Product Review: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Mario Badescu is somewhat of a cult status line from Manhattan that has been around for over 40 years. The core philosophy behind the line is to produce simple, gentle, effective products. Today, they have accumulated a large celebrity following and are known particularly for their products that treat problem skin. I would say that the product I hear about most from them is the Drying Lotion.

The Drying Lotion has been featured everywhere as the “miracle” acne product. As a long time acne sufferer, I have went through my share of EVERY product imaginable: Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Sulfur, Chemical Peels, Retin-A, etc. Although my acne has calmed down in recent years, I still get persistent, stubborn cystic acne breakouts from time to time. My latest flare up caused me to try out the Dry Lotion.

The Dry Lotion has what it calls a “miracle” potion, the pink stuff at the bottom that they warn is too drying to apply alone to skin. Reading the ingredients label, I think the active ingredients are: a mix of Fruit/Plant Oil (to sooth), Retinal to exfoliate, Sulfur to kill bacteria, Salicylic Acid to exfoliate, Camphor to cool, etc.

Although the formulation does seem to include all the actives you’d typically find in an acne product, I think the product is very high-quality as I’ve seen great reductions in existing blemishes without the negative side-effects. I would be careful to not apply it to fading blemishes as it can cause the skin to peel and get flaky.

I think this product is best used on developing blemishes before it develops a white-head. It generally reduces the size and severity by the next day. I don’t think it is as effective as Benzoyl Peroxide, but on the flip side, it isn’t as irritating/bad for you. If you haven’t read the literature, Benzoyl Peroxide really isn’t good for your skin in the long term (free radical generation, healthy cell death, etc).

I’ve found myself reaching for this product more than other products. Lately, I’ve been curious to try LED therapy but haven’t found that “ideal” device yet- if anyone has recommendations, let me know and I will be glad to consider it and maybe do a future review on that!