If you’re craving smooth, glowing skin, Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial is a must-buy. This vegan, cruelty-free scrub combines bamboo, volcanic ash, and six AHAs to buff away dullness and reveal a radiant complexion. I’ve seen my skin transform, and you’ll love the spa-like results at home. At around $30, it’s an affordable, clean beauty gem that delivers. Don’t sleep on this—grab a jar and treat your skin to the glow it deserves. You’ll be hooked!
My Experience with Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial

My skin and I have had a complicated relationship. Living in a dry climate, my face often feels like a patchwork of dull, flaky patches and oily zones. I’d tried countless exfoliants, but most were either too harsh, leaving my skin red and raw, or too weak to make a difference. Then I discovered Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial, and let me tell you, it’s been a revelation. The promise of six alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) plus physical exfoliants like bamboo and volcanic ash had me intrigued, and at $30, it was worth a try.
The first time I used it, I was smitten with the creamy texture and subtle citrusy scent—fresh without being overpowering. I massaged a small scoop (love the tiny wooden spoon it comes with) onto damp skin, using gentle circular motions as directed. The fine bamboo grains felt just right—not abrasive, but effective. I left it on for three minutes, enjoying the slight tingle from the AHAs, then rinsed. My skin? Baby-smooth and glowing, like I’d just left a spa. After a month of using it twice weekly, my texture was noticeably refined, and those stubborn dry patches were history. Even my pores looked smaller, and my makeup applied like a dream. This scrub’s a keeper in my routine.
What Makes This Scrub Shine
Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial is a dual-action exfoliator that’s as gentle as it is powerful. It blends physical exfoliants—bamboo extract and volcanic ash—with a fruit acid complex delivering five AHAs (lactic, glycolic, citric, malic, and tartaric) plus mandelic acid for chemical exfoliation. This combo buffs away dead skin while dissolving dullness, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion. Probiotics soothe sensitive skin, while hyaluronic acid and vegan squalane lock in moisture. Green tea, licorice, and calendula extracts add antioxidant and calming benefits. Vegan, cruelty-free, and free of parabens and synthetic fragrances, it’s a clean beauty star for all skin types, used up to twice weekly for spa-like results at home.
Maintenance Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Scrub

- Use on Damp Skin: I massage it onto slightly damp skin for optimal texture. Too wet, and it slides off; too dry, and it’s hard to spread. Pat your face after cleansing for the sweet spot.
- Stick to Twice Weekly: Overusing can irritate, so I use it once or twice a week, as recommended. This keeps my skin happy without overloading it with AHAs or physical exfoliants.
- Leave On for Three Minutes: Let it sit for three minutes before rinsing to let the AHAs work their magic. I use this time to brush my teeth, making it an easy step.
- Follow with Moisturizer: Post-scrub, I slather on a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture. The exfoliation can make skin thirsty, so this step prevents tightness or flaking.
- Apply Sunscreen Daily: AHAs make skin sun-sensitive, so I never skip broad-spectrum SPF 30 in the morning. It protects my fresh, glowing skin from UV damage and discoloration.
- Patch Test First: If you’re sensitive, test a small amount on your jawline. I had no issues, but a 24-hour patch test ensures your skin loves it as much as mine does.
Pros and Cons of Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial

Pros:
- Smooths Skin Instantly: After one use, my skin felt like silk. The bamboo and volcanic ash gently polish away roughness, while AHAs refine texture, leaving my face soft and touchable every time.
- Brightens Dull Complexion: My lackluster skin got a serious glow-up. The fruit acid complex and mandelic acid fade discoloration and boost radiance, making me look like I actually get enough sleep.
- Gentle for Sensitive Skin: Despite my reactive skin, this scrub never irritates. Probiotics and calendula keep redness at bay, making it a rare exfoliant that doesn’t leave me blotchy or raw.
- Hydrates While Exfoliating: Hyaluronic acid and squalane ensure my skin stays moisturized, not stripped. Unlike harsh scrubs, this leaves my face plump and dewy, even in dry weather.
- Eco-Friendly and Affordable: At $30, it’s a steal for clean, vegan skincare. Mad Hippie’s sustainable packaging and $1 donation per web sale to conservation make me feel good about my purchase.
Cons:
- Small Jar Size: The 2.1-ounce jar runs out faster than I’d like, especially if you’re generous with application. A larger size would save me from frequent repurchasing, which adds up.
- Slight Tingling May Unsettle: The AHAs cause a mild tingle, which I enjoy, but it might feel intense for super-sensitive skin. If you’re not used to chemical exfoliants, start slow.
- Slimy on Wet Skin: If your face is too wet, the scrub can feel a bit slippery, making it less effective. I learned to pat my skin to damp, not dripping, for best results.
- Not for Daily Use: Limited to twice weekly, it’s not a daily fix. My skin craves exfoliation more often, so I pair it with a gentler cleanser on other days.
- Scoop Can Be Messy: The wooden scoop is cute but can get product stuck in it, leading to waste. I sometimes use clean fingers to avoid losing precious scrub.
Also Read: My Thoughts On RoC Fill + Treat Serum
Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial Vs. Other Brands
- Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial Vs. Derma E Microdermabrasion Scrub
Derma E’s Microdermabrasion Scrub, at $25, uses kaolin clay and pumice for physical exfoliation, with citrus oils for a refreshing scent. It’s effective but feels rougher than Mad Hippie’s fine bamboo grains. Mad Hippie’s AHAs and probiotics offer deeper exfoliation and soothing benefits, while Derma E focuses more on oil control. My skin felt smoother with Mad Hippie, and its clean formula aligns better with my values. Derma E’s a solid budget pick, but Mad Hippie’s dual-action approach and gentler feel make it my favorite.
- Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial Vs. Herbivore Blue Tansy Resurfacing Mask
Herbivore’s Blue Tansy Mask, around $48, leans on fruit enzymes and BHA for chemical exfoliation, with no physical grains. It’s gentler for sensitive skin but less effective for my textured patches than Mad Hippie’s bamboo and AHA combo. Mad Hippie’s probiotics and hyaluronic acid hydrate better, while Herbivore’s oily finish didn’t suit my combo skin. If you prefer enzyme-based exfoliation, Herbivore’s great, but Mad Hippie’s versatility and glow-giving power keep it in my routine.
- Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial Vs. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel
Paula’s Choice 8% AHA Gel, at $34, is a leave-on chemical exfoliant with glycolic acid, no physical scrub. It’s smoother to apply but lacks Mad Hippie’s instant buffing. Mad Hippie’s volcanic ash and probiotics add a soothing, spa-like touch Paula’s misses. My skin glowed with both, but Mad Hippie’s dual exfoliation tackles dullness faster. For daily use, Paula’s is easier, but Mad Hippie’s at-home dermabrasion vibe wins for weekly treatments.
- Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial Vs. Youth to the People Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial
Youth to the People’s Yerba Mate Facial, $54, uses enzymes and micro-exfoliants for a quick one-minute treatment. It’s less intense than Mad Hippie’s AHA-heavy formula, suiting daily use but offering less dramatic results. Mad Hippie’s bamboo and volcanic ash give a deeper scrub, and its probiotics calm my skin better. Youth to the People feels luxe, but Mad Hippie’s affordability and spa-like glow make it my pick for budget-conscious glow-seekers.
- Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial Vs. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Drunk Elephant’s Babyfacial, at $80, is a potent AHA/BHA mask for weekly use, with no physical exfoliants. It’s stronger than Mad Hippie, sometimes too much for my skin, causing redness. Mad Hippie’s bamboo and probiotics balance exfoliation with comfort, and its lower price is a win. Babyfacial’s a splurge for advanced users, but Mad Hippie’s gentle, dual-action formula suits my combo skin better for regular use.
Also Read: My Thoughts On Trader Joe’s Retinol Night Serum
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Apply 2-4 drops to clean skin, morning or night, massaging gently. I use it after cleansing, waiting a minute before adding moisturizer or sunscreen (for AM). Pair it with Mad Hippie’s Vitamin C Serum, but skip AHAs in the same routine to avoid irritation. Slightly damp skin boosts absorption, and a small amount prevents pilling.
Yes, peptides like those in Mad Hippie’s serum boost collagen, reducing wrinkles and firming skin. I saw smoother, tighter skin after 6 weeks. Research backs peptides like Matrixyl for anti-aging, though results take time. Daily use is key for noticeable lifting and hydration.
Totally. Mad Hippie’s products, like this scrub and peptide serum, target fine lines, dullness, and sagging, ideal for mature skin. At 40, I’ve seen brighter, firmer skin. It’s gentle enough for all ages but excels for 30+ users fighting early aging signs or texture issues.
Use it daily, preferably mornings, for brightening and antioxidant protection. I apply it before peptide serum for max benefits. If new to vitamin C, start every other day to avoid sensitivity, then go daily. Nighttime’s fine, but AM use shields skin from environmental stress better.
Final Thoughts
Mad Hippie Microdermabrasion Facial is your ticket to smoother, brighter skin without the spa price tag. It’s transformed my dull, textured face into a radiant canvas, and I’m betting it’ll do the same for you. With clean, vegan ingredients and a glow that turns heads, it’s a no-brainer. Grab a jar, exfoliate twice weekly, and watch your skin shine. You’ll wonder how you lived without it!