5 min read

Almost everything in skincare asks you to wait twelve weeks. A carboxy mask is the exception. Skin looks plumper and brighter within the hour, and the reason it works is one of the more elegant pieces of biology in this whole category.

The short answer

A carboxy gel mask delivers carbon dioxide into the skin, and your body answers by sending oxygen-rich blood to the area. Circulation picks up, skin holds more water, and you get visible plumpness, brightness and calm within the hour. It is our first recommendation for a glow before an event, and one of the most useful things you can keep at home to support the treatments you have with us. Every skin type can use it, including on the eye area.

Suits All skin types, Dehydrated, Mature, Dry, Sensitive
Read time 5 min
Diagram of a blood vessel showing red blood cells holding oxygen where carbon dioxide is low, and releasing it into the skin where carbon dioxide is high.
Your red blood cells release oxygen where carbon dioxide is high. A carboxy mask uses that system deliberately.

What it does

A carboxy gel mask delivers carbon dioxide into the skin, and your body answers by sending oxygen-rich blood to the area. Circulation picks up, skin holds more water, and you get visible plumpness, brightness and calm within the hour. It is our first recommendation for a glow before an event, and one of the most useful things you can keep at home to support the treatments you have with us. Every skin type can use it, including on the eye area.

How your blood delivers oxygen

To understand why a carboxy mask works, it helps to know one thing about your own circulation.

Your red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. They do not release it everywhere equally. They release it where it is most needed, and the way they know where that is comes down to carbon dioxide.

Tissue that is working hard produces more carbon dioxide. When red blood cells arrive somewhere with a lot of carbon dioxide in it, they let go of their oxygen there. It is an elegant system: the waste product doubles as the signal.

This is how your muscles get extra oxygen when you exercise, and it has been understood since 1904.

How a carboxy mask works

A carboxy mask borrows that system. It delivers carbon dioxide into your skin, and your body responds the way it always does: blood vessels widen, more blood arrives, and the red blood cells release their oxygen into that area.

Studies have measured this happening, with the small blood vessels in the treated area both widening and increasing in number during treatment.

So you are not applying oxygen to your face. You are prompting your own circulation to deliver it, which is a far more reliable way of getting it there. Better blood flow also means better delivery of everything else your skin needs to repair itself, which is why it helps so much around other treatments.

The visible result is skin that looks plumper, brighter and less tired, and it arrives within the hour rather than over months.

Where the carbon dioxide comes from

Carbon dioxide is the gas your body produces all day and breathes out. Nothing exotic.

What is clever is the delivery. A carboxy mask comes as two parts, a gel and an activator, and mixing them starts a chemical reaction that generates carbon dioxide steadily while the mask sits on your face. That reaction is the treatment, which is why the two parts are separate until the moment you use them.

The idea is not new. Carboxy therapy began as carbon dioxide injections, used medically for circulation problems and wound healing. The gel version is the recent development, and it delivers a similar effect without needles, which is also what makes it something you can do at home rather than only in a clinic.

Diagram comparing skin before treatment with narrow blood vessels and during carboxy treatment with wider vessels releasing oxygen into the tissue.
Studies have measured the small vessels in the treated area both widening and increasing in number during treatment.

What to look for

Two parts, mixed fresh

A real carboxy mask comes as two components you combine right before use, because the CO2 is being generated by that reaction. If a product claims carboxy benefits but arrives ready to use in a single tube, it is not doing the same thing.

Give it the full time

The gel keeps producing CO2 for around forty-five minutes, and that whole window is what you are paying for. Taking it off at twenty minutes means you got about half of it. Put something on and let it work.

What else is in the gel

Most carboxy gels carry hyaluronic acid and other humectants alongside the CO2, and some add vitamin C. That is a deliberate combination rather than padding, because the improved circulation is happening at the same time as the hydration going in.

How it fits with everything else

A carboxy mask is removed at the end, which means it does not conflict with anything in your routine. Your retinoid, your pigment ingredients and your exfoliating acids all carry on as normal on the days around it.

It pairs particularly well with the ingredients that need patience, because it gives you something to see while those work in the background.

Common questions

How soon will I see something?

Straight away, which is the lovely part. Skin looks plumper and brighter as soon as the mask comes off, and it tends to look better still the following morning. Almost nothing else in skincare gives you a result you can see the same day, and that immediate payoff is most of the appeal.

How long does it last?

A single mask carries you a few days to a week, which is why it works so well timed around an event. A course of treatments builds something more lasting on hydration and firmness, and using one monthly holds it there.

Does it feel like anything?

A gentle warmth or fizzing as it activates, which most people find pleasant. The gel firms up as it works and peels away cleanly at the end. Nothing about it stings.

Can I use it around my eyes?

Yes, including the eyelids, which is rare for a treatment this active. It is one of the most useful treatments for puffiness and dark circles, since both are partly a circulation problem.

Is it good after a peel or laser?

That is one of its best uses. Use it in the days before to get your skin in good condition, and again afterwards to bring down redness and swelling and shorten recovery. Clinics using it alongside resurfacing report patients getting through the uncomfortable phase noticeably faster.

Is this the same as an oxygen facial?

No, they work in different ways. An oxygen facial applies oxygen to the surface of your skin. Carboxy works with your own physiology instead, using carbon dioxide to prompt your blood to release oxygen into the tissue from the inside.

That is how your body genuinely moves oxygen around, and it is a mechanism that has been understood for over a century, which is the reason we use carboxy in the clinic.

Illustration showing a carboxy mask gel and activator being mixed together, with carbon dioxide bubbles forming from the reaction.
Mixing the two parts starts the reaction that generates carbon dioxide. That reaction is the treatment.

How to use it

  • Mix the two parts thoroughly right before you apply. The reaction between them is what makes the CO2.
  • Apply a generous, even layer to clean, dry skin. A thin layer will not hold the gas against your skin properly.
  • Take it right up to the eyes and lips. There is no need to work around them here.
  • Leave it on for the full forty-five minutes. Set a timer and let it finish.
  • Peel it away and follow with your usual serum and moisturizer. Skin is especially receptive right afterwards, which makes this a good moment for your best products.
  • For an event, use it the day before rather than the morning of, so you catch it at its best.
  • Before and after a peel, laser or microneedling session, a few masks in the days either side works best. If you are having the treatment with us, ask and we will map out the timing with you.
  • Once a month is a comfortable rhythm for general upkeep. More often is fine if you want it.
Evidence and sources
  • Draelos ZD. A pilot study evaluating the anti-aging benefits of a CO2-emitting facial mask. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023. Covers the Bohr effect mechanism and measured outcomes on hydration and elasticity. Read the study
  • Topical carboxytherapy for skin rejuvenation. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2025. A roundtable review of the mechanism and of use alongside in-clinic procedures. Read the review
  • Expanding the role for topical carboxytherapy: an advisory board discussion. Modern Aesthetics, 2024. Source of the capillary measurements taken during treatment. Read the discussion

A note on the evidence. The Bohr effect itself is settled physiology, described over a century ago and not in question. Injected carboxytherapy has the longer clinical record. The topical gel form is newer, and the studies behind it are mostly small pilots and expert panels rather than large trials, so the immediate hydration and glow are well supported while the longer-term claims rest on lighter evidence.

Last reviewed

Products with Carbon Dioxide

  • Lumisque

    CO2Lift Carboxy Mousse Moisturizer

    4.8 out of 5.0 stars

    Sale price $225.00 Regular price $249.00

    Hydrates, soothes, and enhances radiance with the skin-revitalizing benefits of carboxy therapy.

    If you have acne, PIE/PIH, slow healing, redness, melasma, pigmentation, or texture concerns, thie Carboxy moisturizer is such a good fit. It helps calm inflammation, brighten uneven tone, support healing, and keep the skin hydrated and balanced without feeling heavy. All the good stuff your skin needs, in one step.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Lightweight Hydration, Powerful Rejuvenation

    CO2Lift Carboxy Mousse Moisturizer delivers deep hydration in an airy, mousse-like texture that instantly refreshes and revitalizes the skin. Designed for daily use, this moisturizer supports skin barrier health, calms inflammation, and promotes radiance, making it ideal for all skin types, especially those seeking glow without heaviness.

    Inspired by Carboxytherapy Science

    Infused with CO2Lift’s proprietary oxygen-boosting technology, this moisturizer mimics the skin-rejuvenating effects of carboxytherapy by encouraging circulation and cell turnover. The result? Smoother texture, visibly brighter tone, and improved elasticity over time, all with a weightless, breathable finish. Apply a dime-sized amount to areas of concern, wait 60 seconds, then spread the rest over the face and neck.

    Soothes, Plumps, and Protects

    Formulated with antioxidants, amino acids, and calming agents, Carboxy Mousse works to reduce redness, soften fine lines, and support collagen integrity. It is especially beneficial for post-procedure skin, sensitive types, or anyone looking for gentle yet effective anti-aging benefits. Sodium hyaluronate draws moisture into the skin’s layers to keep it supple and plump.

    Ideal for Morning and Night Use

    This mousse glides on effortlessly and absorbs quickly, making it a perfect final step in your skincare routine. Use it after serums or other active steps to lock in moisture without clogging pores or leaving behind residue. Skin is left hydrated, balanced, and visibly more luminous. It also suits skin managing breakouts, post-acne marks, or uneven tone.

  • Lumisque

    CO2Lift Pro Carboxy Gel Mask

    4.9 out of 5.0 stars

    From $100.00

    Deeply hydrates, brightens, and revitalizes with professional-strength carboxy therapy for instant visible results.

    If you struggle with post-procedure redness, acne, scarring, dark circles, or signs of aging like loss of elasticity and glow, this mask is such a good fit. It's one of the best at-home masks we recommend to everyone, especially if you can't get regular facials.

    We and our clients love how quickly it calms and heals the skin, making a visible difference in recovery time. Whether you're dealing with irritation, breakouts, or dullness, this mask deeply nourishes and restores, leaving your skin looking plump, radiant, and refreshed. My favorite red carpet mask!

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Medical-Grade Carboxytherapy in a Gel Mask

    CO2Lift Pro is the advanced, professional-strength version of the original CO2Lift mask, delivering deeper hydration, enhanced skin tightening, and more dramatic rejuvenation with each use. Designed for in-office or at-home use under provider guidance, this formula elevates your skincare routine with clinical-level results and no downtime.

    Stimulates Oxygenation and Collagen Naturally

    This mask uses carbon dioxide to trigger a natural process called the Bohr Effect, increasing oxygen delivery to skin cells. The result: boosted collagen production, better circulation, and visibly firmer, smoother, and more radiant skin, especially helpful for dullness, fine lines, and skin laxity. Sodium hyaluronate hydrates deeply and improves elasticity for smoother, plumper skin.

    Instant Results, Zero Downtime

    Within one 45-minute session, you will notice increased hydration, smoother texture, and a lifted appearance. The cooling gel is easy to apply, mess-free, and requires no recovery time, which suits providers and clients looking for fast, visible results without irritation. For best results, use it in a series of three, spaced five to seven days apart.

    Safe for All Skin Types and Post-Procedure Use

    CO2Lift Pro is hypoallergenic, non-invasive, and designed to calm and restore even the most sensitive skin. It is frequently used after peels or laser, following your provider's aftercare, to reduce redness and speed up healing. After microneedling, wait forty-eight hours before using it, unless your provider gave you specific aftercare for that window. It is also gentle enough for rosacea-prone skin.

  • Lumisque

    CO2Lift V Vaginal Treatment

    From $330.00

    Restores hydration, elasticity, and comfort with at-home carboxy therapy for intimate wellness.

    We never thought we would be carrying anything for the V, but here we are, because it truly works! CO2 vaginal treatment is a game-changer for enhancing tightness, boosting moisture, and relieving dryness, while stimulating collagen to restore a more youthful appearance. It also supports the pelvic floor to reduce mild incontinence and can improve comfort and sensitivity during intimacy, leaving the entire area feeling rejuvenated.

    Laziza SFounder & Head Esthetician

    Non-Invasive Vaginal Rejuvenation at Home

    CO2LiftV offers a gentle, at-home carboxytherapy solution to improve vaginal hydration, elasticity, and comfort, without hormones or downtime. Whether used for intimate wellness, post-childbirth care, or perimenopausal support, this innovative gel helps restore confidence and function where it matters most. Sodium hyaluronate, a hydrating agent that binds water to tissue, helps relieve dryness and support comfort.

    Improves Hydration, Firmness & Sensation

    By delivering carbon dioxide through a targeted gel application, CO2LiftV stimulates oxygenation and blood flow to the vaginal tissues. This process supports collagen production, enhances moisture retention, and helps restore firmness and sensitivity, making it an ideal solution for dryness, laxity, and discomfort during intimacy.

    Safe, Hormone-Free, and Clinically Proven

    CO2LiftV is free from estrogen, chemicals, and synthetic hormones. It's clinically studied and shown to be safe and effective for all women, including those in menopause, postpartum recovery, or post-cancer treatment. It’s a discreet, self-administered treatment that respects your comfort and lifestyle.

    Comfortable, Easy-to-Use System

    Each kit comes with premeasured gel and hygienic applicators, making the process clean, simple, and easy to complete at home. Mix the two gel packs, apply, and leave the gel on for at least 45 minutes, or overnight if you prefer. Start with five to ten sessions in the first month, then maintain monthly. Many women report enhanced tightness, moisture, and intimacy satisfaction.

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