin barrier. The first thing I noticed about the mask was just how herbal it is - with a strong spicy clove-like fragrance that feels almost medicinal. Well, medicinal with a hint of fruit cake so don’t let the scent put you off - it just takes a minute to get used to. On first opening I knew this mask wasn’t playing games and was definitely going to ‘do something’ - which I liked. 

The colour and consistency also makes a statement - it’s a deep, earthy brown with a watery gel-like texture with soft granules suspended throughout. It looks and feels unlike anything I have used before outside of say, an in-salon treatment. And as such, it’s best applied while wearing a towel or dressing gown, as it can be a little messy. However, I’m happy to report my silk pyjamas survived.  

Spreading easily across the skin without feeling gritty, the gel-like mask as expected had an instant cooling effect which lasted the entirety of application. It spread easily and the granules didn’t scratch my skin.  

 Rebalance the skin in as little as 20 minutes  

Left on for 20 minutes, the mask dried down but didn't feel uncomfortable. Removing the mask was easy and required no effort at all, you add a little water before massaging it into the skin which gives a gentle exfoliating effect before rinsing with lukewarm water.  

For skin that looks energised and revitalised   

As a purifying and detoxifying mask, I was surprised just how thoroughly it cleansed without stripping or leaving my skin feeling tight. My skin looked really clean and felt soft and incredibly smooth. I also looked and felt fresh-faced which was great - like I had been on a brisk walk in the cold air.  
Every month my skin tends to become congested and blemish prone - due to hormone fluctuations particularly around my jawline area, so I am always looking to add treatments into my routine that will prevent any expected - or unexpected congestion or blemishes. This mask fits seamlessly into my skincare routine to limit breakout-causing bacteria and congestion.
And, as someone with naturally oilier skin and visible pores, I was especially impressed by the refining effect. Thanks to witch hazel and lemon peel, my pores look smaller and tighter - particularly through the T-zone. This mask delivers all the clarifying and pore-tightening benefits of a clay mask, but without dryness or irritation.
What I also love about this mask is the vibrancy and energised glow it gives my skin, something I really benefit from if I haven’t had enough sleep. Thanks to gentle lactic acid resurfacing and circulation-boosting botanicals like arnica and guarana, it leaves skin looking fresher, less puffy and more awake.

Admittedly it’s the kind of treatment that asks you to carve out a little time for self-care - but that feels like part of the point - particularly if your skin's type is like mine that relies on targeted, monthly TLC to remain calm, clear and balanced.  

A closer look at the ingredients 

Future 5 Elements is known for its plant-first philosophy. The Heritage Mask brings together an intelligent blend of botanicals and acids, each selected for a specific skin benefit: 

Clarifying and antibacterial botanicals:  
Thyme, juniper, clove, myrrh, and sage help purify and rebalance blemish-prone skin

Exfoliates with gentle Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): 
Lactic acid

Revitalising and stimulating botanicals:  
Arnica, ivy, horse chestnut, and guarana support circulation and skin vitality 

Soothing and calming botanicals:  
Oat, chamomile, flaxseed, and allantoin comfort stressed or inflamed skin

Refining botanicals:  
Witch hazel and lemon peel gently smooth and clarify for a more even finish 

Key skin reviving benefits  

Deeply detoxifies: 
Clears congestion, refine pores, and reduce acne.  

Boosts circulation:  
Energises dull or tired skin and softens the look of puffiness 

Clarifies without stripping: 
Keeps acne-causing bacteria at bay while respecting the skin barrier 

Smooths and refines texture:
Gentle resurfacing supports fresher, smoother skin