Hi lovely IMBBians!!
I’m really excited to write this review today for my new favourite product –the Mario Badescu Glycolic Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion. Even though, the name says “cleansing lotion,” it is actually a toner/astringent that removes dead skin cells. The product is basically a 4% solution of Glycolic Acid which is an AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) used in many skin care products.
Product Description:
Even Out Skin. Oily, dull, congested skin will be refreshed and disinfected with daily use of this astringent. The powers of Citrus Extracts combined with 4% Glycolic Acid reduce the build-up of dead skin cells. Not recommended for acne-erupted skin.
How to Use:
Twice daily after cleansing, pat skin dry and apply lotion dampened cotton by wiping in an outward direction until cotton comes up clean. Avoid eye area. Follow with moisturizer or night cream.
Ingredients:
Deionized Water (Aqua), Glycolic Acid,IsopropylAlcohol,Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis) Extract,
Polysorbate 20
Price:
SGD 40 (retails in US for 18 USD)
My Experience with Mario Badescu Glycolic Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion:
I have acne prone skin since puberty, the severity of which has reduced in adulthood. But, is still enough to get the “why don’t you do something for your skin!” comment from ‘well-wishers’. And, my mum. This reached its upper limits when my BF’s mum made comments on my appearance (not directly to me, but to him) and I decided enough is enough. So, I did some research and found that a low-concentration glycolic acid solution can do in a steadier and more sustained manner what Glycolic Acid peels do in one sitting (or a limited number of sittings).
The one-time peels require absence of sun exposure for 48-72 hours- which is pretty much impossible to do given my busy schedule. So, I scoured the internet and found great reviews about this Mario Badescu product. This product retails at Sephora – and any trip to Sephora always makes me happy, so the very same day, I made my way to the nearest outlet.
The product comes in a simple plastic bottle with minimalistic design and a pretty unattractive looking label. I had already read a few product reviews for Mario Badescu at IMBB, and knew this was keeping in line with the brand’s philosophy of “less show-off, more work” :P.
The product itself is pale green in colour which is typical of toners of this nature. It has a very faint astringent-y smell which fades away quickly. I moved a part of the product in a smaller clear plastic spray bottle, so that I don’t have to use the huge bottle every time. Also, this smaller bottle makes it travel friendly.
As for the performance of the product, I will let the pictures do the talking.
Top: BEFORE, Day 2, Left cheek. AFTER, Day 7, Left Cheek:
Bottom: BEFORE, Day 2, Right cheek. AFTER, Day 7, Right Cheek:
After the very first day, I noticed that the very dark brown/black acne scars were looking red as if one layer had been removed. I took pictures because I wanted to measure the progress I make over time. I have used Cliniques 3-Step Acne Solutions range, as well as other popular toners like The Body Shop Tea Tree one, pure witch hazel and Neutrogena’s toner for oily skin.
Even though, all of the above are good products, but they are NOTHING compared to this one. (I am pretty scared of jinxing the effectiveness by giving such rave reviews: P )
One of the cons of this product is that it stings horribly on dry skin patches. My skin is usually oily, but is behaving like a combination skin this season, and the two dry patches on my cheeks burnt like hell after its application. It became raw and red , but because the rest of my face felt fine, I was correctly able to attribute it to dryness rather than an issue with the product itself. (I am using The Body Shop Aloe Vera Morning Cream to combat the dry patches and its effectiveness has also seemed to have increased after using the toner.)
Pros of Mario Badescu Glycolic Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion:
• 50-70% reduction of acne scars within a week.
• Makes skin soft and smooth and reduces pores.
• Reduces skin dullness.
• Doesn’t cause excessive dryness for oily skin.
• Won’t let newly formed acne grow big.
Cons of Mario Badescu Glycolic Grapefruit Cleansing Lotion:
• Cannot be applied directly on live acne as the solution is too strong.
• Burning sensation on dry skin.
• Doesn’t wholly stop formation of new acne.
• Some international review sites have user reviews that say that the effectiveness reduces with time, and can even cause sensitive skin to react.
Conclusion:
If you have acne scars- GO GET THIS! You can see the effect on my skin in the pictures yourself. Whether I will repurchase or not depends upon whether I will still need to buy it; and also on the long term effect on my skin. As of now this product is too damn good.
Mario Badescu’s Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rose Water
Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser
Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser
Glycolic Acid Peel for Acne
Alpha Hydrox The Original Enhanced Lotion 10% Glycolic Acid
The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Butter
Burt’s Bees Refreshing Lip Balm with Pink Grapefruit
Aroma Magic Grape Fruit Face Wash
Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Lotion
Biotique Bio Berberry Refreshing Cleansing Lotion
Organic Surge Gentle Cleansing Lotion
Wow Oopsii….it’s a total must-have for me – have same to same skin type as yours 😛
wow this sounds amazing! No wonder ppl with acne swear by this brand.
well reviewed
My BF (with whom I’m in a long distance relationship with), saw me on skype and said……”you r becoming all glowy day by day….” 😀 😀