Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer Review

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?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.8 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer:
 

🔵 Lightweight Moisturizer Perfect for Combination and Oily 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 combination and 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.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to combination and oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

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.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ If It’s an Exfoliator, It May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Lactic Acid

This product contains lactic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is more vulnerable to sun damage.

In smaller quantities, lactic acid is often used as a pH adjuster and may not significantly contribute to exfoliation. However, at higher concentrations, it functions as an effective exfoliant with benefits and risks similar to other AHAs. Products with AHAs, including lactic acid, may increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

If this product is designed for exfoliation, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily is essential to protect your skin. Always check the label or the manufacturer’s website for specific usage instructions.

Pros & Cons of Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing perfect for combination and oily skin
✅ Also a good choice for people with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

✅ We couldn't find any
   

Summary: Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, perfect for combination and oily skin. It's also a great option for those with normal skin who prefer fast-absorbing textures. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation.
 
That said, there are some things about Mario Badescu Buttermilk Moisturizer worth noting.
 
❗️ Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible.

 

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.