Iv San Bernard Ginger & Elderberry Mask, 1 l is a coat mask for dogs and cats based on ginger and elderberry. According to the manufacturer, it has an antimicrobial effect, reduces skin itching and makes the coat fluffy, glossy and silky. The mask is applied to a clean, damp coat after shampoo, massaged in, left for 5–10 minutes and rinsed. It is designed for professional use and, according to the manufacturer, has passed microbiological testing.
Ingredients
Water, cetearyl alcohol, cetrimonium chloride, phenoxyethanol, black elder flower extract, ginger root extract, cocoyl hydrolysed silk, panthenol, piroctone olamine, propylene glycol, simethicone, citric acid, parfum (fragrance) and colourant CI 19140.
The base is cetearyl alcohol and conditioning cetrimonium chloride, which soften the coat and ease brushing. Hydrolysed silk and panthenol add smoothness and shine. The key skin ingredient is piroctone olamine, a well-known antifungal used in anti-dandruff products. It is this, rather than just the extracts, that supports the antimicrobial claim.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | coat and skin mask |
| For | dogs and cats |
| Key ingredients | ginger, elderberry, silk, panthenol, piroctone olamine |
| Action | anti-itch, soft and glossy coat |
| Contact time | 5–10 minutes |
| Intended use | professional |
| Volume | 1 l |
Pros
- Piroctone olamine. An antifungal that backs up the anti-itch and anti-dandruff claim.
- Silk and panthenol. Make the coat smooth and glossy.
- Conditions. Eases brushing after a wash.
- Pairs with a shampoo. There is a Ginger & Elderberry shampoo of the same name.
- Paraben-free.
- For dogs and cats.
Cons and what to watch
- "Disinfecting" in the name is an exaggeration. It is a rinse-out mask, not a disinfectant.
- No concentrations. The amount of piroctone olamine and extracts is unknown.
- Colourant and fragrance. Not the best choice for very sensitive skin.
- 1 l is a professional size. It is a lot for a single pet.
- Does not treat the cause of itching. It does not deal with fleas, allergy or infection.
How to apply
Wash your pet with shampoo and squeeze out excess water. Apply the mask to the damp coat with massaging movements, working it down to the skin. Leave for 5–10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with water and dry the coat. The mask must not be swallowed, so avoid the mouth area and rinse especially well on the face and paws.
A pair: shampoo and mask
The mask is designed to work with the Ginger & Elderberry shampoo. The shampoo cleans skin and coat, and the mask then conditions the coat and adds a further effect on the skin. The combination is handy for dogs with skin prone to dandruff and itching.
Itching and dandruff
Piroctone olamine helps with dandruff linked to fungal flora on the skin. But itching can also come from fleas, allergy or dry skin. If itching is strong or persistent, find the cause first — see fleas on a cat: how to get rid of them. For oily dandruff the brand also offers Mineral Plus Zolfo sulfur shampoo.
When to see a vet
If the skin is red or weeping, or crusts, bald patches, pustules or a bad smell appear, an examination is needed. Fungal and bacterial skin infections are treated with medicines prescribed by a vet, and the mask can only be supportive care.
Other masks from the brand
For short coats Iv San Bernard offers the Black Cherry mask, and for restoring a dry, dull coat, the 02 Energetic mask with argan oil.
Cats
The mask is also suitable for cats. Because it is rinsed out, the risk of licking is low, but it must be rinsed especially thoroughly. Cats are washed less often than dogs, so use the mask on them only when needed. Tips are in how to bathe a cat.
Storage
Keep the tub closed at room temperature and out of reach of children. Scoop the mask out with clean hands or a spatula to avoid introducing bacteria.
Who it suits
Ginger & Elderberry Mask suits dogs and cats with skin prone to itching and dandruff, after the matching shampoo, and grooming salons thanks to the 1 l size. Other products are in the shampoos and conditioners section and on the Iv San Bernard brand page.
Verdict
Iv San Bernard Ginger & Elderberry Mask is a rinse-out mask with ginger, elderberry, silk, panthenol and antifungal piroctone olamine that softens the coat and helps skin prone to itching and dandruff. The downsides are the exaggerated word "disinfecting" in the name, no concentrations, a colourant and fragrance, and a one-litre size aimed at salons.
FAQ
How long should the mask stay on?
5–10 minutes, then rinse.
What coat should it go on?
Clean and damp, after shampoo.
Does it help with itching?
Piroctone olamine helps with dandruff and fungal flora; the cause of itching still needs to be found.
Which shampoo should it be paired with?
The Ginger & Elderberry shampoo.
Does it contain parabens?
No.
Can it be used on cats?
Yes, with thorough rinsing.
What volume is it?
1 l.
