Mario Badescu • Botanical Facial Gel • Cleansers

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CynicalCind on 2/2/2013 7:59:00 PM more reviews by CynicalCind

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I got this as a free sample and hated it! I used this to remove my makeup at night and it didnt clean anything off of my face at all. (My face towel would be smeared with my foundation) I also noticed after almost a month of using this face wash, that my face would occasionally break out in a small rash. The sample bottle btw, also sucks and is difficult to remove the product once you start running out.

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ambuchanan on 12/24/2012 11:16:00 PM more reviews by ambuchanan

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

after being disappointed with the clinique 3 step system, I chose to try out MB products. I spoke with the retailer and they suggested this cleanser along with the grape fruit toner. it does not lather or foam like other cleansers but that doesn't bother me and my skin feels clean after using only a small amount of product. my makeup also is removed when using this cleanser unlike the clinique liquid soap.

after about two weeks my skin is so much clearer, blackheads are gone and my oily skin seems to be under control.

I have let other people try it and they like it too. at around $12 a bottle it's definitely worth a try!

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msheroine on 10/4/2012 10:04:00 AM more reviews by msheroine

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

EDIT: I now use this product in conjunction with the Special Cleansing lotion "C", instead of the Seaweed Cleansing Lotion. I think the seaweed cleansing lotion was responsible for the tiny bumps around my temples because after the switch, the bumps are gone.

I have been using this product for 4 weeks now, and I am quite impressed. I have combination (oily T-zone and dry cheeks) but sensitive skin that is pretty acne-prone. I blame the 4-5 cystic pimples I usually have on hormones, so I wanted to try a product that was less harsh than most acne treatments, something that would relax my stressed skin and make it healthier. I also used this cleanser along with the Seaweed cleansing lotion (I tried to find something really gentle) and my skin hasn't looked this good in years. I'm not sure if it's the vitamins in the "botanical extract" that are responsible for making my skin healthier and stronger, but that's my guess...

I only use a small pea-sized amount, and I wet my hands JUST A LITTLE. I don't even wet my face (found the products sticks to your skin better this way) and I just rub it in, like i'm putting on lotion. I use circular motions for about a good minute or so and then rinse it off. During the first week of use, I immediately noticed a brightening of my skin. During the second week there was a bit of purging. A few big pimples (that healed quickly) and lots of little tiny bumps around my temples. But I kept using the product because my skin usually acts this way when I try something new. It's the 4th week now, and 90% of the purging has subsided. I have a few small blemishes that are still healing, ZERO painful cysts, AND my period starts today... pretty impressive. In addition, my pores have reduced dramatically and even some scarring has diminished.

If you have never tried the "gentle/stress-relief" approach for combating acne, I suggest you start with Mario Badescu products like this one. I have always been unsuccessful with products that contain Salicylic Acid or Benzoyl Peroxide, possibly because they make my skin UNhealthier/weaker in the long run.

I have added the Foaming Glycolic Cleanser to my routine twice a week in hopes to rejuvenate my skin, so far so good. I'm really excited about all the MB products.... If I get brave enough I might try some of their night creams...

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Sarajaade on 5/17/2012 2:29:00 PM more reviews by Sarajaade

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Blue    

I recieved this product in a sample pack from their online questionnaire. I've only used this once, so I will update if I see some results, but I feel the need to state that this non-soap, non-foaming cleanser will make you feel as if it's not working, but a pea sized amount was enough to give my skin that tight feeling (which I get from any cleanser, so I don't think this is a huge downfall for this product) so although it's not foaming, it truly does work! One lippie taken off for the extreeeeeeme smell. It was enough to choke me up.

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emily61 on 4/23/2012 12:47:00 PM more reviews by emily61

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

Ok, so a lot of the negative reviews on this product seem to be centred around the fact that it is a non-foaming cleanser. I had never used one before either, and it is a bit weird at first but you get used to it very quickly. And the whole point of this product is that it is non-foaming; the chemicals that are used to make washes foam and lather - sodium laureth sulphate is the most common - cause skin dryness and acne. So i guess it's your shout on whether you think you're skin can cope with that, but if you want something super-gentle then this is a good'un.

I recently switched my whole regime after reading the ingredients lists and cross-checking them with lists of comodogenic ingredients. To my horror most of my products contained loads of these ingredients. After abandoning that regime and about a week of obsessive cross-referencing the ingredient list of every cleanser I could think of (from super-expensive ones, to hypoallergenic ones, to dermatologist-prescribed ones - literally about 30-40 of the "best' cleansers around) this was the only one that remained standing. The ingredients list consists of seven things. Super-simple and super-effective.

I love this cleanser. My skin had gone crazy recently, partially to do with living in London, partially hormones I think and evidently a large part to do with my old regime. I had spots everywhere, it was oily, and inflamed, and dry all at the same time, basically it was awful. Within two weeks of using this cleanser my skin was transformed, to the point where everyone commented on it.

There is a strong smell, which i found initially off-putting, being used to fragrance-free cleansers with very minimal scent. The smell is all natural, so it is a fragrance-free cleanser, and now I know it's not doing anything bad to my skin I actually quite like it.

You must be prepared to wait a couple of weeks to see results, and you must have some additional eye-make-up remover to hand - do not put this stuff near your eyes! The grapefruit extract is an AHA and will burn! I don't find there is a film left, which is something I would loathe, but what I do find is that it does not strip my skin at all, unlike other cleansers, it leaves it soft, which if you are used to harsher products could be confused with film I think.

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anthecouturier on 4/22/2012 3:03:00 AM more reviews by anthecouturier

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Other    

Not understanding all of the glowing reviews on this thing. Maybe it's because I've never used a non-foaming cleanser before (sue me), but when I use this in the mornings, I literally cannot seem to wash it completely off my face. I have oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin, and ever since I had great results using the Special Cucumber toner with my regular Neutrogena Anti-Stress cleanser, I figured I would give this wash a try, since I figured it could only go uphill from here. Wrong. When you apply, it disappears on your face and makes you feel like you aren't cleansing ANYTHING. It leaves a film on my face and hands even when I spend five minutes just rinsing my face in front of the sink, and it makes my skin feel the way it does when I'm forced to use bar soap. I'd rather my skin feel dry then have it feel dirtier than before I washed my face. Prior to using this cleanser, I had no pimples, and today I discovered three emerging whiteheads on my cheek, and redness and inflammation around the entire area. I've used this face wash for a week, and I had to force myself to keep putting it on my face every morning. Still maintain my faith in MB, but will not buy this again.

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Gidella on 3/18/2012 3:00:00 PM more reviews by Gidella

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Red, Straight   Eyes: Blue    

I really, really like this cleanser and I'll definitely keep using it from now on. I haven't used it for long but enough to really notice a difference in my skin. I've used several of MB's cleansers and I think this cleanser by far beats both the enzyme cleansing gel and the acne facial cleanser. It cleans your skin a lot more throroughly than those two anyway, and as many have said it's great at removing make up too. But it isn't as drying as the glycolic foaming cleanser meaning you're able to use it every day. What I've noticed however is you do use more of this cleanser than foaming cleansers but as it's a lot of product in the packaging that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

It's a cleanser for oily skin though. I think it's probably too drying for normal, combination or sensitive skin. For those the enzyme cleansing gel would probably be better.

I use this cleanser along with a toner afterwards - either MB's special cucumber lotion or their glycolic grapefruit lotion and it really keeps my skin clean and removes dead skin from healing pimples and cysts so that I have a smooth and even surface to put make up on. I haven't been forced to scrub as much as I usually have to which is a big plus! One important thing to mention is that you have to moisturize well after using the cleanser and toner if you use that. If you don't your skin will get really dry after a while, even if you have oily skin.

I've even noticed that my skin isn't getting as oily as it used to get, especially during the night. I used to think my oilyness was a lost cause but after using this cleanser along with other MB products my skin's really balanced out and while I still get oily it's not as bad as it used to be.

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Lala324 on 9/15/2011 3:26:00 PM more reviews by Lala324

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

I Love this cleanser!!!! I use this combined with the Cucumber Cleansing Lotion (Toner) and it is absolutely amazing! My skin has not looked better in such a long time. It literally cleared all of my breakouts in less than 2 weeks! And I have not had any new ones! It has cleared my blackheads all of my blackheads as well. I am pregnant at the moment and had a very severe case of hormonal acne! My face went completely bazerk! And I am so glad I discovered this skin care line because my face has totally changed and I can smile again!!! It has also lightended my blemishes very much and made my skin soft and smooth! I love Mario Badescu!

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*TOP REVIEWER* nubletta on 6/12/2011 6:57:00 AM more reviews by nubletta

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I love this cleanser a lot. At first, I wasn't fond of the sample I had received from MB's questionnaire but I ended up liking it and purchased it at my local Ulta. It has a great price point, not too expensive nor cheap. It really cleans my skin thoroughly. It takes off the left over make up that my face wipes didn't pick up. Its very gentle for my skin.

I have oily, acne prone skin and this doesn't aggravate it in the least. Its a non-foaming gel consistency which I have grown to like over time. Sometimes I use this to take off my eye make up when I don't feel like going through the whole process of removing it.


I find its easier to apply to the skin when your face is dry. Then massage it in your skin and rinse off. I will continue to purchase this as long as they make it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* marippe on 3/13/2011 10:08:00 PM more reviews by marippe

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

i am using this as part of my new skin care regimen..
-mb botanical facial gel
-mb glycolic acid toner
-mb oil free moisturizer spf 17
~then 1-2x a week i use the glycolic skin renewal complex and azulene calming mask.

this cleanser is so gentle &soothing. it took me a while to get used to it since it does not foam up or create any kind of lather, which is what i am used to in a cleanser, but i have seen a vast improvement in my skin already. it helps to calm the redness in my sensitive skin &leaves it feeling super clean and refreshed. it's probably the most i've ever spent on a facial cleanser, but if i can drop money on good makeup, i can do so for my skin care too :)

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EmHimes on 12/30/2010 4:23:00 PM more reviews by EmHimes

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Not one of my favorite Cleansers from Mario Badescu. This stuff does absolutely nothing for my skin. The ingredient list is very short, which could be a good thing, but its shows when I use this because its like it does nothing. The consistency is a gel. It does not foam or lather. You massage it around your face but when I wash it off, my face does not feel clean at all. I really like this line of skin care but this cleanser is really a disappointment. I will use up what I have but I would not repurchase this. If you are considering this cleanser, you should look into others from Mario. The Glycolic Foaming Cleanser is amazing.

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lilchristine on 7/5/2010 5:36:00 PM more reviews by lilchristine

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

its a gel form facial wash. it does not foam up. it does remove makeup and eyemakeup. cleans up everything very affectively the first time. stings when it gets into eyes. pleasant smell. so pretty much all it does is give a good clean for you skin. but i do reccomend this to oily skinned people. it really does clean up very nicely and leaves your skin feeling fresh. but i really do wish it foamed or bubbled or something so i know its working. but it does. so thats all that matters=]

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Ryleen on 6/30/2010 10:38:00 PM more reviews by Ryleen

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Hazel    

I tried this cleanser for about a month. It was okay. Nothing to write home about. I think it's overpriced because why would you pay $12 for something that stays on your face for about 30 seconds tops? It just didn't leave me feeling THAT clean either. My only good thing to say about it was that it cleaned somewhat and didn't dry me.

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tangelaa on 5/10/2010 5:33:00 PM more reviews by tangelaa

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I found 'THE CLEANSER'! You know, that perfect cleanser that fits your needs and keeps your face blissfully happy. I have been using Bliss Fab Foaming Face forever and my facialist had noticed blackheads. Sigh. After figuring out that maybe my cleanser wasn't suitable for my combo/dry skin and my face was making too much oil to conquer the dryness-my cleanser hunt was on. Here's is the deal...I really truly think that my skin is allergic to SDS so I have tried to avoid ulta foaming cleansers. I don't mind the non-foaming b/c the gel like slip texture works better with my clarisonic. I found the MB Enzyme at Utla...Meh, ok. Good cleanser but seemed to not remove my lite make-up to well. I read some reviews on MA...tried a handful of new cleansers, gave them a week. NOTHING. Then I found Botanical...love the smell, love the texture, love the non-drying feeling, love the prep for my moisturizer. One word...AWESOME. Keep in mind the product contains hardly any ingredients (which is nice to see), plus, gentle for the combo/dry types. If I can pass my wisdom to one skin junkie to another...give it a try. I think it was round $12 and I know you junkies out there have spent more than $50 for cleansers. What's the worst that will happen?...a cystic zit (which you can just apply regular powder to dry out) so worth the try. Good luck!

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*TOP REVIEWER* lotusfairy on 4/8/2010 12:29:00 PM more reviews by lotusfairy

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I was hesitant to use this since it doesn't lather and I need something to remove foundation. Yet I was shocked how clean and comfortable my face felt after cleansing with this. I made sure to really rub it in my skin and rinse it off well. My skin felt soft, it wasn't agitated, and I didn't break out. Best of all, I like that it doesn't contain too much detergents and uses fruit acids to exfoliate and clean the skin. It has a thick texture but isn't that sticky or tacky. It is a bit pricey, but worth it if you have sensitive, oily skin.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mommygirl5 on 2/8/2010 12:55:00 PM more reviews by mommygirl5

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Green    

love this cleanser! smells awesome and does a fantastic job removing my makeup. my skin feels super clean and soft after use. it did a great job clearing up my face from a recent breakout. i wished it lathered...that's my only complaint. a little goes a long way. love it!!!

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priscillawong on 1/1/2010 5:51:00 PM more reviews by priscillawong

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I received this as a sample from the website from filling out their questionnaire. I have oily/combination skin with occasional monthly breakouts. This product smells nice and has a rough, sloshly-like texture. I like how it doesn't contain SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which is a chemical generally used in cleansers to help the product lather and foam. But because it doesn't contain SLS, I found myself using more of the product than necessary. Overall, I don't see how this product really helps me (nor does it hurt), so I will probably not repurchase.

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*TOP REVIEWER* AmandaPandaPSC on 7/7/2009 9:54:00 PM more reviews by AmandaPandaPSC

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Blue    

I got a sample of this with my MB order (I bought drying & healing products for acne).

I really like this cleanser. It does leave sort of a waxy film on my face if I'm in a rush and don't rinse all of the product off (it's difficult to tell if I got all of it since it looks clear on my skin and doesn't foam). When rinsed thoroughly, it leaves my skin clean and very soft. There is no way this cleanser can be harsh. It doesn't foam and doesn't strip the skin. It has a nice light floral scent.

I'll probably purchase a full sized bottle

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elepop on 7/6/2009 5:13:00 PM more reviews by elepop

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This cleanser doesn't lather, which I like. It also smelled nice and fresh. But honestly, I don't think it did anything to my skin.

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baharh on 5/30/2009 10:21:00 PM more reviews by baharh

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I didn't have a good experience with this line. I used it about 3 years ago and whether it was the cleanser or the combination of all the MB products together, i'm not sure, but i do remember my face literrally becoming clogged in a matter of weeks and horrific cystic acne which i never had. I also remember the cleanser leaving what felt like waxy residue on my face and it never felt fully clean.

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