Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex

Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex
8.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
0.4Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
$$$$

Review

Results you may expect from using Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex:

Based on the ingredient analysis by CreamScan, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex:

  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 8.8 out of 10.
  • Little anti-wrinkle effect: Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex has an anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10, so you may expect a positive, although insignificant, effect on wrinkles.

How moisturizing is it?

Intensely moisturizing: Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex has a moisturizing rating of 8.8 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a very high humectancy of 9.9 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%) and Propylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%), and a high occlusivity of 7.6 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil (est. ≈9.0%) and Dimethicone (est. ≈4.0%).

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

Anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex has a minimal anti-wrinkle rating of 0.4 out of 10. It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Glycolic Acid (est. ≈1.3%),
 highly effective in peelings, yet with below-average anti-wrinkle efficacy when used in leave-on skincare products.
 
Among others, Mario Badescu Glycolic Skin Renewal Complex also contains Retinyl Palmitate, an ingredient marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Retinyl Palmitate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, this ingredient does not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
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.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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Ratings

All humectants
9.9
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
15.3
9.0
4.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
8.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.9 10
9.9
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 15.3 20
7.6
9.0
4.0
2.0
0.3
Moisturizing rating
8.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.9 10
9.9
All humectants
9.9
6
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
4
2
0.3
All occlusives 15.3 20
7.6
All occlusives
15.3
9.0
4.0
2.0
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
1.5 /10 5 1.3 0.4
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0.4
Glycolic Acid
0.4
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
1.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.9 5 No
All soothing
0.9
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
The 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.
Arachis Hypogaea (Peanut) Oil
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin

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

Dimethicone
Est. %4
Function
Origin
The most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
A 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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
A 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.
Myristyl Myristate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
An occlusive moisturizing and emollient ester that is derived from vegetables. This soft, wax-like ester produces a soft and creamy sensorial profile. Myristyl myristate is listed as a common comedogenic ingredient by acne.org.
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
A blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy, though it is less effective in leave-on products like creams and serums.

Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
An 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.
PEG-10 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A soothing extract obtained derived from the papaya fruit. It contains a skin softening and mildly exfoliating enzyme called papain, as well as various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can assist in the wound healing process.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An occlusive moisturizing fatty oil extracted from the germ of corn grains. It is made up of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids, and is suitable for all skin types.
Honey Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An extract obtained from honey that is comprised of proteins, minerals, and various bioactive compounds with antimicrobial, emollient, moisturizing humectant, and soothing properties.
Chitosan Succinamide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Spiraea Ulmaria Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A soothing and astringent extract derived from Meadowsweet flowers. It contains a plant version of anti-inflammatory salicylic acid - salicin.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but also much less effective in its anti-aging and acne-reducing effects.
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic humectant moisturizer often paired with glycerin. It also functions as a viscosity-controlling agent that creates gel-like formulas with thicker textures.
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Description is coming soon
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.
Ceteareth-20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A fatty alcohol emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water together, best for oil-in-water emulsions. It is also a cleansing agent. When combined with cetearyl alcohol, ceteareth-20 forms a mix that, according to acne.org, can be comedogenic.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Under 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.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
The 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.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A 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
A 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.
Diazolidinyl Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
A synthetic preservative that is effective against most common bacteria. It is not considered broad-spectrum because it does not act against any type of yeast or mold. It is therefore commonly paired with antifungal preservatives.
Imidazolidinyl Urea
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
An antimicrobial agent that provides broad spectrum protection.
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
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.