GLW Insider Reviews: ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey Mask

Welcome to GLW Insiders! We put the best-selling ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey Mask to the test with our GLW Insiders — and their honest month-long feedback did not disappoint!

Based of the reviews from the Insiders, the ACTIVIST Mānuka Honey Mask was seen as:

• Highly effective as a face mask – best results seen with hydration, glow, and smoothness
• Deeply hydrating – helps with dry, flaky, and winter-stressed skin
• Boosts glow and radiance – often noticeable immediately and improves over time
• Soothes skin – reduces redness, irritation, and inflammation
• Supports acne-prone skin – helps calm breakouts but not a primary acne treatment
• Easy to use & versatile – can be used as mask, cleanser, or spot treatment
• Feels natural and pleasant – honey scent, rich texture, enjoyable self-care experience
• Face wash = mixed reviews – lack of foam makes it feel less effective as a cleanser
• Spot treatment = inconsistent results
• Minor downsides – sticky texture, occasional messiness

Best for: hydration, glow, and skin barrier support!

Overall: simple, effective, and a strong addition to a skincare routine when used consistently!

Below are the reviews of each Insider:

LISA

Getting started

I had my eye out on this thoughtfully crafted manuka honey face mask for a while now. The packaging is clean and minimalistic which i love. I appreciate that the instructions on how to use the product is easy to read and understand plus i love that you can use this as a mask, a gentle cleanser and spot treatment.

When i saw that for the month of febuary the product was the Activist manuka honey mask, i tried my luck and applied and i was so grateful that i got the opportunity to revoew this amazing product.

I have normal to dry skin especially since being postpartum i feel like my skin was more dry than usual mind you winter doesnt help. I knew already how manuka honey has amazing healing proprities so i was eager to try it. I was hoping that this mask would help to hydrate my skin, eliminate my dry flaky skin around my nose, eyebrows and forhead. I want my skin to look healthy.

Early use 1-2 week

When i used the mask for the first time, i was surprised what it really looked, smelled and felt like real manuka honey. It smells delicious.

My goal was to use it 1-2 times a week as a face mask and when i felt my skin needed a little bit extra hydration i would also use it as a face cleanser.

After the first use, i already felt my skin so smooth and hydrated. It eliminated my flaky skin around my nose, around my eyesbrows and forehead and felt my skin less irritated which i was so happy about and that made me want to use it more.

Make sure that your hair is in a clip or headband because it is honey so it’s sticky and you dont want you hair to stick to your face just an fyi!

Midpoint check in (week 2-3)

After the first week or so i felt my skin smoother after washing off the mask but then my dryness/flaky skin would reappear after 2-3 days but as of week 3 i felt like my skin was truly more hydrated and looked so much more healthier, glowy and didnt have much flakiness anymore.

I even felt like my redness reduced from when i started at the beginning of the month.

I have been applying this mask 1-2 a week and using it as my face cleanswer twice a week. I felt the difference when i incorporated it as a face cleanser aswell in regarding my areas that are more dry.

Already at this point i knew i loved this product because it really helped with my dryness and the fact that my skin looked smooth and healthy made me so happy. Just for making me feel that way i would for sure recommend this face mask.

Final check in (week 4)

After being consistent with the product for the whole month, I feel like the Activist manuka honey face mask gave me exaclty what i was hoping for and more. My skin feels hydrated, glowy, smooth and gave me back the plumpness and radiance that i havent had for a while.

The added bonus for me is that i feel like my redness also reduced ,the itchiness disappeared and I feel like my skin has more moisture retention throughout the day.

I am eager to continu using this mask and see how much better my skin will feel. This mask definitely became a staple in my skincare and will be replenishing when i finish it.

Final thoughts

I strongly recommend this facemask to everybody that just wants to give a little extra boost to their skin especially in our harsh winters. You will feel hydrated and your skin will feel so smooth.

Documenting a process was new to me but I’m so glad I did because now looking back at pictures you can see the difference and see the glow that the Manuka honey face mask gave me when you compare the first and last picture.

Yes, during the process, I felt like my skin was more hydrated, smooth and the flakiness disappeared but what I didn’t expect to see in the pictures was my redness, diminishing, and the radiance/ healthy glow you see. I am very happy with the results.

PAULINA

Getting started

The mask arrived beautifully packaged.

At a first glance I thought is was going to be way too sticky on my face but I was pleasantly suprised. The mask does not feel sticky at all and glides on perfectly.

I wanted to try the Activist Manuka honey mask because I needed to hydrate my skin. In the winter time is skin is constantly dry and flaky to the point where my makeup literally cracks.

Week 1-2

Incorporating the Activist Manuka honey mask has been very easy the days I didn’t have time to leave it on for 20 -30 minutes I used it as my face wash.

Right after the first use I noticed my skin was moisturized and glowing.

My favorite part of using the mask is that my makeup finally looks good because my skin is not dry anymore.

No challenges or bad side effects.

Week 2-3

The mask changed my skin from dull and dry to hydrated and glowing. My skin feels alive again!

I have been very consistent with using the mask.

I used it 3 times a week as a mask and all other days a face wash.

I definitely recommend the mask to my friends!

Amazing product!

Week 4

After the 30 days of using the mask my skin has transformed.

It exceeded my expectations.

My makeup has never looked so good and my face feels refreshed.

I am so happy I could have tested this amazing product.

I plan on using this product forever!

To first users my advice would be to not squeeze the container too much or the mask will flow out too much and you don’t want to waste this liquid gold.

Documenting my journey has helped me notice that of my small scars on my cheeks have shrinked. Also I’ve noticed my pores have gotten smaller also.

MICHAELA

Getting Started

My first impression of the packaging was how cute and sleek it looked. It definitely caught my eye right away. The only small downside was that the mask leaked a little from the cap after each use, which could get a bit messy.

What really motivated me to try this product was how versatile it is. I loved that it could be used as a mask, a face wash, or even a spot treatment depending on what your skin needs. For this trial, I mainly used it as a weekly mask.

Going into this, my main concerns were acne and acne scars. I was hoping it would calm my breakouts while also helping improve the overall look and texture of my skin.

Early Use (Weeks 1–2)

It’s been super easy to incorporate into my routine. Since I use it as a mask for 20 to 30 minutes once a week, I can apply it and go about my evening, whether that’s cleaning, answering emails, or just relaxing. It feels effortless rather than time consuming.

The first thing I noticed was how hydrated and smooth my skin felt after rinsing it off and even the next morning. My skin looked refreshed and felt soft without feeling stripped.

So far, my favorite part has been the convenience. It doesn’t require a huge commitment but still feels like a meaningful addition to my routine.

I also haven’t experienced any irritation or side effects, which is always a win when trying something new.

Midpoint Check In (Weeks 2–3)

By this point, I noticed the results were most visible right after using it. Since I’m applying it weekly as a mask, I see the glow and calming effects immediately, especially with redness and inflamed breakouts.

It’s been consistently helping with hydration and calming active acne. After each use, my skin feels more balanced, and I genuinely feel more confident in how it looks.

At this stage, I would absolutely recommend it to a friend. It’s simple, effective, and easy to stick with, which is half the battle when it comes to skincare.

Final Check In (Week 4)

After four weeks, I’ve definitely noticed less inflammation overall. My skin looks calmer, and breakouts don’t feel as angry or irritated.

The product met my expectations, especially in calming my skin and helping reduce acne. What surprised me most was how effective it’s been with just one use per week. You don’t always need an intense daily routine to see results.

I plan to continue using it weekly because it feels sustainable and realistic for my lifestyle.

If I could give advice to someone thinking about trying it, I’d say to have fun with it. Experiment with using it as a mask, cleanser, or spot treatment depending on what your skin needs that week. Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated to work.

Documenting this journey also helped me notice subtle improvements I may have otherwise overlooked. Sometimes the small changes are the most meaningful, you just have to slow down enough to see them.

KILEE

Getting Started

First impressions

1. What were your first impressions of the product (packaging, instructions, ease of use)?

I really appreciated the simple, minimal packaging. Overly elaborate packaging often makes me feel like I’m paying more for marketing than for the product itself, so the clean design was refreshing. The instructions were clear, straightforward, and easy to follow.

The product itself is extremely easy to use, similar to squeezing toothpaste from a tube. It smells wonderful, and since it’s made with honey, the taste is actually really pleasant! The scent isn’t overpowering, and the formula isn’t messy, which makes the overall experience even better.

Motivation

2. What motivated you to try this product?

I was motivated to try this product because I have very dry, sensitive, acne-prone skin that requires gentle but effective care. With winter making my skin even drier than usual, I’ve been looking for products that provide deep hydration and support skin repair.

I’ve also had to move away from many traditional skincare products due to past reactions, and strong fragrances often trigger migraines for me. Because of this, I’m focused on finding gentle, nourishing, non-toxic products that help heal and balance my skin rather than irritate it.

Goals & concerns

3. Do you have any specific goals or concerns you hope this product will address?

My main goal is restoring moisture to my very dry skin while helping support healing and strengthening my skin barrier. I’m looking for products that calm, repair, and bring my skin back to a healthier, more balanced state. Using non-toxic ingredients is also very important to me.

Early Use (Week 1–2)

Routine

1. How easy has it been to incorporate the product into your routine?

It has been incredibly easy especially because I genuinely look forward to using it. After washing my face in the evening, I apply the product and let it sit while I finish some of my nightly tasks like brushing my teeth and getting my kids ready for bed. Then I rinse it off and continue with the rest of my skincare routine. It’s actually become a really nice way to wind down at the end of the day.

2. Have you noticed any immediate changes or effects since starting?

After using the product daily for the past week as both an evening mask and a spot treatment in the morning when needed, my skin definitely feels more moisturized. My acne also appears less inflamed than usual.

3. What has been your favorite part about using the product so far?

The ease of use and how relaxing it feels. It has become a calming and enjoyable addition to my routine.

4. Have you experienced any challenges or side effects?

The only small challenge is making sure not to get it in my hair, because it becomes very sticky.

Midpoint Check-in (Week 2–3)

1. Are you beginning to see or feel any results? Please describe.

My skin definitely feels less dry, and my hormonal breakouts have been noticeably less severe than usual. Existing acne also seems less inflamed.

2. How consistent have you been in using the product?

Very consistent. I’ve used it every day.

3. Have you noticed any changes in how you feel (energy, mood, skin, etc.)?

There haven’t been any dramatic changes. It’s not a miracle product for me, but it has been a very enjoyable experience overall. I look forward to using it, it’s relaxing, smells great, and feels good on my skin.

4. Would you recommend the product to a friend at this point? Why or why not?

Yes, I would recommend it for people to try. Actually I would highly recommend it. It’s a very versatile product with many possible uses. Because it’s natural, multi-purpose, and easy to incorporate into a routine, I think it’s worth trying whether someone wants to use it as a cleanser, gentle exfoliator, or mask.

Final Check-in (Week 4)

1. What results have you noticed after using the product for 30 days?

Overall, the results have remained consistent with what I noticed earlier. My acne has been less inflamed, and I’ve experienced fewer new breakouts than I typically do, especially around my menstrual cycle. My skin also feels less dry and more hydrated overall.

I did experience a fungal acne flare-up that I believe began before starting this product. Normally those flare-ups appear quickly and become very noticeable, but this one progressed much more gradually. I feel the product helped keep it under control. It didn’t completely resolve it, I still needed to use a stronger treatment but it definitely didn’t make it worse and may have helped keep the irritation calmer.

2. Did the product meet your expectations? Why or why not?

Like many people, I’m always hoping to find the miracle product that solves every skin concern. While this didn’t meet those admittedly unrealistic expectations, I did truly enjoy using it and found that it worked well overall.

Another thing I appreciated was how long the product lasts. I used a fairly generous amount every day and still feel like I have about half the tube left, which means it could easily last close to two months. If someone used smaller amounts such as for daily cleansing or occasional masks it could last even longer.

3. What surprised you most about your experience?

Overall, I truly enjoyed using this. I genuinely felt good putting it on my skin. I felt it was nourishing, protecting, hydrating and polishing. A must have product. In addition, the longevity of the product surprised me the most. I’m usually hesitant to spend close to $100 on a skincare item, but when it lasts longer than a month and is something I genuinely enjoy using, it feels much more worthwhile.

4. Do you plan to continue using the product after this month?

Absolutely.

5. What advice would you give someone thinking of trying this product?

Definitely give it a try and explore the different ways it can be used. Its versatility makes it easy to experiment with—as a cleanser, mask, or gentle treatment—so there are many ways to incorporate it into your routine.

6. Has documenting your journey helped you notice things you otherwise might not have?

It didn’t necessarily make me notice new things, but it did encourage me to think more intentionally about why I liked or didn’t like certain aspects of the product. It also helped motivate me to stay more consistent with using it.

NICOLE

It’s legit Manuka honey – smell, texture, everything, makes you wanna eat it lol

Spot treatment – loved it for incoming zit situation

Mask – amazing (especially few days post Microneedling)

Face wash – It doesn’t foam or anything so didn’t feel like it was actually cleaning my skin

Getting started

• Packaging is minimalist and straight to the point; just like the (one) ingredient list: pure Mānuka honey. Instructions are also clear, offering three options: spot treatment, face wash and mask

• What sparked my interest with this product was scar appearance reduction, hydration and cellular damage repair.

• My goals with the product is: scar reduction + skin regeneration (GLW baby

Early use (Week 1-2)

• Incorporating product in my routine is quite easy; one mask + 2-3 face washes per week

• First thing I noticed was immediately GLOWING when I rinse mask off, like wow.

• Fave part is how thick/rich this product is and bonus is the Mānuka honey smell! Yum

• No challenges or side effects to note here

Midpoint check-in (Week 2-3)

• I feel like it’s been a great addition to my microneedling healing and definitely contributing to such a beautiful glow!

• Been using it 1x week as mask and 1x as face wash (not my fave as face wash as it doesn’t foam – so it’s ok but not wow for that purpose, personally.)

• Definitely feeling GLWY

• I would 100% recommend for face mask purposes because it works beautifully but no go for face wash. Haven’t used it as spot treatment yet so tbd.

Final check-in (Week 4)

• After 4 weeks usage I can definitely confirm that this product gives a serious glow with mask usage as that’s what I mainly used it as. I did use as spot treatment this week for a small zit to be situation and it didn’t do much quite frankly.

• As for mask purposes it definitely met my expectations and beyond but that’s it. Not my thing for spot treatment nor wash.

• What surprised me most is the fact that it’s legit one ingredient: MĀNUKA HONEY only and yet so powerful. It smells so yummy btw

• I will definitely continue to use this product as weekly or biweekly mask

• I would 100% recommend to give this a try to restore glow and simply feel good/self care. Also FYI it’s pretty sticky as it’s honey lol

• Documenting my weekly journey has helped me keep track of visible (even smallest) changes and notice evolution in pics.

INGRID

Getting started

My first impression was that the packaging looked beautiful and clean. I really liked the aesthetic right away. The only downside with aluminum containers is that it can be a little difficult to get all of the product out, so I would recommend having a tube squeezer to make sure nothing goes to waste. The instructions were very clear, easy to read, and simple to follow, which made the product very straightforward to use.

Canadian winters can be extremely harsh on our skin. The cold weather and indoor heating leave my skin feeling dry and dull. My goal was to revive my skin’s brightness and improve its overall glow so that I could feel confident wearing less makeup.

I was mainly hoping the mask would help restore hydration and bring back a natural glow to my skin. I also wanted something gentle that could smooth and nourish my skin while helping it look healthier and more radiant overall.

Week 1

I’ve been using it every night as a cleanser, and I can honestly tell it’s helping my skin feel softer, and more . I’ve noticed my complexion looking more smooth and hydrated. My skin also feels calmer and more balanced, which is a big win for me.

Week 2

This week, I used it as a mask three times, leaving a day in between each use. I noticed that my pores looked cleaner, and my moisturizer absorbed much better. As a result, my skin stayed hydrated for longer throughout the day.

Week 3

I almost fell off the wagon because my skin was looking so much better. But that’s the trap — it works because you’re using it. So I stayed consistent. This week, I went back to using it as a cleanser, and my skin continued to feel clean, smooth, and balanced. Consistency really is key

Week 4

By Week 4, this product officially became part of my routine. My skin looked consistently clearer, smoother, and more hydrated. I also noticed my glow lasting throughout the day, and my skin felt healthier overall. At this point, it wasn’t just a quick result. It felt like real skin improvement.

I love that it’s versatile and easy to incorporate into any routine. Whether you use it as a cleanser or a mask, it delivers results.

I definitely recommend this to everyone looking to improve their skin gently but effectively. This one is staying in my skincare routine for sure