Pomegranate + Rosehip Gel Eye Mask for Tired, Puffy Eyes

This gel eye mask gets its magic (and vibrant color) from pomegranate, which has a myriad of beauty-boosting effects [source]. Add rosehip seed oil and a bit of hyaluronic acid for extra soothing and moisturizing properties, and these masks cool, de-puff, and hydrate sensitive under-eye skin.

Why is it that once you hit your 30s, a night of fun ends up permanently etched on your face for days—even weeks—after? It feels like I’m perpetually hungover (no alcohol needed at this point), sleep-deprived, jet-lagged, or screen-shocked, and my under-eye bags love to rub it in. So let’s just say that these DIY gel eye mask patches are a mainstay of my medicine cabinet.

The combination of pomegranate, rosehip seed oil and hyaluronic acid will have you looking like a spring chicken who could party all night. You can thank me later!

Jump to:

• Gel Eye Mask Ingredients 
• How To Make Gel Eye Mask Patches 
• Variation: Using Agar Agar Powder
• Equipment + Storage
• Using Gel Eye Masks
• FAQ

Gel Eye Mask Ingredients 

• 2 packets unflavored gelatin 
• 2 tablespoons cool water 
• ¼ cup boiling water 
• 2 teaspoons pomegranate extract powder 
• 10 drops rosehip seed oil 
• ½ teaspoon hyaluronic acid powder or serum 

Pomegranate 

Pomegranate has been used as a beauty booster for thousands of years. The peel has astringent properties, while the seeds are said to help facilitate skin repair. Alternatively, pomegranate seed oil has been shown to thicken the epidermis and encourage collagen synthesis [source].

I used organic pomegranate extract powder in my gel eye mask because it’s high in vitamins and antioxidants. But you can use a few drops of pomegranate seed oil either in place of or in conjunction with the powder for added beauty benefits.  

Rosehip Seed Oil 

One of my all-time favorite facial oils, rosehip seed oil gets its benefits from its potent antioxidants: ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds [source], as well as its healthy fatty acids [source], among others. I like to apply it directly to my skin in the evening after washing off my makeup.

But when my eye bags rear their ugly heads, I make sure to add it to whatever mask I’m making at the time. Not only does it hydrate tired skin, but it also replenishes nutrients that may have been sapped from the skin during times of stress. 

Hyaluronic Acid 

Hyaluronic acid is another game-changer in the moisture department. Considered a humectant, hyaluronic acid works by drawing moisture into itself and holding it there [source]. When used on the skin, it helps draw moisture into the upper layers of the skin, making it look softer and more supple [source].

You can use either hyaluronic acid powder or serum in your gel eye mask, but I chose the powder because I had some on hand. Whatever you choose, a little goes a long way, so make sure to pour with a light hand. 

Gelatin 

Last but not least, gelatin is what gives this mask its shape. But it’s also a good source of amino acids and protein, both of which are building blocks of the skin.

How To Make Gel Eye Mask Patches 

Variation: Using Agar Agar Powder

If you’re vegan, you can make your gel eye mask with agar agar, a jelly-like substance derived from red algae. While you're at it, try an agar agar peel off mask.

• 1 tablespoon pomegranate extract powder
• 1 teaspoon agar agar powder
• 6 tablespoons boiling water
• 3 drops rosehip seed oil

Place agar agar powder in a small bowl. Pour boiling water over the powder and stir until all agar agar has dissolved.

Add the pomegranate powder and rosehip seed oil and stir again.

Pour into your molds and place in the refrigerator to solidify for 3–4 hours or overnight.

Equipment + Storage

The hardest part of making eye mask patches is finding the molds. I used an old pair of store-bought gel eye mask containers I had lying around, and they worked perfectly.

I was initially worried about being able to get the mask out of the mold without it tearing, but I never ran into any issues. Simply run a sharp knife around the edge before pulling out the mask, and you’re good to go. 

If you don’t have any old gel masks kicking around, you can actually purchase eye mask molds. But for the price, it might be cheaper just to purchase a gel eye mask at the store and keep the plastic container when you’re done. 

You can also make these without a mold, but they won’t look or fit quite as nicely. Just line a small, flat container (such as a 4” x 4” baking dish) with wax paper or parchment.

Then pour your gelatin mixture into the container, distribute it evenly, and let it solidify. Use a sharp knife to cut the gelatin into an eye mask shape as best you can before peeling it off the wax paper.  

Store extra masks in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Using Gel Eye Masks

Apply to the under-eye area for 15 minutes. Since it’s made of gelatin, it will liquefy somewhat while you wear it. Rinse off, pat skin dry, and follow up with serum or moisturizer. 

FAQ

Craving pomegranates now?

To get pomegranate's beauty benefits from the inside out start your day with this pomegranate smoothie or this tasty power elixir for an all-day energy boost. But if you'd rather kick back with a pomegranate champagne punch, we won't judge!

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glow's medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

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