Review: Mario Badescu Drying Mask

I am fairly new to the Mario Badescu skin care line. I purchased this product for $18 at Ulta Cosmetics around 8 months ago, but did not routinely use it until about one month ago. I was watching one of my favorite youtube gurus, pearlythepug, who mentioned that she used this product as part of her normal skincare routine (she has beautiful skin). A little light bulb lit up in the back of my mind as I remembered I had purchased this product that was probably sitting in my drawer waiting for me to give it some attention.

I am so glad that I rediscovered this product because it has made such a difference on my skin. It really helped speed up the healing process of the existing acne I had on my skin. I also noticed that the blackheads around my nose were much easier to remove after using this product. I use this product up to 3 times a week. I do notice that if I get lazy on my skincare regimen and skip out on this product I do end up with more break outs. So I know that having this product as part of my skincare really keeps the breakouts at bay.

Product Claim

According to the Mario Badescu website this product helps to clear up acne erruptions. The sulfur that is in the product helps to dry existing pimples. The calamine helps to soothe the skin and makes the product gentle enough to be used by most skin types.

This product definitely helps to heal acne. It dries the pimple without drying the skin. It does not leave dry patches on the skin as my pimples heal, in comparison to other acne treatments such as benzoyl peroxide. I cannot say that this product is "soothing" to the skin as I do not have overly sensitive skin. The directions on the Mario Badescu website directs you to leave it on for 20 minutes, but because it makes my face feel itchy as the product dries, I wash it off after 15 minutes.

Ingredients and Scent

Since the picture is not very clear here are the ingredients, which was also taken from the Mario Badescu website: Deionized Water (Aqua), Kaolin,Wheat (Triticum Vulgare) Starch, Calamine,Ichthammol,Propylene Glycol, Colloidal Sulfur, Titanium Dioxide.

Information for definitions below were retrieved from www.ewg.org/skindeep/ 

• Kaolin: also known as china clay, this ingredient is also used to make porcelain and china. According to EWG's Skin Deep, it acts as an absorbent. It pulls out oil, dirt and other things that are clogging pores.
• Wheat (Triticum Vulgare) Starch: also an absorbent. 
• Calamine: a mixture of zinc oxide and ferric oxide. It acts as a skin protectant. 
• Propylene Glycol: conditions the skin. According to Skin Deep, it has been associated with allergic contact dermatitis (which is perhaps why my skin itches when the product dries). 
• Colloidal Sulfur: acne treatment. 
• Titanium Dioxide: sunscreen ingredient.

This product strongly smells of sulfur. If you don't know what that smells like, to me the only way I can describe the scent is earthy. The scent does not bother me, but I can definitely see how it can bother some people. The scent also does not fade away after product dries on your skin.


Packaging


This product comes in a 2 oz jar. I really don't think this product can come any other way because has a very thick consistency and must be scooped out.


Texture

A little bit goes a long way. I only need about a quarter sized amount to cover my whole face, and only because I like to layer this product on thick. It has the consistency of mud (seriously!).

 

The product spreads easily on the skin and dries within 10 minutes.

 

Final Thoughts

After years and years of finding the right skincare regimen for my skin, I believe this is a product that will be a staple in my skincare routine. It has simple ingredients and it works. I definitely recommend it for people with acne prone, oily skin like I do. As I mentioned earlier, I do not have overly sensitive skin, so I am not sure if it would be suitable for people with sensitive skin. Ulta Cosmetics do sell the Mario Badescu skincare line, so I would ask for a sample and give it a try.