Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E Review

Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E
4.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
3.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
5.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E has to offer:
 
Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E:
 

🔵🔵 Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of humectancy and occlusivity: a moderate humectancy of 3.5 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propylene Glycol (est. ≈2.5%), and a moderate occlusivity of 5.8 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Mineral Oil (est. ≈6.0%) and Zea Mays (Corn) Oil (est. ≈4.0%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide some occlusive moisturizing that is adequate for normal skin.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tocopheryl Acetate (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

📌 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 Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Needs to Be Paired with Extra Humectants for Optimal Moisturizing Efficacy

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E contains a relatively low level of humectants.

People with normal skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Retinyl Palmitate, an ingredient often 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.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Retinyl Palmitate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate 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, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

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

Pros & Cons of Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E
, as a moisturizer, provides the right level of occlusivity to hydrate normal skin, with a balanced texture that’s neither too light nor too heavy.
 
With its high antioxidant content, Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E 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 Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E worth noting.
 
If you use this product as your only moisturizer in a routine, please note that it contains a limited amount of humectants. Regardless of your skin type, adding extra humectants can enhance optimal moisturizing efficacy. Therefore, it may be worth pairing Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E with a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Mario Badescu Special Hand Cream with Vitamin E is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
❗️ 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
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
0.03
0.1
0.3
0.3
0.01
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Mineral Oil
Function:
Origin:
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Propylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Amyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Eugenol
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Isoeugenol
Function:
Origin:
Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Methyl 2-Octynoate
Function:
Origin:
Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
3.5
2.5
1
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
11.5
6.0
4.0
1.5
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 3.5 10
3.5
2.5
1
Occlusivity All occlusives 11.5 20
5.8
6.0
4.0
1.5
Moisturizing rating
4.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2.5
1
All humectants 3.5 10
3.5
All humectants
3.5
2.5
1
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
4
1.5
All occlusives 11.5 20
5.8
All occlusives
11.5
6.0
4.0
1.5
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1.3 -
Total
0
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1.5
All antioxidants 4.5 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.5
Tocopheryl Acetate
3
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
1.5
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %9
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.
Mineral Oil
Est. %6
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.
Zea Mays (Corn) Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Zea Mays (Corn) OilAn 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.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Propylene Glycol
Est. %2.5
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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %2
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.
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ OilA fatty emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil obtained from wheat germ. It mainly consists of linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids followed by antioxidant vitamin E, phytosterols, and fatty alcohols.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl PalmitateAn 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.
Glycerin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

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.
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.
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.
Amyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amyl Cinnamal

A naturally-occuring and synthetically produced component of some fragrances. It smells of jasmine and slightly spicy. It is a known fragrance allergen, but not expected to be irritating when used below recommended limits.

Benzyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl Alcohol

A multifunctional ingredient that is supplied as a clear, colorless liquid. Its main function is as a flavoring agent and fragrance. It also acts as a broad-spectrum preservative, solvent, and viscosity-controlling agent that thins the product.

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.

Eugenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eugenol

A fragrant liquid that can be found naturally in the essential oils derived from cloves, cinnamon, basil, and bay leaf. It has a spicy and warm scent. People with sensitive skin should consider doing a patch test first, as it is a potential irritant.

Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.

Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.

Isoeugenol
Est. %0.03
Function
Origin
Isoeugenol

A fragrant compound found in ylang-ylang essential oil that has a vanilla-like, creamy, and sweet aroma.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional
Est. %0.1
Function
Origin
Butylphenyl Methylpropional

A synthetic fragrance ingredient used to recreate the scent of lilies, this ingredient also features fresh, green, and powdery notes. Butylphenyl Methylpropional was recently labeled as Toxic to Reproduction in the EU and will be banned in 2022.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One 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.
Methyl 2-Octynoate
Est. %0.01
Function
Origin
Methyl 2-Octynoate
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.