DRYING LOTION

The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is arguably the most famous product from the brand and a cult-favorite spot treatment for acne. It is celebrated for its ability to quickly and effectively reduce the appearance of whiteheads overnight.

Key Features and Unique Formula

The product is famous for its simple, yet effective, two-phase formula in a glass bottle. It consists of:

• The Pink Sediment (Bottom): This is the active part of the product. It contains a powerful blend of ingredients designed to dry out blemishes. The key ingredients are:

  • Calamine: A soothing agent that helps to calm and reduce the appearance of redness and irritation.

  • Sulfur: A natural mineral known for its antibacterial properties. It helps to purify and absorb excess oil, drawing out impurities.

  • Salicylic Acid: A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside the pore to help dislodge dead skin cells and clear breakouts.

• The Clear Liquid (Top): This is isopropyl alcohol, which acts as a disinfectant and helps the active ingredients dry and penetrate the skin.

The genius of the product lies in the fact that the two layers should not be shaken or mixed. The active pink sediment is meant to be dabbed on the skin in its concentrated form.

How to Use

The application method is very specific and is crucial for the product's effectiveness.

1. Do Not Shake the Bottle: The most important rule is to never shake the bottle. The clear and pink layers must remain separate.

2. Cleanse: At night, after cleansing and toning, and before applying any other skincare products, dip a clean cotton swab directly into the pink sediment at the bottom of the bottle.

3. Dab: Pull the swab out and dab a small amount of the pink formula directly onto the individual whitehead. Do not rub it in.

4. Sleep: Let it dry and leave it on overnight.

5. Rinse: In the morning, rinse off the product with warm water.

What It's For

The Drying Lotion is specifically designed for treating whiteheads. It is not intended for use on cystic acne, blackheads, or inflamed pimples, though some users report success with other types of blemishes. Its purpose is to dry out the whitehead from the surface to help it heal more quickly.

It is a staple in many people's routines due to its ability to provide a visible reduction in the size and redness of a blemish literally overnight.