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GlamGlow Review: A Review of The 10 Best GlamGlow Products

SKIN CARE REVIEWS

01.13.23DISCLAIMER
Consumer Reviews
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7 Reviews
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The story behind GlamGlow begins in Hollywood, California where husband and wife team Glenn and Shannon Dellimore set out on a quest to create a product for actors and actresses to get them camera ready fast. With the help of chemists, Glenn and Shannon created a mud mask with luxurious ingredients that could help improve the look of skin quickly. Word spread about the “Magic Mud” they had created, and soon there were celebrities and Hollywood A-Listers demanding their product. And this is how GlamGlow Supermud Mask — a clay-based face mask with activated charcoal — was born.

GlamGlow is certainly a buzzed about brand on social media, but is there really anything that special about the GlamGlow masks? To answer this question, we’ll have to evaluate the research that supports the use of clay and activated charcoal in skincare. We’ll also discuss the supporting key ingredients that you’ll find in GlamGlow products, and we’ll share GlamGlow reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of these products.

What Are The Top 10 Best GlamGlow Products?

While the GlamGlow mask products are what this brand is known for, GlamGlow also offers cleansers, toners, moisturizers, eye care, and serums. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 GlamGlow products.

GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment Mask

  • A charcoal face mask that is said to lift dirt, toxins, and excess oil from pores and loosen dead skin cells to exfoliate and sweep them away, leaving fresh, smooth skin behind
  • Ideal for acne-prone skin, oily skin, and clogged pores
  • Key ingredients include kaolin clay, activated charcoal, eucalyptus leaves, and a six acid blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids (mandelic acid, tartaric acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid)
  • Contains synthetic fragrance ingredients

GlamGlow Bright Eyes Illuminating Anti-Fatigue Eye Cream

  • An illuminating eye cream that is said to instantly brighten dark circles and reduce the visible signs of fatigue around the entire eye area for a well-rested, glowing look.
  • Ideal for dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness
  • Key ingredients include shea butter, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine, vitamins C and E, and acetyl hexapeptide-8
  • Formula also includes mica and titanium dioxide to add a shimmering effect and reflect light from the face, creating the illusion of a smoother, softer, and more radiant skin tone
  • Fragrance free

GlamGlow BerryGlow Soothing Mask

  • A creamy, soothing mask that is said to instantly boost skin’s health, restore radiance, and help promote skin’s microbiome for strengthened skin
  • Ideal for dry and dull skin
  • Key ingredients include jojoba oil, shea butter, probiotics, and a “superberry blend” (blueberry, cranberry and goji)
  • Contains synthetic fragrance ingredients

GlamGlow BrightMud Mask

  • A dual-action exfoliating mask treatment that is said to chemically and physically buff away unwanted dead skin cells with lactic acid (AHA), salicylic acid (BHA), and microfine pumice to reveal bright, even glow instantly
  • Additional key ingredients include niacinamide, acetyl glucosamine, and vitamin C
  • For optimal results, it’s recommended to use this GlamGlow mask three days in a row, and then use 2 to 3 times per week
  • Contains synthetic fragrance ingredients

GlamGlow GlowStarter Illuminating Moisturizer

  • A daily moisturizer and soft highlighter cream in one that is said to instantly hydrate and add buildable glow with illuminating pearls that blur and enhance the complexion
  • Available in 2 shades (nude glow and sun glow)
  • Key ingredients include dimethicone, synthetic emollients, jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E, and sodium hyaluronate
  • Formula also includes mica and titanium dioxide to add a shimmering effect and reflect light from the face, creating the illusion of a smoother, softer, and more radiant skin tone
  • Contains synthetic fragrance ingredients

GlamGlow Super Water Gel Moisturizer

  • A lightweight water gel moisturizer for acne-prone skin that is said to instantly hydrate, clarify, and control shine without instigating new breakouts for balanced, healthier and clearer-looking skin
  • Ideal for oily, combination, and normal skin types.
  • Key ingredients include silicones, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, pyruvic acid, sodium hyaluronate, eucalyptus leaf, and caffeine
  • Contains synthetic fragrance ingredients

GlamGlow ThirstyMud

  • A creamy, ultra-hydrating mask treatment that is said to instantly quench and soothe extremely dry, parched or dehydrated skin
  • Ideal for dryness, dullness, dehydration, and uneven texture
  • Key ingredients include caprylic/capric triglyceride, apple fruit extract, coconut fruit extract, honey, vitamins C and E, and sodium hyaluronate
  • Contains synthetic fragrance ingredients

GlamGlow YouthMud

  • An exfoliating clay mask treatment that is said to instantly smooth and polish to revive skin’s youthful glow and reveal soft smooth skin in as little as 10 minutes
  • Ideal for dullness, uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles
  • Key ingredients include volcanic pumice, kaolin clay, montmorillonite clay, and green tea leaf extract
  • Contains synthetic fragrance ingredients

GlamGlow Super Toner

  • An exfoliating toner for acne-prone skin that is said to instantly clarify and unclog pores
  • The highest concentration ingredient (after water) is denatured alcohol, which helps to reduce excess oil on the skin — but not in a healthy way! Keep reading below to learn why alcohol-based products are likely doing more harm to your skin than good
  • Contains synthetic fragrance ingredients

GlamGlow Gravity Mud Mask

  • A chrome peel-off face mask treatment that is said to help skin feel firmer, tighten and lift skin in an instant
  • Key ingredients include polyvinyl alcohol and denatured alcohol
  • Contains synthetic fragrance ingredients

Which GlamGlow Mask is Best?

The #1 best selling GlamGlow mask is the Supermud Clearing Treatment mask. This mask has received over 1,000 raving 5-star reviews on the brand’s website. Some reviews for the GlamGlow Supermud mask call it the “holy grail” and others call it the “best mask ever”. And after evaluating the product formulation, we do think the ingredients in this GlamGlow mask should help to promote smooth, clear skin.

Which GlamGlow Moisturizer is Best?

The best GlamGlow moisturizer depends on your skin type. Since the GlamGlow Super Water Gel Moisturizer is oil-free, this moisturizer is best for those with oily, combination, and/or acne-prone skin. The GlamGlow WaterBurst moisturizer is great for those with normal to dry skin types due to the inclusion of emollients like meadowfoam seed oil, hazel seed oil, and squalane. And the GlamGlow GlowStarter Illuminating Moisturizer is best for those who want the benefits of a moisturizer, primer, and highlighter in one product.

What Are The Key Ingredients in GlamGlow Products?

GlamGlow uses a variety of both natural and synthetic ingredients in their products, but a few of the key ingredients they use throughout the collection include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), salicylic acid (BHA), shea butter, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid. These are all very commonly used ingredients.

Plus, you’ll find kaolin clay and activated charcoal in several GlamGlow mask products, such as the popular GlamGlow Supermud Mask and GlamGlow Youthmud mask. Kaolin has excellent absorption properties, which means this clay can absorb excess oil from the pores and help to reduce shine.

According to a publication in the journal International Geology Review, “The high adsorption and absorption capacities, cation exchange capacity, as well as the extremely fine particle size of certain clays, e.g. smectites (expandable clay minerals) and kaolin group minerals are important reasons why these minerals are used to remove oils, secretions, toxins, and contaminants from the skin.”

Similarly, the activated charcoal that’s used in the GlamGlow mask formulations works by trapping toxins and impurities in its millions of tiny pores. Rather than absorbing the toxins, however, activated charcoal works through adsorption (the chemical reaction where elements bind to a surface). Thus, activated charcoal helps to purify and detox the skin.

While there are beneficial key ingredients used in GlamGlow products, we did notice that some product formulations contain ingredients that could be potentially harmful. For example, both the GlamGlow Super Toner and GlamGlow Gravity Mud Mask contain a very high concentration of denatured alcohol. So why is this a problem? Let’s take a closer look at what high amounts of denatured alcohol will do to your skin.

The problem with this type of alcohol is that, at first, it seems like it’s benefitting the skin. Initially, alcohol gives products a quick-drying finish, immediately degreases the skin, and imparts a weightless feel. This is why you’ll notice that GlamGlow Super Toner really does reduce excess oil on your skin. But not in a healthy way!

The immediate de-greasing effects of alcohol-based products can actually stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more oil, causing skin to look even more shiny and oily than it was before. This excessive oil production combined with the possible irritation that denatured alcohol can cause may lead to an increase in acne breakouts.

Another major problem with using high concentrations of denatured alcohol is that this ingredient is well known to cause skin dryness, irritation, and even disruption of the skin barrier. According to a publication in the journal BBA Biomembranes., alcohol disrupts the lipids that make up the stratum corneum (the outermost layer of skin). While alcohol may provide short term benefits, it’s not doing your skin any good in the long run.

Lastly, keep in mind that nearly all GlamGlow products contain synthetic fragrance ingredients. While these fragrance ingredients do make the products smell nice, they can be a problem because the brand can use a proprietary blend of chemicals to create the fragrance, and they do not have to disclose which chemicals they use on the label. They are allowed to list this blend as “Fragrance (Parfum)” on the ingredient list.

A 2018 study by Women’s Voices for the Earth discovered that in over 3,000 chemicals reportedly used for fragrances, 1,242 were chemicals of concern – and that included at least 7 possible carcinogenic (cancer-causing) agents. Fragrance ingredients also have the potential to cause skin irritation and sensitivity.

Where to Buy GlamGlow Products?

GlamGlow products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as several third party online retailers, such as Sephora, Amazon, Nordstrom, LovelySkin, and many more.

Is GlamGlow Cruelty Free?

No, GlamGlow is not cruelty free because GlamGlow products are sold in mainland China where animal testing is required by law. The brand’s animal testing policy states, “We do not test our products on animals, nor do we ask others to conduct animal testing on our behalf, except when required by law.”

Our Verdict

Overall, we think that most GlamGlow products are formulated well, but we would recommend avoiding the products that contain high concentrations of denatured alcohol.

Pros

  • GlamGlow products contain beneficial key ingredients (AHAs, salicylic acid, shea butter, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, etc)
  • Many positive GlamGlow reviews

Cons

  • GlamGlow is not cruelty free
  • Nearly all products contain synthetic fragrance ingredients
  • Some products (like GlamGlow Super Toner and GlamGlow Gravity Mask) contain very high concentrations of denatured alcohol
  • Some GlamGlow reviews mention adverse reactions to the Supermud Mask

References:
Int Geol Rev. 2010 Jul 1; 52(7/8): 745–770.
BBA Biomembranes, May 2012, pages 1410-1419
Women’s Voices for the Earth “Unpacking The Fragrance Industry” 2018

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  • Bryttani Original review: Feb 24, 2018. Reply

    I absolutely love this mask, but it cost way to much!! I received the trial size super mud and mega illuminating moisturizer for my birthday (if your a beauty insider at Sephora) I loved It so much I went to purchase it online but it’s nearly 60 dollars!! And the container isn’t even that big. I’m so disappointed because that’s a shit ton of money for a face mask that you can’t even use often. As a mom with a budget that is just too much. Eyeshadow pallets are cheaper than this mask and you get more use out of those. It does work but so does the tooface masks for 30$ drop your outragouse prices and more people would be willing to purchase these awesome masks.

  • Zasha Original review: Feb 22, 2017. Reply

    It’s great so far ?, I just purchased this product last week. And yes it’s a bit overpriced.

  • Angie Original review: Feb 20, 2017. Reply

    I have been purchasing the glam glow products for a few almost a year AND WHOA!!!!!!!!!!! i have NOT been able to find not one product out – including the Pro-Active (which broke my skin out worst) that has worked magnificently as this!!!!! In just two applications all of the break out and dis-coloration almost disappears overnight. My skin is more vibrant – clear and healthy looking. Normally I am a serious bargain shopper on everything & i do mean everything BUT with glam glow in my opinion it’s WORTH EVERY CENT!!!!!

    Every time I try to go without this product my skin breaks out but as soon as i go right back to it MAGICALLY!!!!!!! my skin is clear within a weeks time. I will continue with this product!!!!!!!!!

  • Alli Original review: Aug 19, 2015. Reply

    I purchased the pore detoxifying mask and used it while I was in the midst of the worst breakout I’ve ever experienced woke up the next morning to visibly tighter and firmer skin and a huge huge improvement in blackheads, active pimples, and even my cystic bumps as well. This was a miracle for me and I will definitely be repurchasing. My skin is oily in the t zone and sensitive and dry in the cheek are .

  • Anonymous Original review: Dec 08, 2013. Reply

    I bought Glamglow Super Mud last month as a friend has been raving about it. I have used it twice even though you are suppose to use it once per week. I found it to be a good product but definitely not worth the price they are charging for this as it was comparable to cheaper products. I probably wont tell my friend this as she is a big fan and would think I did not appreciate her suggestion.

  • Gillian Original review: Dec 02, 2013. Reply

    The only GlamGlow product I like is GlamGlow BRIGHTMUD Eye Treatment. This product helps with dark circles, puffiness and tired eyes. You only need to leave it on for a few minutes and it extracts all the toxins that build up. I have found that it does reduce puffiness by not dark circles. I’ve tried all the other GlamGlow masks and only like this one.

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    Glamglow Super Serum Review

    GlamGlow Super Serum is a silky skin-plumping and exfoliating serum that is said to dissolve dull surface cells and minimize the appearance of fine lines for instantly smooth, radiant skin. This serum features the Super Six Acid Blend, which is a high-potency complex of AHAs, BHA, and PHA. The AHAs include glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and tartaric acid. AHAs exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the stratum corneum) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, more radiant skin.

    GlamGlow Super Serum also contains salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by softening and dissolving keratin, a protein found in the skin that acts as a “glue” to keep cells together. This allows salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and slough off dead skin cells. Salicylic acid also has the ability to penetrate deep into pores, where it helps to loosen clogs and allows oil to flow out more freely. Thus, salicylic acid is known to break down blackheads and whiteheads. Lastly, there are several hydrating ingredients in GlamGlow Super Serum, such as sodium hyaluronate, algae extract, and shea butter.
    INGREDIENTS

    GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer Review

    The GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer was designed for those who are looking for something with a little bit extra. Unlike other moisturizers on the market, this product was formulated for daytime use as both a moisturizer as well as a skin perfector. Available in three shades, nude glow, pearl glow, and sun glow, these slightly shimmering colors help to defuse light and create a more even looking skin surface. While pearl particles work to great a canvas for makeup application, a blend of jojoba, shea butter and ceramides help to nourish, protect, hydrate and soften the surface of the skin. This combination helps to improve the appearance of your skin both instantly as well as overtime so that your skin looking healthy, calm and luminous.
    INGREDIENTS

    Glamglow Starpotion Review

    The GlamGlow Starpotion, also known as the StarPotion Liquid Charcoal Clarifying Oil combines the active ingredients of a serum with the skin softening nourishment of an oil to create a unique hybrid product. Starting off with the base of this formula, this product contains easy to use oils like sunflower seed oil, which act as emollients. In tandem with these ingredients, the formula also includes charcoal, vitamin C, and salicylic acid, as well as aloe vera and turmeric. These ingredients work together to minimize the inflammation associated with acne breakouts, as well as speed up the healing process of different types of acne, so that you wake up with clearer, happier and healthier looking skin by the next morning.
    INGREDIENTS

    Glamglow Waterburst Review

    The GlamGlow WaterBurst Moisturizer was designed to serve as a weightless, instantly absorbing water gel cream. Using moisture-lock technology, this product releases skin-quenching water drops on contact with the skin in order to provide crucial hydration for up to 72 hours. With this type of technology, this product is able to balance moisture levels within the skin so that you feel comfortable and look effortlessly healthy and nourished all day. The formula behind this product includes a triple hyaluronic acid complex which are capable of holding up to 1000 times their weight in water while occlusives seal everything in. In addition to hyaluronic acid technology, this product also includes blue nymph lily extract TEAOXI complex, which is a rare flower blend that helps to quench dry and dehydrated skin in order to create that supple, youthful and radiant looking glow.
    INGREDIENTS

    GlamGlow Gentlebubble Cleanser Review

    The GlamGlow Gentlebubble Cleanser was designed to offer the ultimate in a comforting, yet efficient facial cleanser. This product uses a gentle gel-like formula with a conditioning base and a few safe surfactants in order to cleanse without over-stripping the skin. Looking a little bit further into the ingredients list, some of the key features include Teaoxi® green tea leaf, oat amino acids and apple extracts. Starting with Teaoxi green tea leaf, this unique antioxidant formula pairs botanical extracts with essential vitamins to minimize environmental damage and protect the skin from external stressors. Oat Amino Acids work to condition the skin while apple extracts round out the formula by cleansing the skin and removing any traces of left over makeup, dirt, debri and excess sebum that may have accumulated without the day.
    INGREDIENTS

    Glamglow Super Toner Exfoliating Acid Solution Review

    GlamGlow SUPERTONER Exfoliating Acid Solution is a pore-clarifying exfoliating acid toner designed to unclog pores, remove dead surface cells in one sweep, and promote a clarified complexion. It is recommended for those with oily and combination skin types. Unfortunately, GlamGlow SUPERTONER Exfoliating Acid Solution has the potential to actually cause signs of aging and excessive oil production due to its very high concentration of denatured alcohol. In fact, denatured alcohol is the second highest concentration ingredient in this formula after water. Denatured alcohol is well known to cause skin dryness, irritation, and even disruption of the skin barrier, especially when used in high concentrations. For those with oily skin, denatured alcohol may seem to be beneficial because it immediately degreases skin. However, stripping your skin of its natural oils can actually lead to increased oil production to compensate for the dryness, which counteracts the immediate degreasing and makes your skin look more oily and shiny than before.

    Despite the high concentration of denatured alcohol, GlamGlow SUPERTONER Exfoliating Acid Solution does contain a good combination of exfoliating acids, such as the alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) glycolic, lactic, mandelic, pyruvic, and tartaric acid. AHAs exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells that make up the stratum corneum) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, more radiant skin. GlamGlow SUPERTONER Exfoliating Acid Solution also contains salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by softening and dissolving keratin, a protein found in the skin that acts as a “glue” to keep cells together. This allows salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin and slough off dead skin cells. Salicylic acid also has the ability to penetrate deep into pores, where it helps to loosen clogs and allows oil to flow out more freely. Thus, salicylic acid is known to break down blackheads and whiteheads.

    INGREDIENTS

    Glamglow Plumprageous Lip Treatment Review

    If you’re looking for a more intense lip treatment that noticeably plumps the lips just moments after application, you may want to look out for the GlamGlow Plumprageous Lip Treatment. This product was developed as a two-in-one treatment that works to plump the lips as well as prime them for lipstick, lip stains or other lip products. Unlike other products on the market, the GlamGlow Plumrageous Lip Treatment is completely matte, so it works well underneath other lip products regardless of their finish. This differentiates this product from others on the market, which typically offer a gloss-like finish, thicker texture and a range of mostly pink-based shades. The only thing that might be a negative, depending on your skin type, is that this product is quite powerful. These can lead to great results and a noticeable difference in fullness, but it can also be a bit too much, leading to a tingly or burning sensation. This sensation should die down after the first few moments after application, but if you notice that this sensation isn’t diminishing, this product may be too strong for you to use everyday.
    INGREDIENTS

    GlamGlow Flashmud Brightening Treatment Review

    Radiance isn’t impossible, the GlamGlow Flashmud Brightening Treatment sees to that! Skin care routines can be easy, but they can also be difficult to get down. If you’re struggling with any kind of skin concern, from dry patches to excess oil, sometimes it’s hard to know what your skin really needs. Healthy skin doesn’t have to be hard work, but it just takes time and patience. With a world of skin care products just a swipe of the card or click of the finger away, maybe you’ve just got too much choice?
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    Glamglow Supermud

    GLAMGLOW has been helping consumers achieve hydrated, smooth, and clear skin since 2011. Since then, the brand has spread globally and is now found in 86 countries and over 6,000 retail stores. The company may be known for its GLAMGLOW face mask line, but they also create cleansers, moisturizers, and lip treatments, including GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD, GRAVITYMUD, PLUMPRAGEOUS, and a sparkly glitter face mask treatment.

    Using GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD

    SUPERMUD is a GLAMGLOW mask that’s mainly used to clear blemishes and keep skin acne-free as well as minimize scars and redness. The mask removes dirt from pores and tightens them, keeping oil out of pores and reducing the chance of blemishes occurring. Anyone can use SUPERMUD, whether you have oily, normal, or combination skin. After one use, GLAMGLOW claims that users will notice a visible difference in how skin looks and feels, and lasting results with continued use of SUPERMUD. SUPERMUD can also be used as a blemish spot treatment as well as an allover mask.

    The mask comes in two sizes, a 1.7 oz. jar and a larger 3.4 0z tube. SUPERMUD is a thick, gray substance that actually looks and feels like cool mud, refreshing and revitalizing the skin and leaving behind a crisp mint scent. Use your fingers or a GLAMGLOW applicator brush to apply the mask in a thin layer to the skin. Avoid getting SUPERMUD too close to your eyes or eye area. Once the mask goes on, it dries, tightening the pores and firming the skin. You can leave the mask on anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. SUPERMUD can be safely used up to three times a week.
    INGREDIENTS
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