MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator Review

MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator Review

I know this is a much awaited review and as requested by KK – I am picking this one up first for review from this month’s haul. I feel MAC’s skin care is not given its due importance in India, of whatever I have tried, things do not seem bad. Oops, have I given the review away 😛 When I went to the MAC store to pick this product up, it was the last piece on the shelf. At that moment, the thought that came to my mind was that either this exfoliator is not too much in demand to stock up or it might be a fast-moving product. Anyway, I was eager to check out this “black beauty.” Here’s the review for all of you :))

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

Product Description:

A highly effective, dual-purpose foaming, cleansing and exfoliating scrub blending natural Volcanic Ash with fine sugar crystals. Refines and unclogs the skin, adds instant moisture: leaves skin feeling soft and comfortably clean. Mineral-rich. May be used effectively on any part of face or body. Rinses off with warm water.

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

Price:

Rs. 2250 for 100 ml.

Ingredients:

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

My Experience with MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator:

First things first, the packaging is very attractive – both the outer one and the tube.  The super black, gritty-looking, thick and sticky textured exfoliator comes in a nice 100 ml tube.  The thick exfoliator comes out of the opening of the tube without much effort.  Between the fingers, it feels very sticky, a bit gritty, and there’s a little friction to move it around.  The added perfume is a bit weird  – it’s almost like detergent though I cannot exactly pin to what kind of scent it is; probably they wanted to give it an ashy edge, but it doesn’t work for me. The only thing I dislike about this product is its weird scent.

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

This exfoliator though appears a bit gritty, isn’t harsh on the skin.  It’s a difficult to spread on dry skin because of the stickiness caused by sucrose (the sugar).  When the skin is wet, it glides over nicely, but then you won’t feel the exfoliating effect because the sugar tends to melt away immediately upon contact with water and from then on – there isn’t much that happens.  Therefore, it’s best to use the exfoliator on skin that’s “just” moist enough so that you can work the exfoliator on the face without melting away the sugar.

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

Actually, since it’s all volcanic ash and sugar, I sometimes keep it for a few minutes on the face before washing it all way.  It’s a bit messy when you rinse it off, but I don’t really mind the black stains because what I get after that is amazing!

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

Yes, all that hype surrounding this volcanic ash is valid.  It works and how! Though, initially, I didn’t get much result when I used it on wet skin – on moist skin, it does the exfoliation brilliantly and I get touchably smooth skin.  Initially, I didn’t want to give this exfoliator full credit for smooth skin, but when it happened after every use, I conceded and agreed that indeed this exfoliator works.

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

I cannot tell you whether it removes blackheads/whiteheads completely, but what I can tell you is that it removes dead cells thoroughly to reveal smooth skin surface.  It takes away with it all gunk and makeup, and I would term it as one of the best exfoliators in the market.  This volcanic ash exfoliator does what it claims it will do.  Also, I have had lesser breakouts with regular use.

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

Though it’s mentioned in the description that it foams, I do not feel it’s a foaming product.  Also, remarkably, it removes all traces of face makeup – from primer to foundation.  You would feel your skin to be squeaky clean and refreshed.

However, it’s important to follow up with a good moisturizer after the exfoliation process because it tends to leave the skin a bit dry and stretchy.  Even oily skin needs a bit of moisturization and dry skin may need heavy moisturization.  Also, thoroughly rinse it off the skin, I mean sometimes when I have kept the rinsing session brief, I thought my face appeared darker *IDK*

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

It’s suitable for all skin types, does not sting or cause reactions on the skin.  I can tell you this because I have got very sensitive skin and it has not irritated my skin at all.  This exfoliator can be used on face as well as body, but I am not going to do that, I do not want to finish it off soon!

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

MAC volcanic ash exfoliator

Overall, I am head-over-heels in love with this exfoliator and do not mind the price because it’s better than getting one high-end product which works rather than getting 5 different products which do not work at all and disappoint.

One word of advice, if you are planning to get the exfoliator, check out the texture at the store itself.  Just place it between your fingers and check out if it’s too gritty for you because some people may think it’s a bit harsh.

Summing up the pros and  cons:

Pros of MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator:

  • A very effective exfoliator, does it’s job perfectly.
  • Gives you smooth and squeaky clean skin
  • Skin is touchably soft after the process.
  • Contains volcanic ash and sugar.
  • Thick, sticky texture which aids in exfoliation process.
  • Removes all traces of makeup and gunk.
  • Gets rid of dead skin cells.
  • Lesser breakouts with regular use.

Cons of MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator:

  • Leaves skin a bit stretchy and dry post exfoliation.
  • I hate that weird fragrance.

Do I Recommend MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator?

Absolutely! I think it is one of the best exfoliators that you can get.

Would I Repurchase MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator?

Forever!

IMBB Rating:

4.8/5

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20 thoughts on “MAC Mineralize Volcanic Ash Exfoliator Review

  1. Good morning jomol… I hve neva eva tried skin care products from MAC.. But if i do so in future… I m pretty sure.. This would be my first pick.. Thank you soooo much for the review..

    1. Good Morning Megha….I highly recommend this one….you should try it when you decide to go for MAC skin care *woot* *woot*

  2. Jomollll…this is a perfect exfoliator….super se upar wala review….thank you… *puchhi* *puchhi* …this indeed is a must buy *woot* *woot*

  3. looks amazing like black beauty and so effective *woot* *woot* , love reading the review I cannot wait to try it *happy dance*

  4. wow *drool* I was waiting for this review *clap* *clap* *clap* amazing product…even I am more into skin care than makeup *puchhi* I believe good skin = to half the battle won so less expenses on make up *hihi*

  5. Grt review Jomol!!! i depend on ur reviews as u too have oily skin like me *thankyou*
    Can we use this product it daily?

  6. *woot* I am getting it next.. *jogging* my OH walnut scrub finished nw i need dis in my life.. *powder* glad it works.. *happydance* jomol awaiting ysl.. *happydance* *happydance*

  7. Thanks JOMOL!!! *puchhi* *puchhi* *puchhi* *puchhi* *puchhi*

    I had been waiting for this one so much! I saw it within minutes of posting but couldn’t comment coz i was surfing thru my cell…Thanks for the heads up, Im picking this one! Loved the review Jomol and thank you for being so precise as to explain whether this would work on wet face vs damp face! *puchhi*

  8. Okay so I never write reviews to products/businesses etc. And on top of that, my last makeup purchase was the most costly one I have ever done in my life. I never thought higher priced products were worth it, so I went for any drug store brand. Not to hate on drug store stuff either, cause I still get mascara/eyeshadows for much cheaper. I had just gotten a new job and figured I would splurge. After getting a makeover in the Mac department at the mall I bought a handful of products because I loved the results so much. I was nearly shaking handing over my hard earned money for “silly makeup.” I have the MOST sensitive skin, especially on my chin. And after buying the makeup products and the ASH EXFOLIATOR, my self esteem has actually gotten better because for once my skin wasn’t a battlefield. I could seriously bite into a greasy burger or a slice of pizza and get a pimple on my chin within the HOUR I kid you not. I love the exfoliator, so I was curious to look up the reviews and see if there were other great experienxes, and one page brought me to a bunch of AWFUL ones that I was surprised at. Maybe I just mentally think my skin has improved but I truly think that it has been such a dramatic change. I love the Mac line and will continue to splurge in the future! Including the exfoliator!

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