Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
1 fl. z
Fasting-acting, spot treatment drying lotion with calamine, sulfur, zinc oxide, salicyclic acid, and titanium dioxide. This specialized skin care blend helps draw impurities out of the surface of the skin through an overnight application.
Best For
Skin cleansing [1-7]; skin exfoliation, pore minimization, irritation, redness, and blemish reduction [1-9]
Results
5/5
Ingredients of Concern
Titanium dioxide (2-6), depending on usage; Talc (did not receive a rating on EWG, but is still an ingredient of concern); Zinc oxide (2-4) EWG rating of 4 for sunscreen grade > 100nm
- Organic
- Non-GMO
- Non-toxic
- Paraben-free
Specially formulated drying lotion and spot treatment made with calamine, sulfur, zinc oxide, salicylic acid, and titanium dioxide Helps target blemishes on the face, chest, neck, and back Provides overnight treatment that targets blemishes on the skin's surface Draws out impurities during sleep Reduces the appearance of surface blemishes Helps unclog pores and enhances the shedding of dead skin cells Free of parabens
Ingredients Concern: Titanium dioxide (2-6), depending on usage; Talc (did not receive a rating on EWG, but is still an ingredient of concern); Zinc oxide (2-4) EWG rating of 4 for sunscreen grade > 100nm
Cons: The overuse of calamine can over dry acne; This may cause skin irritation and worsen acne breakouts, thusly calamine should be used sparingly and always with a moisturizer; Talc may contain the carcinogen asbestos and should be avoided in personal care products; Talc may pose risks for cancer and respiratory toxicity; This drying lotion cannot be used on broken skin; Titanium dioxide has an EWG rating of 2-6 depending on the usage, sunscreen grade receives a higher EWG rating; If the bottle is shaken, the product has to sit overnight to allow settling; Cannot be used on broken skin as it may cause irritation; Cannot be applied to the eye or lip area
The combination of zinc, calamine, and sulfur is beneficial for the healing of skin lesions linked to oily, clogged pores [1-3].
Zinc oxide has anti-inflammatory properties that help target skin problems such as acne and it also speeds up the body's natural wound healing capabilities [4-6]. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are frequently added to skin care products. Zinc deficiency is associated with oxidative stress-induced aging due to free radicals and oxygen reactive species, which are skin-damaging particles that zinc targets [7].
Salicylic acid targets clogged pores, promotes the shedding of dead skin cells, and helps target the appearance of age spots and wrinkles [9].
Skin cleansing [1-7]; skin exfoliation, pore minimization, irritation, redness, and blemish reduction [1-9]
Calamine has soothing properties that help lessen itchiness and discomfort from minor skin irritation, including mosquito bites or hives. It also demonstrates drying activity, which makes it useful for drying rashes, pimples, and other skin blemishes caused by excess oil [1].
Zinc supports skin health by promoting detoxification and it also has anti-inflammatory properties that heighten the body's natural wound healing process [4-6]. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are frequently added to skin care products because they target free radicals and prevent them from damaging fibroblasts (skin cells) and lipids (fats) that play a role in protecting the skin from UV exposure or skin irritants (e.g., pollution) [7]. Zinc oxide is also linked to anti-aging due to its ability to protect collagen-producing fibroblast and lipids in the skin [8].
Zinc oxide creates a protective layer on the skin that blocks UV light and its structure helps it mix easily with other topical agents [8]. In addition, zinc does not absorb deeply into the skin, which reduces the occurrence of skin irritation and is one of the reasons why it is added to skin care products for individuals with sensitive skin [8].
Sulfur helps dry out the surface of the skin by absorbing excess oil (sebum) that may cause or worsen acne breakouts. It also helps unclog pores by drying out dead skin cells [3].
Salicylic acid has comedolytic properties that make it a helpful peeling compound that targets the appearance of aging including, acne, photodamage, and dark spots [9].
Note regarding the Strength, Results, and Safety: The first ingredient is isopropyl alcohol, which can burn some people's skin and is probably responsible for the majority of the skin drying effects; Calamine is the 3rd ingredient and overuse can dry out the skin; Sulfur is the 5th, zinc oxide is 7th, and salicylic acid is the last ingredient; In addition, none of the percentages are listed for the key ingredients described by the manufacturer; In terms of safety, titanium dioxide has an EWG rating of 2-6, depending on usage; Talc did not receive a rating on EWG, but is still an ingredient of concern due to its carcinogenic properties; Zinc oxide has an EWG rating of 2-4 EWG, with 4 being listed for sunscreen grade > 100nm; As none of the percentages for these ingredients are listed it is hard to assess the safety of the product
Key Ingredients: Calamine, Sulfur, Zinc oxide, Salicyclic acid, Titanium dioxide
All Ingredients: Isopropyl Alcohol, Aqua (Water, Eau), Calamine, Camphor, Sulfur, Zinc Oxide, Talc, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide) 
DO NOT SHAKE THE BOTTLE. Before bed (after cleansing and toning), dip a cotton swab into the pink sediment at the bottom of the bottle. Dab directly on the surface blemish; do not rub in. Let dry and rinse off in the morning. Do NOT use on broken skin.
Do not apply to eye or lip area. If product gets into eyes, rinse well with water.
Note: No matter how tempted you are, don't shake the bottle. Don't worry if you do-simply set the bottle on an even, flat surface. Leave it undisturbed overnight your Drying Lotion will settle like new.
You can use your Drying Lotion to target surface blemishes on the back, chest, and neck, too.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
1. Harsha Solanki, et al. Natural Humectants in Formulation of Calamine Lotion: Its Evaluation and Comparison. Research J. Topical and Cosmetic Sci. 2016;7(2):41-45.
2. Barceloux DG. Zinc. Clinical Toxicology. 1999;37(2):279-292.
3. Gupta AK, Nicol K. The use of sulfur in dermatology. J Drugs Dermatol. 2004;3(4):427-31.
4. Dreno B, Trossaert M, Boiteau HL, Litoux P. Zinc salts effects on granulocyte zinc concentration and chemotaxis in acne patients. Acta Derm Venereol 1992;72:250-2.
5. Amer M, Bahgat MR, Tosson Z, et al. Serum zinc in acne vulgaris. Int J Dermatol 1982;21:481-4.
6. Michaelsson G, Ljunghall K. Patients with dermatitis herpetiformis, acne, psoriasis and Darier's disease have low epidermal zinc concentrations. Acta Derm Venereol 1990;70:304-8.
7. Smijs TG, Pavel S. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles in sunscreens: focus on their safety and effectiveness. Nanotechnol Sci Appl. 2011;4:95-112.
8. Cabrera ÁJ. Zinc, aging, and immunosenescence: an overview. Pathobiol Aging Age Relat Dis. 2015;5:25592.
9. Arif T. Salicylic acid as a peeling agent: a comprehensive review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:455-61.
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