The Ingredients: Breakout Fighting Ingredients
With two key acne-fighting ingredientssalicylic acid and sulfur and soothing ingredient calamine this spot treatment is ready to take care of surface breakouts. For starters, salicylic acid is a BHA that penetrates the skin breaking up and dissolving dead skin cells. While the BHA breaks up the gunk under the skin, sulfur dries out blemishes, fights bacteria, and promotes exfoliation. Finally, calamine soothes.
“The drying lotion contains salicylic acid which helps dry up acne and sulfur and zinc which are both anti-inflammatory and take the redness out,” says Rabach. “However, if used on a big surface area of the face, it can lead to flaking and increased sensitivity.”
What Is The Price Point For Mario Badescu Products
Unlike some competitors, Mario Badescu surprises customers with affordable price tags. They can be found in department stores and boutiques around the nation, sold within a moderate price range.
For example, the highly popular Vitamin C Serum retails at $45 while the Seaweed Night Cream is only $22.
Travel-sized or trial-sized bottles can be bought for even less.
EDITOR’S TIP:
About My Skin: Balanced But Can Break Out
My complexion is generally pretty balanced, but it can have diva-like tendencies when Im not looking after it. Things like shine, breakouts, and uneven tone are what Im usually trying to correct via skincarethose and the occasional bout of dehydration.
Ive always leaned on chemical exfoliants to keep my skin as clear and even as possible, but I always err on the side of caution . Thats why an exfoliating cleanser is a nice middle groundtheyre not as intense as a leave-on formula.
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What Ingredients Are Used In These Products
Many products use botanical or plant-based ingredients. This includes products powered by aloe, Lavender Essential Water, and Lavender Oil. These can all be found in the Witch Hazel and Lavender Toner.
The popular Mario Badescu lip balm includes shea butter, coconut oil, cocoa butter, antioxidant Vitamin E, and Sweet Almond Oil.
Ground seeds from the Ecuadorian ivory palm, aloe vera, ginkgo, ginger, coconut, and green tea extract are used to create the Botanical Exfoliating Scrub.
The Results: Stayed On Overnight And Shrunk My Active Whiteheads

I applied a few dots of lotion to my blemishes after completing my nightly routine. Because I use retinol at night, I skipped it on the areas I was spot treating. When I woke up the next morning, there was a little hint of pink on my pillow. I am a wild sleeper, which is probably why I woke up to subtle pink residue, but the spot treatment was still intact.
As someone who has tried many products, I don’t believe in overnight skincare miracles. However, I believe in treatments that make the skin better over time, and this is one of them. Did my pimples magically disappear overnight? No. But, my spots were much smaller and a lot less irritated. That is a double-win in my book.
To coincide with this spot treatment, board-certified dermatologist Morgan Rabach recommends benzoyl peroxide washes and Alpha Hydroxy Acids which will help take out dark spots leftover from acne.
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The Value: Not Too Bad
Value-wise, Mario Badescu is always pretty reasonable. This cleanser is $16 for 6 oz., and if you use it properly, even a small amount of product is effective. And if you want to rely on it as your sole means of exfoliation , I think the cost per use is great. Compared to other exfoliating cleansers on the market, it’s definitely on the more accessible end of the spectrum as well.
What Are Some Alternatives To Mario Badescu
There are many alternatives to Mario Badescu products in the market. Brands that can be used in place of this skincare line are
Dr. Perricone MD products under this brand take a holistic approach to provide its clients with daily skincare. And apart from topical creams, Dr. Perricone MD advocates for clean diet plans as reinforcement to the working of its products.
Pai Skincare this brand takes into account issues faced by those with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. Pai skincare has an extensive line of products for every skincare problem.
Clinique this is another good alternative to Mario Badescu. This company takes a clinical approach to its beauty solutions. It sells skincare products, treatments, makeup, fragrance, and mens line. Products under this brand also feature popular ingredients like argireline, hydroxy acids, peptides, and retinol that have scientific backing for their use.
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What Is The Mario Badescu Return Policy
The Mario Badescu return policy states, At Mario Badescu, we work hard to ensure that youre using the absolute best products for your hair and skin. However, we want to be certain that you are completely satisfied with your purchase. As such, we have a 30-day money back guarantee on our entire line of products purchased on MarioBadescu.com or in the Mario Badescu Skin Care Salon.
Is Mario Badescu Cruelty
So heres the good news: these products are indeed cruelty-free, as neither the brand nor any third-party affiliates test them on animals. But this Mario Badescu review does need to inform you that that is pretty much the only major concession that the brand has made to the new consciousness about clean and ethical products.
At least Mario Badescu is upfront about this: on its FAQ page, it plainly states that its products are not organic, and that it only has a limited selection of items that could be considered vegan or gluten-free. It also helpfully offers to assist customers identify these items in its product line, so theres that.
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Do Mario Badescu Products Work
While Mario Badescu reviews can help you decide if this brand is right for you, keep in mind that the Mario Badescu skin care products react differently for everyone.
What fits one personâs needs might not work for another, especially if the two users have different skin types. Instead, be ready for some trial and error as you test out new products.
Overview Of Mario Badescu
Following the founders passing in 1983, the Mario Badescu brand and salon was acquired by Morise Cabasso, who has continued to operate it as a family business to this day. The companys headquarters is now located in Edison, New Jersey, while the famed Mario Badescu skincare salon and spa continues to welcome visitors in New York City.
As you can see, this brand has come a long way from its origins as a household businessbut has it held up to its high-quality standards after half a century? This Mario Badescu review will give you the skinny on that below, beginning with some of the top-line highlights of the brand.
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What If Im Not Ready To Commit
Everyone has spent time trying to find the perfect bottle for skin care, only to be disappointed. The brand bottle sits in your shower for months until you clear it out.
Understandably you want to avoid this from happening, and therefore you might be hesitant about trying Mario Badescu.
Fortunately, the company is aware of this dilemma too. Before committing to a full-size product, Mario Badescu offers a few options to help you ease into their skincare line and find what works for you.
Examples areâ¦
The Acne Starter Kit and Mario Badescu Spray, valued at $40 and available for just $30 at most retailers.
The Acne Starter Kit comes with a Drying Mask, as well as the Mario Badescu Drying Cream that help pull out impurities clogging the skin.
The cream focuses on under-the-surface bumps and pimples and clears these nuisances overnight.
Other options are the Special Cucumber Lotion to control oil and refresh skin.
The Oil Free Moisturizer provides hydration to help balance skin while the Acne Facial Cleanser is formulated to clean skin and clear up the complexion.
Some products are available in trial size versions, like the Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber, and Green Tea .
If youâre not ready to splash your cash on bigger bottles, these are several affordable, small versions of the products that you can try without buying a full-size product that isnât right for your skin.
Bottom Line Should You Buy

Based on our own experience with this brand, the ingredients in each product, as well as Mario Badescu reviews, weâre pleased to recommend this skincare brand.
This company has grown from humble beginnings to a nationwide phenomenon that actually offers the results many people seek.
All products are cruelty-free, some of which are even vegan, which is a huge step forward in the beauty industry. Mario Badescu is proving that despite decades on the market, theyâre still looking towards the future.
Try the products for yourself and see if this is the secret solution you have been looking for in your skincare routine.
Even if youâre not sure, you can always check out the trial-sized bottles and see how your skin reacts to each. Just remember to do research about your skin type, and match your type with the bottle. If you need any help, ask us!
For an even better selection, consider the skincare line from LifeCell All-in-One Anti-Aging Treatment. They offer a variety of benefits for all skin types.
Our experts found that this selection of all-natural products boasts soothing ingredients to meet any skincare needs.
With botanical extracts, these products are good for every skin type as well as the environment. Backed by clinical trials, our team has no doubt that you will be impressed by what this leading skincare routine offers.
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What Is Mario Badescus Shipping Policy
All US orders are shipped via USPS. The brand offers free shipping to all 50 states for orders of $35 and above orders less than that amount will be charged a standard shipping rate of $5. Delivery typically takes 2-7 business days. Expedited shipping options are also available, with charges calculated at checkout.
International orders are fulfilled via FedEx. Shipping charges are based on the number of products ordered and weight of the package, and will be calculated at checkout. Standard delivery time is 7-10 business days.
The Results: Smooth Radiant Skin
Emily Algar/Design by Cristina Cianci
After two weeks of consistent use, I’m pleasantly surprised with just how much of a difference this product made. My face definitely feels smoother and a tiny bit more radiant and even, likely due to the gentle exfoliation. While I wouldn’t say it’s overly stripping, it did leave my skin a little tight, so I was sure to follow up with a hydrating serum each time.
As for the back of my arms, the results have been pretty magical. While I don’t have too much congestion, I do get whiteheads and a bumpy texture, but as of now my arms are as smooth as a baby’s bottom. I know using a cleanser on your body isn’t super economical, but Mario Badescu is reasonably priced and because of the foaming action, a little goes a long way.
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What Is Mario Badescus Return Policy
Mario Badescu has a 30-day money-back guarantee for items purchased directly from mariobadescu.com. The item must be mailed back to the company with a copy of the invoice or receipt, as well as a note specifying whether you want a refund, an exchange, or store credit. Note that you are responsible for return shipping charges.
Returns require 4-5 business days to process, and another 5-7 business days before your refund is reflected in your bank statement. All returned items should be sent to the following address:
1150 King Georges Post Road
Edison, NJ
08837
Similar Products: You’ve Got Options
Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash: If you still want to gently exfoliate the skin but prefer a BHA to dissolve oil and unclog pores, this Dermalogica cleanser uses salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and zinc to reduce the incidence of breakouts.
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser:This cleanser from Murad is excellent when it comes to both polishing the skin and dissolving clogged pores. It’s a blend of AHAs and BHAs to brighten, clarify and refine. Plus, it’s buffered with nourishing jojoba and sodium PCA to maintain moisture levels.
Dr. Dennis Gross AlphaBeta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel: If you’ve got acne-prone skin, you’ll love this deeply cleansing gel from Dr. Dennis Gross . It’s light and only emulsifies slightly, so it won’t strip the skin. Theres also farnesol, an ingredient that helps to prevent the growth of acne-causing bacteria in the first place.
- Product Name Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
- Product Brand Mario Badescu
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Types Of Mario Badescu Products
This brand strives to create a versatile range of products with high-quality ingredients, as represented in over 200 of its products currently on the market.
These products range from Mario Badescu toners, night creams, day creams, mario badescu facial sprays, eye creams, and serums.
Some products are designed for specific skin types and conditions, such as the Mario Badescu Acne Starter Kit.
Below are some of the top-selling products.
Review: Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser
I genuinely dont remember the first time I used the Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser, its been a staple in my routine for that long. I dont remember how I found it if someone recommended it to me or if a sales assistant spruiked it to me or if I just picked it up off the shelf, but however it happened, Im eternally grateful.
This cleanser permanently lives in my shower because I use it every, single day. I swap and change a lot in my routine and find it hard to stick with skincare for too long, but this cleanser is the exception to my typical commitment-phobe norm.
I know a lot of people will say that cleansing in the shower is a massive no-no and I can see their issue with it, but for me, it works. The main reason many warn against it is that most people tend to have really hot showers and that harsh heat from the water is too much for your delicate facial skin. And it probably is. But I have really dry skin on my body and hot water doesnt do any part of me any favours, so Ive always had what is probably closer to a warm shower anyway, even in the middle of winter, so I think I can get away with it.
The main reason I love to cleanse my face in the shower is that I can get all up into my hairline and down my neck with ease. When I wear sunscreen I always try and remember to get the tops of my ears too, so I find getting all of that off again is so much easier under a showerhead than at a sink, but you do what works for you.
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The Feel & Smell: Like A Clay Face Mask
At first glance, the pink clay-like drying lotion settled at the bottom of the bottle. It screamed messy treatment.
When placing my Q-tip in the bottle, the pink lotion grabbed onto the cotton and didnt drip or budge.
Once applied, the bubble gum pink mix dried down like a clay mask. The lotion does have a smell, but it would not prevent me from using this as a spot treatment.
Who Is Mario Badescu

After opening a salon in New York in 1967, he gained a loyal clientele base for his European facials.
Products soon followed with a botanical skincare line on the market.
The original spa location still operates in New York. Meanwhile, the brand has gained a global following.
Throughout years of brand growth, the original mission is still the focus of the company: to create products that actually produce anti-aging results.
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What Ingredients Are In Mario Badescu Products
Aloe Vera this is an ingredient in the Witch Hazel and Lavender Toner. It is a natural ingredient popular in cosmetics and has been in use for centuries owing to its medicinal properties. According to the Indian Journal of Dermatology, aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antiseptic, and moisturizing effects.
Cocoa Butter this ingredient is featured in the Mario Badescu lip balm. It is a common ingredient in lip balms due to its hydrating power as per the Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Vitamin E also found in the brands lip balm. It is a fat-soluble antioxidant present in many cosmetic products. According to the Indian Dermatology Online Journal, vitamin E has photo-protective properties that help reduce hyperpigmentation.
Ginkgo Biloba The Botanical Exfoliating Scrub contains this ingredient. Ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest trees in the world. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, this ingredient contains flavonoids and terpenoids that have antioxidant, anti-aging, moisturizing, and soothing effects.
Green Tea Extracts also present in the exfoliating scrub. Green tea contains polyphenols that have antioxidant, anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, anti-microbial, and skin lightening properties according to the Research Journal of Topical and Cosmetic Sciences.
How Much Are Mario Badescu Products
- Whitening mask $24.00
- Vitamin C serum $45.00
Other products are sold in kits such as the Acne Control Kit which contains the Mario Badescu acne facial cleanser and costs $77.00. The Brightening Kit is another example. It costs $99.00 and features the Mario Badescu glycolic foaming cleanser.
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