Review: Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser

I genuinely don’t remember the first time I used the Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser, it’s been a staple in my routine for that long. I don’t 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, I’m 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 doesn’t do any part of me any favours, so I’ve 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.  

What Makes It Special:
The Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser is a really simple formulation, but don’t confuse simplicity with inefficiency. This clear gel with a subtle and refreshing scent (thanks in part to the Aloe Vera and Chamomile extracts – both renowned for their calming and soothing abilities) works efficiently and effectively to plough through that end of the day buildup of oil, and yet still be gentle and nourishing on the skin.

Why I Like It:
What my combo/spot-prone skin loves about the Mario Badescu Acne Facial Cleanser is the inclusion of Salicylic Acid. It’s enough to be clarifying and leave my skin feeling properly clean, but not so much so that I’m left with that stripped and squeaky-clean feel. I also love how inexpensive and long-lasting it is, a bottle of this will literally last you months, even with daily use. I have no hesitations in recommending this to friends with problem skin, or even skin that just does a little monthly misbehaving. It’s gentle but works, and I hope they never discontinue it.

What I Don’t Like About It:
I can’t think of a single thing. The product is fab, the price is a dream, even the packaging is great; clear so you can see how much is left, plastic so it’s shower friendly and an easy to control nozzle so you get the perfect amount every time. What more could you want?

Application:
This won’t remove makeup, so I guess that makes it a second cleanse. But on days when I haven’t left the house (cheers COVID, no makeup or sunscreen removal required) I do tend to use this as my one and done first cleanse, or I’ll use it twice anyway for good measure. Ordinarily though, I’d use this as a second cleanse.

Product Claims:
Deep clean pores so oily, congested skin feels exceptionally clean – agree
Soothing blend of botanicals – agree, not irritating at all
Exfoliating properties that help break down impurities – definitely cuts through that oily feeling I sometimes get later in the day
Encourage a balanced, healthy-looking complexion – it helps achieve a balanced feeling and looking skin for me

Ingredients:
Aqua (Water, Eau), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Triethanolamine, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Dimethicone, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Carbomer, Parfum (Fragrance), Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Benzyl Benzoate

Available From:
Mecca

Details:
Currently only available in a 177ml bottle for $24.
Great value, it’s an exceptional cleanser that I think is very affordable for the quality.

Repurchase:
Forever. There is always one in my shower and a backup in the drawer, sometimes even two. The love is real.