Dr. Medion currently offers six carboxytherapy masks — and while they all share the same core principle, they are not interchangeable. Each works through a CO2-releasing reaction that triggers the Verigo-Bohr effect: carbon dioxide applied to the skin signals the body to increase oxygen delivery to the tissues. The result is improved microcirculation, a drainage effect, fibroblast stimulation and collagen remodelling. But beyond that shared foundation, the masks differ — in format (sheet, canister, gel), in formula, in CO2 concentration and in the specific effect each one delivers. Here’s how to tell them apart.
Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel
Key ingredients: Rose oil, hyaluronic acid, ascorbic acid, royal jelly extract.
Frequency and application time: Apply 1–2 times per week for 15–30 minutes.
This mask started as a professional treatment — and that’s exactly the level of performance Dr. Masato Hiki set out to replicate for home use. The Spaoxy Gel creates a foaming “jacuzzi” effect on the skin: high-concentration CO2 in prolonged contact with the skin improves microcirculation, gently cleanses pores, softens the stratum corneum and boosts hydration. CO2 also acts as a delivery vehicle, helping active ingredients penetrate more deeply into the living layers of the skin.
The micro-bubble stimulation functions as a gentle massage, leaving the skin visibly fresher and more radiant. Hyaluronic acid anchors moisture at a deeper level, while rose oil adds a subtle aromatherapeutic note.
According to the Dr. Medion team, this is the mask with the broadest and most impressive effect on skin overall.
Spaoxy Gel Osmanthus
Key ingredients: Allantoin, centella asiatica extract, kaolin clay, squalane, vitamin C, B vitamins, royal jelly extract.
Frequency and application time: Apply 1–2 times per week for 15–30 minutes.
Every year, Dr. Medion releases a limited-edition carboxytherapy mask — and the limited editions are never just about the scent. The Osmanthus fragrance was composed by Japanese perfumer Maho, a returning creative collaborator with the brand. It’s delicate and distinctly Japanese in character — an apricot-honey interpretation of osmanthus blossom.
But what really sets this mask apart is its formula. Kaolin clay provides a detox effect and gentle micro-exfoliation; B vitamins calm inflammation and support regeneration; the brand’s signature vitamin C APPS brightens; allantoin soothes; centella asiatica heals. The combination is designed specifically for skin that tends toward excess oil, enlarged pores, breakouts and post-inflammatory pigmentation.
The effect is comparable to a superficial, atraumatic deep cleanse: blackheads lighten, pores become cleaner and narrower, and post-acne marks fade.
Dr. Medion Spaoxy Dualgel VC+
Key ingredients: Green tea, artichoke, strawberry, actinidia, liquorice, Baikal skullcap extracts, 3 stable forms of vitamin C — GO-VC, Amitose 3GA, Et-VC.
Frequency and application time: Can be used daily, leave on for 10 minutes.
The format is unlike anything else in the range: a dual-chamber dispenser releases two components — mix them in the palm of your hand, apply the resulting foam, and leave on for 10 minutes. The idea is professional-grade results with minimal effort. The formula was updated in 2024 with the addition of three stable forms of vitamin C.
Spaoxy Dualgel VC+ is the most gentle mask in the range. It releases a significant amount of CO2 — tingling during application is normal — but the gel texture allows CO2 to disperse into the air more quickly, keeping the action light enough for daily use.
The three vitamin C derivatives each bring something different: 3-glyceryl ascorbate is anti-inflammatory; 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid reduces photodamage and pigmentation with excellent tolerance even for sensitive skin; caprylyl 2-glyceryl ascorbate adds moisture and antioxidant protection. A botanical complex of plant extracts reinforces the brightening and soothing effect. The citrus scent — from sweet orange essential oil — is a deliberate addition: high-quality essential oils at low concentrations have an aromatherapeutic effect without irritating the skin.
Dr. Medion Spaoxy Gel Bright Plus
Key ingredients: Liquorice and soybean extracts, ginger extract, APPS and ascorbic acid (2 forms of vitamin C), hydrolysed hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract.
Frequency and application time: Apply 1–2 times per week for 15–30 minutes.
Bright Plus is built around one goal: a more even, brighter complexion. The formula combines two forms of vitamin C — ascorbic acid and Dr. Medion’s proprietary APPS (trisodium ascorbyl palmitate phosphate in the INCI). APPS is amphiphilic, meaning it dissolves in both water and oil, and during metabolisation it releases up to 20 times more pure vitamin C than other known forms. It promotes collagen synthesis and inhibits tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for melanin production.
Liquorice extract adds glabridin to the formula: a flavonoid that suppresses melanin synthesis, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Multiple brightening agents working together is a smart approach — they target different stages and pathways of pigmentation formation, making the overall effect more comprehensive. This mask works well for post-acne marks, melasma, uneven tone and photodamage. And since vitamin C is also a proven anti-ageing ingredient, Bright Plus simultaneously supports firmness and smooths fine lines.
Results are visible after the first use. The gel base has a golden tone and a pronounced citrus scent from grapefruit, neroli and sweet orange essential oils.
Dr. Medion Spaoxy Mask Sheet Masks
Key ingredients: Vitamin E derivative, eelgrass (zostera) and rose extracts, artemia extract, hydrolysed collagen, sodium hyaluronate.
Frequency and application time: Once a week or as needed — apply for 10 minutes.
The sheet format is the most accessible entry point into Dr. Medion carboxytherapy: no mixing, no rinsing, just 10 minutes and it’s done. The formula delivers CO2 through the sheet combined with a carefully selected set of actives. Artemia extract (plankton) reduces the effects of photodamage and stimulates fibroblast activity; zostera (eelgrass) extract has well-documented anti-pigmentation properties.
Despite the short contact time, the visual effect is immediate — and different from the other masks in the range. This one lifts. Skin looks more defined, firm and smooth directly after use; pores and fine lines become less visible. The overall tone improves, making it a useful weekly addition for anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation. The serum texture is light, absorbs well and layers easily with subsequent skincare.
Dr. Medion Matcha CO₂ Gel Mask
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, Japanese matcha, saxifraga extract, B vitamins (B6, biotin, pantothenic acid), hydrolysed hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, sake lees extract.
Frequency and application time: Apply 1–2 times per week for 20–30 minutes.
Among all six masks in the Dr. Medion range, this one stands apart for a single reason: it contains salicylic acid. That one ingredient changes everything about what the mask is designed to do. While all carboxytherapy masks improve microcirculation and stimulate renewal through CO2, the Matcha Mask is the only one specifically formulated for congested, oily and breakout-prone skin.
Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble — which means it can travel inside the pore rather than staying on the surface. There, it dissolves the buildup of sebum and dead skin cells that leads to blackheads, clogged pores and breakouts. The result is visibly refined pore size and smoother texture.
The rest of the formula supports and balances this action. Japanese matcha — powdered green tea — is a potent antioxidant that also calms inflammation, making the mask suitable for skin that is both oily and reactive. Saxifraga extract and B vitamins (B6, biotin, pantothenic acid) help rebalance skin and support recovery. Vitamin C brightens post-breakout marks. Sake lees extract and hydrolysed hyaluronic acid maintain hydration — important because even oily skin needs moisture.
Mix the two components, apply a thick layer and leave on for 20–30 minutes. 3 masks per box.
What personally appeals to me about Dr. Medion is its consistency. This is not a brand that chases trends — it stays true to its approach, and that reflects a deep understanding of what skin actually needs. The quality of the ingredients, the variety of vitamin C forms, the way carboxytherapy is continuously translated into solutions for different skin concerns — it’s all very considered. My personal favourites from the range are the Dualgel VC+ and the Foaming Cleanser.
— Tania, founder of Skinlist, cosmetologist and master in molecular biology
