Mario Badescu • Glycolic Foaming Cleanser • Cleansers

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megsn107 on 3/20/2013 3:51:00 PM more reviews by megsn107

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I've been using this for alittle over a month now. I heard about glycolic products but never tried any so decided to pick this one up. I wanna say it was around $15, not bad for a higher end cleanser. It has a TON of product which will last me months if not a year. You only need about a dime size amount and about a nickel for areas like your chest and shoulders. On the back of the bottle it states to only use once or twice a week! I use it twice a week on my face and follow up with a moisturizer right after and my skin has felt fine. Although it has completely dried out my hands pretty badly from using them to wash my face with it. If you have dry skin do not exceed the 1-2 a week instructions! It will dry you out!! I know because I got inpatient and used it as a daily cleanser for a while and I was soooo dry. Had helped keep my acne at bay and ill repurchase if I can ever finish the bottle!!

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NOLACreoleGirl on 3/16/2013 8:44:00 AM more reviews by NOLACreoleGirl

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Tan, Neutral   Hair: Red, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

So far this has been a great cleanser for my oily skin. I use it between 2-4 times a week, only once a day when I don't use my normal cleanser. I don't find it too drying and it doesn't burn my skin but it feels really clean. I haven't had many breakouts since I started using it so I'm hoping with continued use it'll help improve my complexion and help fade dark marks and blemishes I have.

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*TOP REVIEWER* blondebum on 2/5/2013 2:01:00 PM more reviews by blondebum

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Green    

This product felt very nice on my skin and did not strip away any natural oils. It has a fresh scent that does not cause irritation and really deep cleans my skin. I squeeze about a quarter size amount on my palm and disburse it evenly on my face. After washing off my skin is slightly shiny due to the glycolic acid sloughing off all of my dead skin cells and excessive makeup. If you have troublesome skin with acne problems then I would not suggest this product for clearing acne, but for a light cleanser that does clean your skin and prepares it for moisturizers/serums/and makeup.

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BulkyDecorativeClock on 2/3/2013 11:15:00 PM more reviews by BulkyDecorativeClock

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

For the price, this cleanser is an excellent value. It is very rich, necessitating use of very little product. It lathers up a great deal, as labelled, has a pleasant, clean (but not artificial-smelling) scent that reminds me of lemongrass.


I am combo-dry, and while I appreciated some of the cleansers effects (smoothing of skin, clean feeling, etc.), it did not work on my skintype for even 2-3x week use (it was FAR too drying). Even so, I would not hesitate to recommend it to others with oily skin.

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nic_b on 12/10/2012 1:34:00 PM more reviews by nic_b

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

Heads up: This is very strong stuff. I think it'd be the rare individual who could use this regularly as a facial wash and not end up extremely dried out. However, for me it's a must-own product. I use it 2-3x/week on a scrubby brush on my chest/back/shoulders and it is the BEST for keeping any bacne at bay. I take a lot of heated power yoga classes, and the intense sweat session while wearing fitted clothes--then driving a half-hour home before I can shower--is a recipe for awful bacne, but this cleanser has kept it completely at bay. Every once in a blue moon I'll use it on my face when I feel like I really need a deep down clean, but I wouldn't buy it for that purpose. If you deal with workout breakouts on your back and shoulders, this is worth a try. As long as MB sells it, I'll have a bottle on hand.

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hedleychua on 9/11/2012 6:57:00 AM more reviews by hedleychua

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I have this for over 6 mos. now and I still have 3/4 left. You only need around a quarter coin amount per use since it lathers up quite well. I use this either every other day or once a week depending on how my skin's acting up. I have very oily, dehydrated, and acne prone skin. Sometimes my skin would be clear, but sometimes it's congested. When I'm having good skin days, I only use this once a week; however, when I have bad ski n days, I'd use this every other day. I find that this cleanser can be too drying, but exfoliates really well so I suggest using a repairing/restoring serum (I use Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair) and a hydrating moisturizer (I use Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream) after using this product. I also use atleast SPF 30 in the morning, since you're skin's more sensitive to sun damage after exfoliation. I also use this at night only.

I've discovered the best way to use this is to massage it to damp skin in a circular motion for atleast a minute to two minutes to make sure you really get the benefit of glycolic acid, since glycolic acid needs to stay on your skin for a few moments to work. I use Philosophy Purity Made Simple cream cleanser to remove my makeup prior using this.

I would also like to remind you that this should not take the place of your regular/daily cleanser. This is only meant to use atmost 3 times a week for oily skin and twice a week for dry skin. This could be harsh for everyday use!

This cleanser really exfoliates well after using this my skin appears clearer and more radiant and my pores appear smaller since all the dead skin cells plus dirt and oil has been effectively removed by this cleanser. But after using this my skin will be very dry! That's the reason why I didn't gave this a perfect rating, and I could see this being harsh specially to those with super sensitive skin. I myself have sensitive skin, but I know alot who have extremely sensitive skin who can't even tolerate foaming cleansers! I use extra dose of serum and moisturizer to relieve the dryness of my skin. The next morning my skin's not dry anymore! Plus, it made the texture of my skin smoother and helps with lightening my dark spots and helps prevent huge acne. I still get pimples once in a while, but just little bumps that would usually go away in a day or two. (But also take note, I also use Murad Active Radiance Serum in the morning. So the over all positive impact on my skin may have been cumulative effects of my skincare routine).

Overall, I really like this product. It does what it's supposed to do. I exfoliates really well and helps my skin look clear. The dryness can easily be remedied by a good serum and moisturizer. I recommend this for those who's looking for an exfoliating cleanser not a daily cleanser. Some of the reviewers gave this a low rating since they didn't followed instructions! They experienced extreme dryness because they use this everyday, which they shouldn't have done or they didn't use a much hydrating moisturizer. Take note ALL chemical exfoliators would leave your skin drier than it is originally so be sure to use a followup moisturizer that it much hydrating than what you normally would use.

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*TOP REVIEWER* missymarissa on 9/3/2012 9:39:00 PM more reviews by missymarissa

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is too drying. I know it's the sulfates it contains. I also question the amount of glycolic acid it contains. It definitely foams well and removes makeup completely. But I honestly haven't seen much of a difference in my complexion and my skin has been very dry. I hope to swap this.

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*TOP REVIEWER* audrey355 on 8/25/2012 1:43:00 AM more reviews by audrey355

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Nothing too special about this cleanser. It was a little drying, like other cleansers, yet took off all makeup, like other cleansers. You could find a cheaper drug store substitute.

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loulee on 8/3/2012 6:25:00 PM more reviews by loulee

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair   Hair: Blond, Wavy   Eyes: Blue    

This is hands down my favorite cleanser. I started using it daily a couple of years ago while I was experiencing a pretty bad bout of adult acne and it cleared up my skin beautifully. It says to use it only 2-3 times a week but I was getting great results using it daily. Recently, I've noticed it hasn't been giving me the glow it was initially and I have a feeling it has to do with the fact that I'm getting into my late 20's. I'm going to try MB's Enzyme Cleanser and Glycolic Toner and see how that goes. If it doesn't go well, I'll be right back to this stuff! I really love MB's products and after using this cleanser for years now, I have a lot of trust in the brand. I love the packaging and it only costs around $15. Much better price than the cost of the museum of ineffective drugstore acne washes under my sink. The lather is great, it smells fantastic and it has never irritated my skin. All in all, just a really effective and great product.

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lestrange on 7/29/2012 12:46:00 PM more reviews by lestrange

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Black    

This is a very nice cleanser from Mario Badescu. I like that it is able to form a lather unlike some of the brand's other cleansers. It has a very soapy scent. My skin definitely liked this stuff. I had no bad reactions from it (no break outs, dryness, irritation, nothing), and in fact I think my skin was clearer (less breakouts) and just more even looking. I'm definitely pleased with this and most of the Mario Badescu products. Since it is a product that is suggested to be used 2-3 times a week, I used it in the shower. The bottle lasted me for about 6 months. Definitely a good deal! Highly recommended.

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al0123von on 7/14/2012 10:18:00 AM more reviews by al0123von

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

Hello miracle! I have to admit, I'm kind of surprised that I'm actually writing that given my first couple of weeks with this product. I read in a Glamour article just how great this stuff was and decided to break my "I only buy drugstore" motto and head right on over to Ulta to pick this stuff up. (I don't have the extra cash floating around to spend on high end products besides, I firmly believe that you can find a good equivalent at the drugstore and spend up to 90% less compared to the higher end products.)
Anyway, back to my first few weeks. I was using MB's Glycolic Foaming Cleanser twice a week, following the directions, and hey there!, my face was breaking out. I have pretty reliable skin. I get some whiteheads on my forehead but pimples are pretty rare for me. I decided to give it a month and if my face was still misbehaving, into the garbage this would go.
About 3 weeks into using the cleanser, my pimples were clearing up, my pores were smaller and less noticeable, and my skin was glowing- it looked healthy and even toned. Even my minor rosacea was less red!!
Now, as for why I rated the price a 1-- One $15 bottle of this lasts me almost 3 months. You really don't need much, just a dime-sized when washing your face. So, the price is completely justifiable to me.
I can't recommend this product enough. It really has made that big of a difference. I can skip foundation all together and just throw on a little concealer for my day-to-day. Try it. GIve it some time for your face to become used to it. It is well worth it!!

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Lecitroen on 5/1/2012 7:53:00 AM more reviews by Lecitroen

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I'd read good things about this cleanser so I purchased it in hopes of clearing up my acne-prone skin and improving my skin texture(ie. acne scars). The first few weeks, I washed my face nightly with the cleanser. My skin surprisingly could handle it. After 3 weeks of continued use, I noticed less acne and smoother skin. However, one day I washed it 2x in one day(I had to remove makeup twice that day) and my skin suffered for it with insane dryness. The texture of my skin was awful and I looked like I had aged. I had to stop using it for a week. So don't ruin a good thing by overdoing it one day!


I should add that using Glycolic Acid will only exfoliate your skin to a certain degree. It is a chemical exfoliant. If you read Dermatologists advice, they say you HAVE to use a physical exfoliant too(ie. a scrub). Using just the Glycolic Cleanser is just half of the overall exfoliation process. In addition to the Glycolic Cleanser, I am using Boots Micro Dermabrasion. It is the best thing ever!


My plan is to use the Glycolic Cleanser every other night and Boots Micro Dermabrasion on nights when I don't use the Glycolic cleanser. I will update my results in a few weeks.


The cleanser will last at least 6-8 months. It foams up really well from just one drop of cleanser. For that reason, it is cost effective.

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snowybell on 4/23/2012 1:47:00 AM more reviews by snowybell

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Black    

It seems to have worked well for the first few times that I used it. My face felt very clean and I love it.

However, after some prolong use, my skin started to flake at the chin area and small pimples started to pop out.

I stopped using it for a while and my skin went back to normal.

I decided to give it a chance again and used it a few months later, but the same thing happened again (note that I only use it once).

I love everything else from MB, but guess this one doesn't work for me.

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*TOP REVIEWER* lunalove on 4/12/2012 9:39:00 PM more reviews by lunalove

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I am on my third bottle of this. It actually works to soften and smooth and even help with acne on my oily acne prone skin.
If you have sensitive skin or dry skin I dont know that you could use this daily, but oily skin you could probably use it once per day.
Doesnt have an obnoxious smell.
I would recommend using SPF with any AHA or BHA products.

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*TOP REVIEWER* marippe on 3/13/2012 12:42:00 AM more reviews by marippe

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I love using this in the morning - my face is very oily when i wake up, and this makes my skin feel so clean & amazing. I only need to use a tiny amount on my clarisonic and it creates wonderful foamy goodness. I feel that this, along with the other mb products i use, have saved my skin. if you're going to drop some $$$ on high end makeup, the least you can do is drop the same amount on quality skincare. will continue to repurchase forever&ever <3

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jjapples on 2/14/2012 6:17:00 PM more reviews by jjapples

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Grey    

I'll start by saying I have oily skin - as in I wake up in the morning after cleansing and what-not and I can be covered in oil. That said I use this cleanser every morning. As well as using the Glycolic Toner and Gel together every night.
It hasn't made my skin dry or tight or red and sore, but it has made it clearer, more even and much less oily.
Most mornings I wake up with normal skin, maybe a bit of oil around my nose but other than that it's perfect (if I do say so myself!) During the day I last longer before I have to blot the oil away.
Even if it didn't help reduce my oiliness I'd keep using it because it makes my skin glow, evens outs the tone and helps keep blackheads at bay.
Definitely worth a go, especially if you've got oily skin.

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lollylilly on 1/16/2012 8:45:00 PM more reviews by lollylilly

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is a good cleanser to use a couple times a week to get rid of build-up on your skin. I don't use it more than two or three times a week though, or my face is really dry and feels stripped. I also make sure to moisturize well on the days I use it because it can be drying. It really does make my skin feel a bit smoother and more radiant - nothing long lasting or miraculous, but a nice little pick-me-up for your skin. It doesn't really foam that much compared to other foaming cleansers I've used, but the consistency is fine and the smell is simple and clean. A good cleanser for the price, especially considering I've had the same bottle for two years and still have more to use!

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aureliationg on 12/5/2011 12:47:00 AM more reviews by aureliationg

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Black    

I just came back from the chemist to buy hydrocortisone cream because the cleanser gave me a severe allergic reaction. I have mildly sensitive skin that sometimes breaks out and I have sensitivity towards propylene glycol but THIS is the worst burn i've ever had.

Immediately after rinsing my face i felt my skin dramatically tighten and could see red stinging patches all over my forehead, nose and cheeks.

For those out there with sensitive skin, STAY AWAY!!!! For mild exfoliation just use a gentle wash cloth, like the one from TheBodyShop.

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Blubird23 on 11/19/2011 1:24:00 AM more reviews by Blubird23

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

The first time I used MB glycolic cleanser was at night and my face was very red afterwards. As soon as my skin calmed down, however, I noticed it looked brighter and more even toned and I liked the effect. When I woke up the next day I had 2 new small eczema patches on either side of my nose. I get eczema on other parts of my body but I've never had it on my face like this- small, dry, scaly, super itchy patches. Also, both of my eyes itched intensely along the lash line... but again my skin looked really bright and fresh. I was dumb and used this cleanser again a few days later when the initial effect wore off and my skin looked dull. I dont know what I expected but of course the eczema and eye itching persisted. I checked the ingredients and the 2nd ingredient was sodium lauryl sulfate which is a very harsh detergent that can be very drying and irritating. Most skincare formulations don't even use this anymore. I returned this and the eye itching went away in a few days. Almost 9 months later I am still trying to get rid of the eczema patches and very frustrated. Normally I'd say if something works for you, great, but there are too many better formulations out there, I would caution anyone not to risk using this product.

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*TOP REVIEWER* priyaj on 8/23/2011 10:52:00 PM more reviews by priyaj

Age: 25-29   Skin: Dry, Dark   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Black    

LOVE this. My face looks brighter and more even-toned after I use this cleanser. I use it about 3 times a week with my Clarisonic. I love that it foams. It gets rid of dirt, makeup, everything...and leaves smooth, bright skin. It smells great and the bottle lasts forever! A staple in my skincare routine.

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