Product Reviews Rated 3.79 out of 5 stars
86 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing This is the only product I've ever reviewed, but that's just because this is the only thing that has actually worked for me. I'm 20 and was blessed with acne when I was just 9 years old (as you can tell, genetics are not my friend) and I have tried every product you can imagine. I spent so much money trying pretty much every acne regimen out there when all along I just needed this little magic bottle and a $5 moisturizer from Trader Joe's? I wish I had known about this 10 years ago.
Anyway, here is my experience with this product: A few months ago, my skin was probably the worst it's ever been. My skin was greasy, my pores were visibly clogged despite taking great care of it (thanks for nothing, skin), I had clusters of acne scars and spots on my cheeks, and my cheeks and forehead were covered in these tiny little bumps I later learned were called comedones (pretty much just blackheads trapped under the skin). I tried so many different creams, masks, and toners in an attempt to clean out my congested pores and fade my scars, but nothing worked. Eventually after digging around the Ulta website I came across this product and it's honestly the best thing that's ever happened to my skincare routine. Within a few weeks my skin was smooth (the comedones are completely GONE), less oily (this toner is a bit drying but if you apply a moisturizer after you should be fine), and my acne scars have faded drastically. Now my skincare regimen only includes Biore face wash with charcoal, this cleansing lotion, and some Trader Joe's moisturizer and my skin looks smooth and even. As someone with extremely problematic skin, I never imagined I could have a skincare routine that was so low maintenance. I wish I could write a love letter to the person who created this product.
P.S. Sorry this review is super lengthy, as you can tell I'm really excited about this stuff and wish I could give a bottle to every person on the planet.
Most Helpful Critical Review Disappointed I was very disappointed in this product. It was very harsh on my combination skin and worked well at first but my skin began to go back to the way it used to be in about a month. I was very disgusted after reading the ingredients that a "Prestige" brand would use rubbing alcohol (went by another name) as one of their ingredients. That breaks skin barriers down and may kill bacteria but by taking that barrier, it also comes back faster. I returned it after noticing that.
Reviewed by 86 customers Burned my skin 1
Racheal from Virginia
I am 28 and I have combination skin, it burned pretty badly and left my sling feeling irritated,itchy and changed the texture of my skin. I would recommend testing before buying.
Very harsh left painful burns 1
J'Nique from Humble Texas
Very harsh on my skin. I normally use the glycolic acid toner which works great. The grapefruit lotion literally left me with chemical burns on my face and neck.
Perfect product 5
Jeanie from Dothan Alabama
A wonderful product.
absolutely love 5
CosmoCyd from NY
I have post damage to my earlier acne, stressed past over exposure to the sun. This is a great product for my own skincare needs to address the issues that I have dealt with in the past. I recommend a sunscreen for the day when using this product.
I am also a fan of the alpha grapefruit toner for the day, my evening gentle exfoliation is really wonderful, the vit c in the morning routine with the alpha grapefruit after cleansing with the seaweed soap which has a slight granular exfoliation from the seaweed really leaves my skin incredibly smooth, bright, feeling great, especially when I use a vit c serum or moisturizer, also recommend the buttermilk moisturizer for a bright, moisturized texture
The whole line is highly recommended. The price is great especially for the results that can be achieved
Have Used Other MB Toners - This Is My Fave! 5
Anne from Oregon
Love Mario Badescu products and this is my most recent try. Fell in love! I deal with acne, dry skin, and wrinkles...this product has noticibly helped clear my skin. Will purchase again!
So refreshing! 5
TClum0327 from Ohio
This cleansing lotion is so refreshing and not harsh at all like some other toners. This toner wakes your skin right up and is the prefect addition to your skincare routine.
Favorite Toner 5
RGrenier from KC
This is my fav toner. Tingles on application, and can sting slightly when it comes in contact with a blemish. Helps shrink my pores and clear out my skin. Also has a pleasant scent that isn't overpowering.
My summer toner - great for combo oily skin 5
LGee from TN
This is my summer toner for when I get more oily. Works well as a part of a 3-part regimen (cleanser, this toner, and moisturizer). It doesn't dry me out in summer. (I use a different one in winter when I tend to get drier.)
I love that you can mix and match MB products in how it works best for you. If you're not sure where to start, visit Ulta in person and ask. That's how I've chosen all my MB products. The associates are always knowledgeable and helpful.
Might have finally found my holy grail 5
K from Atlanta
I don't normally take the time to write reviews but this was too good not to. Lately I've had a lot of acne/bumps on my forehead. I was using another Mario toner in my routine but NOTHING was getting rid of them. Within a few days of using this instead, there's noticeably less bumps and the redness of the ones that remain has all but disappeared. And my face feels so soft! It does tingle a little but just follow with a moisturizer and you'll be good.
Very instrusive to my skin! 1
Megpie from Lockport, NY
My skin remained red throughout the entirety of the use of the product. I understand that glycolic acid is an acid and breaks down the skin so it can grow new cells to look more youthful, but I disliked the constant redness.
Very nice 5
Liz from New Hartford, NY
Sales lady at ulta recommended this to me. I love it! My skin feels nice and clean after I take all my makeup off.
Almost took it back, so glad I didn't 4
Danielle from Oklahoma
I use this after the cleansing gel as a toner more or less. I almost took it back bc it burned the first few uses, but my skin got used to it and now I never get breakouts. And I'm not the best at washing my face twice everyday. I love the skin care line, it takes a bit of trial and error to figure out what works best for you, but I finally found something that works for me.
Will never stop using this 5
Paige in Tulsa from Tulsa, OK
I'm in my 40s. My skin had become dull, dry and sometimes almost scaly. I had used a $400 skincare system and moved away from it because the cost seemed crazy. My skin conditions plummeted. I did an online search seeing if there existed a more economical alternative to the system I had used. Sure enough, this popped up as the recommended toner. I bought it. I'm almost through my first bottle which lasted me 3 months - morning and night. It could likely last longer but I went cotton pad crazy. I've just received my second bottle.
Using this in conjunction with a deep pore cleanser. I use this after the cleanser. Within a few days, the scaliness and dullness was lessening. My skin practically shines right now. Makeup goes on smoother, I feel ok going to the store makeup-free on weekends. On occasion it does tingle when I put it on, especially in dry weather, but I birthed two kids - I can (and have!) survive(d) a skin tingle. This stuff is AMAZING. I highly recommend and I literally pray my skin never becomes immune to it. Also don't be confused - this is a TONER to be used after a cleanser, NOT a cleanser as the name suggests.
Too strong 1
Emily from Michigan
Burned when applying. Made me break out after every use. Too strong for someone with sensitive skin.
love! 5
E from Texas
My skin had been EXTREMELY oily and always so congested and broken out since the 7th grade (I'm now a junior in college) and I hadn't been able to go without makeup since then because I was always so embarrassed! I had tried other Mario products and they helped, just didn't quite clear my skin up. Over the summer, I decided to try this toner with the Botanical Facial Cleanser and the Enzyme Cleanser (whichever was on hand I love them both) with this toner. My skin has not been this clear since before I ever started breaking out!!! I can finally feel comfortable going with out makeup!! Highly reccommend!
So far so great 4
TulsaPaige from Tulsa, OK
I needed a toner with a kick. I have combo skin, historically problematic breakouts and large pores. This stuff WORKS. I've been using about two weeks and there's a noticeable difference in the smoothness of my skin - no dry patches, no oil. Those with crazy skin know that while those two features seem competing, they are absolutely not. My skin is soft, clarified, and I feel the appearance of my pores are slightly smaller. My makeup goes on my smoothly.
Returned it 2
Zoe from Wisconsin
I originally went to Ulta to purchase the original Glycolic Acid Toner but it was out of stock. After the Ulta employee recommended this product saying they are virtually the same, I believed her. THIS IS NOT THE SAME!! It is so strong, has a terrible smell, and burnt! I returned the next day. It also is FULL of alcohol
Didn't work out 2
Jor from Michigan
Didn't work out for both my mom or I
BURNS 2
Lulu from Dallas, TX
I've only been using this for 4 days and every time it burns my skin. I have combo skin, I never had acne and I rarely break out. I really wanted to like it bc afterwards my skin would feel really smooth.
BURNS 2
Lua from Dallas, TX
My skin usually never gets irritated with nothing but THIS sis 😭 this really burns my skin. I have combo skin I NEVER had acne and I rarely get a pimple so I think I must be allergic to the glycolic acid in this 🤷🏻♀️ I really wanted to love it 😩 Bc it does leave my skin feeling soft afterwards but the burning is too much when I apply it.
Amazing results from first use 5
Megs2019 from North Dakota
I've been using this every night for over a month (cleanse, wipe this on like a toner, then serum & moisturizer) and it's probably the best skin care product I've ever used. I have normal to dry skin that gets very dry, dull and flakey in the winter. Since using this I have not had a single flake of dry skin and it has a healthy glow. Serum and moisturizer absorb like a dream after. It's gentle (just don't put on broken skin), light clean scent (but does not smell like grapefruit) and the flip top cap is easy to use and get just the right amount of product on your cotton pad. Will be repurchasing this over and over. Thank you Mario Badescu for creating awesome products, I love everything I've tried from this line.
Mostly Great 5
Banana from Menifee
I'm 20 and have combo/oily skin. I'll get dry in my cheek bone areas and under my bottom lip as to where my T-Zone will get super oily as well as my under eye/cheek area. I also have noticeable pores and wrinkles in my oily areas.
Right now I'm breaking out so bad on my forehead, so when I apply this on my face after my Glycolic Foaming cleanser, it burns only in the areas where I'm breaking out. But like it says, not recommended for acne erupted skin. So I use it everywhere except my forehead and I wake up to a plump and youthful looking face.
Obviously my pores and wrinkles haven't disappeared but this just makes my face look so baby like and it gives it this clarified clean look. I love this product! Can't wait for my acne to clear out on my forehead so I can finally get the real deal.
Wanted to like it but didn't 2
TigrKelly from Tulsa, OK
I was so excited about trying this between the glycolic acid and the grapefruit for my oily skin. One use and I returned it due to the horrible smell. I can usually get past a not-so-pleasant smell if I like a product but this one was so strong it made me want to throw up and it didn't go away quickly. Their products are usually awesome but they totally missed it on the fragrance for this one.
Excellent for the price 5
Alex from Chicago, IL
I use this twice a day after my cleanser and before my toner. I don't really get the "lotion" part of the product and the astringency of the product isn't very much. Regardless, this has really helped reduce the blackheads on my pesky oil field of a nose.
Love this toner! 5
ssaturn8842 from Kensington,NH
Let me first say that I have tried multiple toners out there that have either created an overflow of oil production or have dried my skin out completely. For the first time, this toner doesn't do either of those things!
It is moisturizing for my oily skin, doesn't break out, able to use it every day with no issues of dry skin.
I have used it for several weeks and have seen an improvement in my skin so it is definetly worth while!