Mario Badescu Drying Cream

Mario Badescu Drying Cream
5.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
1.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers

Review

Results you may expect from using Mario Badescu Drying Cream:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Mario Badescu Drying Cream:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Mario Badescu Drying Cream has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Mario Badescu Drying Cream contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

How moisturizing is it?

Quite moisturizing: Mario Badescu Drying Cream has a moisturizing rating of 5.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 1.6 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 9.7 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈2.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Mario Badescu Drying Cream has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈0.3%),
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, could deliver additional anti-wrinkle efficacy through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Antioxidant benefits

We estimate that Mario Badescu Drying Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

Skin soothing

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Mario Badescu Drying Cream is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈4.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
Water
9
Zinc Oxide
6
Cetyl Alcohol
4
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
3
Beeswax
2.5
Polysorbate 80
2
Glycerin
1.5
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
1.3
Propylene Glycol
1
Sulfur
0.3
Oleth-10
0.3
Mineral Oil
0.3
Ichthammol
0.3
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
0.3
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Starch
0.3
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
0.3
Cysteine
0.3
Niacinamide
0.3
Panthenol
0.3
Nasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
0.3
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
0.3
Allantoin
0.3
Biotin
0.3
Arginine
0.3
Leucine
0.3
Lysine
0.3
Tyrosine
0.3
Valine
0.3
Glutamic Acid
0.3
Cellulose Gum
0.3
Polysorbate 20
0.3
Maltodextrin
0.3
Zinc Chloride
0.3
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
0.3
Pyridoxine HCl
0.3
Fragrance
0.3
Sodium Chloride
0.3
Methylparaben
0.3
Propylparaben
0.3
Potassium Sorbate
0.3
Citric Acid
0.3
Sodium Benzoate
0.3
Chlorphenesin
0.3
Disodium EDTA
0.3
Phenoxyethanol
0.3
Benzyl Benzoate
0.3
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
0.3
Limonene
0.3
Linalool
0.3
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Beeswax
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sulfur
Function:
Origin:
Oleth-10
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ichthammol
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Starch
Function:
Origin:
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cysteine
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Nasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Biotin
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Leucine
Function:
Origin:
Lysine
Function:
Origin:
Tyrosine
Function:
Origin:
Valine
Function:
Origin:
Glutamic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Cellulose Gum
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Pyridoxine HCl
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.7
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
3.3
3.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.7 10
9.7
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 3.3 20
1.6
3.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.7 10
9.7
All humectants
9.7
4
2
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
3
0.3
All occlusives 3.3 20
1.6
All occlusives
3.3
3.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 0.3 0.4
Total
0.4
Niacinamide
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.9 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.9
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
4
Niacinamide
0.3
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
0.3
Cysteine
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 5.8 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.8
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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.
Zinc Oxide
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %6
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.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Beeswax
Est. %3
Function
Origin
BeeswaxA waxy substance made by bees while they are building their honeycombs. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient with wound healing and antimicrobial properties similar to those of honey. Its bleached, purified form is called Cera alba.
Polysorbate 80
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl PalmitateA rich emollient without the oily after-feel, making it a popular replacement for mineral oil. It is derived from natural sources such as palm oil and palm kernel oil. Ethylhexyl palmitate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %1.3
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.
Sulfur
Est. %1
Function
Origin
SulfurSulfur is a registered OTC drug ingredient that can be used to fight acne. As a keratolytic, it helps remove dead skin buildup.
Oleth-10
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oleth-10
Mineral Oil
Est. %0.3
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.
Ichthammol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ichthammol
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Starch
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Starch
Arctium Lappa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Arctium Lappa Root ExtractA soothing and antiseborrheic extract derived from the roots of the greater burdock.
Cysteine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CysteineA multifunctional amino acid that acts as a reducing agent and an antioxidant.
Niacinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Panthenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Nasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nasturtium Officinale Flower/Leaf Extract
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit ExtractA fragrant extract from lemon peels that contains various antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – which are currently under investigation as potential anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment compounds.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
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.
Biotin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BiotinBiotin is an important nutrient that can cause weak hair and nails if deficient. Unfortunately, while biotin supplements have promising studies, topical biotin in creams and serums doesn’t have a large body of evidence to support its use.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Leucine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LeucineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It helps to increase water content on the skin’s surface and is often used in conjunction with anti-pigmentation products.
Lysine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LysineA humectant moisturizing amino acid that is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor. It is slightly alkaline and helps to balance the product's pH. It may have a slightly fishy smell.
Tyrosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tyrosine
Valine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ValineAn essential amino acid (meaning our body cannot make it on its own and we get it from food instead). Like some other amino acids, Valine is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor.
Glutamic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glutamic AcidA non-essential amino acid that serves as a building block for all proteins in the body. It is a moisturizing humectant and a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of amino acids in skin cells that keeps them hydrated.
Cellulose Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cellulose GumA polymer that is derived from its namesake, cellulose, which is plant-based. It has many formula-helper benefits, including thickening and product stabilization.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Zinc Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zinc Chloride
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid CopolymerA synthetic humectant moisturizer often paired with glycerin. It also functions as a viscosity-controlling agent that creates gel-like formulas with thicker textures.
Pyridoxine HCl
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pyridoxine HClA B-vitamin that helps regulate sebum production.
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.
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.

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.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Alpha-Isomethyl IononeA fragrance ingredient that is supplied as a pale, yellow liquid. The scent it emits is very clean and features notes of violet and orris. Alpha-isomethyl is also used as a flavoring agent in lip care products and even in some foods and drinks.
Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LimoneneOne of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.