Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer

Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer
5.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
2.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer:

  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Lightweight moisturizer perfect for oily to normal skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 2.6 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 9.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Allantoin (est. ≈2.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with oily skin who want maximum hydration in a relatively lightweight, non-greasy formula. It combines a significant amount of humectants with a limited amount of occlusive ingredients to boost moisturizing efficacy without feeling too heavy.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures, as it balances significant moisturizing potential with a relatively lightweight texture.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (est. ≈1.9%) and Tocopherol (est. ≈1.3%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
11
6
4
3.5
3
2
1.9
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Isopropyl Myristate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Lactic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cetrimonium Bromide
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Function:
Origin:
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.0
6
2
1
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
5.3
4.0
1.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9 10
9.0
6
2
1
Occlusivity All occlusives 5.3 20
2.6
4.0
1.3
Moisturizing rating
5.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
2
1
All humectants 9 10
9
All humectants
9.0
6
2
1
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
4
1.3
All occlusives 5.3 20
2.6
All occlusives
5.3
4.0
1.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.9
1.3
All antioxidants 3.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3.2
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
1.9
Tocopherol
1.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
2
1.9
All soothing 3.9 5 No
All soothing
3.9
2
1.9
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Isopropyl Myristate
Est. %11
Function
Origin
Isopropyl MyristateA fast-spreading, cost-effective, non-greasy emollient that is typically used for lubrication, spreadability, or to remove “tackiness” from a product. Isopropyl Myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Mineral Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Mineral OilAlso known as liquid paraffin, it is an amazing moisturizer (the second most occlusive one after Petrolatum). It is also an excellent emollient that fills the micro-cracks on the surface of the skin, making it appear smoother. Mineral oil is considered safe.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %3.5
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Allantoin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract
Est. %1.9
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower ExtractDerived from German chamomile flowers, this extract is especially known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. It contains two soothing compounds called chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as antioxidant flavonoids.
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract
Tocopherol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Lactic Acid
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Lactic AcidThe most popular AHA in skincare and less irritating than glycolic acid. It can be naturally found in sour milk. It is a humectant moisturizing, pH stabilizing, and gently exfoliating ingredient, able to soften dry, cracked, and peeling skin.
Cetrimonium Bromide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetrimonium Bromide
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Propylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PropylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Blue 1 (CI 42090)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Blue 1 (CI 42090)A synthetic dye commonly known as Brilliant Blue FCF that produces rich blue colors for various cosmetic uses. FD&C Blue #1 can also be found in foods, medications, and dietary supplements, as it is considered non-toxic and safe for use.
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Yellow 5 (CI 19140)A bright yellow colorant that is often also listed as FD&C Yellow 5.