Product Reviews Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars
583 Reviews
Most Helpful Positive Review Want to use this on everything in my life I've been looking into how to update my skincare routine since I'm nearing 30 (I'm turning 29 this year) and kept reading about how I should add in a Vitamin C serum. Most of the Vitamin C serums I found were in the $70-90 dollar range and I didn't want to spend THAT much money on a product I wasn't sure about. I thought I'd try to Mario Badescu serum as a "beginner" serum since I wasn't going to worry about retinol or higher end serums until after I turned 30. I've been using it for about a month and I'm now OBSESSED with this serum and refuse to go without it. I have more sensitive/breakout prone skin and was worried it would be too harsh for me, but I use a generous amount on the nights I apply it and I've never had any issues with redness or increased sensitivity. I use it every other night (based on recommendations I'd read for Vitamin C serums) and let it sink in while I brush my teeth before putting on my moisturizer. This product has made more difference to my skin than anything else I've used before. After just one application, I woke up the next day to soft, smooth skin like I haven't felt in years. After using it regularly, my skin texture has improved tremendously and I'm not dealing with little dry, flaky areas on my forehead and cheeks like I have been. My mom and little brother both commented that it seemed to be improving my acne scars as well when they saw me without makeup. I also swear it's reducing my breakouts because I'll normally have a hormonal breakout along my jaw once a month, but those are almost non-existent now. I get significantly fewer whiteheads than I did before; I still get the occasional one, but they're much less frequent and they clear up fast. I love this so much that I bought it for my best friend for her 29th birthday because her skin is like mine!
Most Helpful Critical Review Ok product. This serum definitely does make the skin nice and smooth. The one single problem I am having with this product is it's making me have a weird reaction on my chin and laugh line area.
The skin is very itchy with ruff skin that seems to have tiny little bumps on said area. There also seems to be some clear fluid discharge. This is very rare for me since I've used really potent products before (a few years ago not together with this product)
I've used the product a few different ways and every time I use this on said area my face reacts at the same spots every time. Went to the doc and I have to put cortisone cream since they think it's "contact dermatitis".
It seems like the product works well for a lot of people. So I am very sad that I have to go and return this serum at my local Ulta.
Reviewed by 583 customers I love this product! 5
Ninel from CA
I use this every night and notice the difference immediately when I wake up. My skin looks more refreshed and the dark spot lighter with each use. I get acne monthly with my monthly visiter and this helps get rid off my dark spot from my visiter lol. Over all my skin look less dull and brighter.
I have combination skin.
Fantastic! 5
CG from SC
Can't say enough good things about this product. I pair it with a few The Ordinary products and my skin has never looked better. I've had forehead wrinkles since I was a teen, over the years and lack of proper skin care, the wrinkles have deepened greatly. However, after a few months of using this, the ordinary hyaluronic acid, nightly lactic acid, my skin does not only look much better, but it feels better. My skin is much more brighter and teen years of not taking proper care have almost vanished with using these products. I would HIGHLY recommend this product to anyone who has wrinkles and that neglected their skin. It's made a huge difference in my skin, I feel so much more confident about my skin, and overall extremely happy with this product.
A wonderfully effective, quality serum! 5
SV from Chicago
While this product gets good ratings overall, I just felt it needed an extra "shout out." I have tried various C serums - and I decided to give the Mario B a try. I'm glad I did! One thing people forget, that is that Mario Badescu DOES SKIN and isn't in the beauty game, as so many of the other makers of all things cream, serum, etc., are. So I trust that his products do what they claim. Like others, I use mine in the morning, so that I do not have to discontinue/skip my retinol cream at night. The serum feels thicker than many others when you apply it - and the ONLY con is that you have to work fast to rub it in, otherwise it doesn't spread as easily. The smell is refreshing - a bit like a tree tree oil. NOT perfumey. It takes about five minutes for it to fully sink in, and then viola! Your face will look wonderful. It has an ever so slight tingly feeling that goes away after fifteen minutes or so, but it leaves no redness. I love what it is doing for my skin, and I trust this brand. I cannot stress it enough - this product is coming from a purely skin care line that is not involved with beauty - just better skin. Another quality product from Mario B!
Loved it! 5
Rain from Columbus, Oh
This product says to use nightly, but I have been using it during the daytime and I love what it does for my skin. One large acne mark on my cheek looked significantly better within a few days of wearing this. It feels a bit oily when I am applying it, but my skins soaks it right up and it wears very well under makeup
Holy grail! 5
RNGal from Boston
I've had problem skin my entire life, 30s hit and now it's sensitive and I'm showing wrinkles. This product along with the orange face wash and a vitamin c cream makes me look and feel in my 20s again! It's a holy grail product.
No change 2
Lisa from NY
I bought & began using this in September. I've used it every other night and am about half way through the bottle, so even though it's not cheap it does last awhile. But I have noticed zero change in my skin. Not a thing.
Love it 5
Joan B from Illinois
I apply it in the morning. Let it set and then apply moisturizer with hyaluronic acid before applying makeup. I'm a nurse and wear a mask every day and it has helped reduce "maskne" and decreased the redness associated with breakouts. I have sensitive skin and was able to use this product with no issues.
love this serum 5
Whit from Asheville
I use this serum after I tone and before I apply moisturizer. It goes on so smooth and I feel that it enhances, brightens and rejuvenates my maturing skin! I've purchased at least twice now.
The BEST! 5
LaurieL from Jurupa Valley
I use this serum every morning! After 2 weeks, I noticed the texture of my skin had really improved. I have a lot of allergies to products causing breakouts, but this one seems to be golden- no reaction.
I always have this is stock at home! 5
Jean from Okemos, Michigan
I put this on after applying toner. The smell is so good and I see my freckles lightening up.
Overall Best Vitamin C Serum 5
Cherise from Houston, Tx
I absolutely love this product! Great on my skin. Brightens it perfectly. Non greasy. I will not change, to any other Vitamin C Serum.
I have bought this many times and will continue buying it. 5
Tina not Turner from Minnesota
I have used this for years because it improves my skin tone.
I love this Vitamin C serum, it's a game changer 5
Jolin from Chandler, Arizona
I've used this vitamin C serum for years now and it's transformed and brighten my skin. My face looks better than ever. I've tried other brands they don't compare! Try a bottle it'll last a month or more it's so worth it. PS, I use it on the back of my hands (after applying it to my face I use what I have leftover on the back of my hands) and I can tell you they don't look like 60 year old hands 😊.
Helps fade acne scars 4
Christie from Jacksonville FL
I've been using this for a full year and I overall really like the product. It does help fade acne scars but other than that I haven't noticed a crazy difference. I will be trying out a different vitamin c brand next time.
burned my face 3
Allie from CA
It burned my face like an allergic reaction which was odd. I love other Mario products so I was surprised.
Bad allergic reaction 1
AllergicReaction from California
I absolutely love Mario Badescu products and swear by them religiously, however this product gave me the worst allergic reaction. I woke up the next morning and my face was super itchy, red and blotchy. I'll be the first to admit I have sensitive/ dry skin so just a warning to everyone, patch test first!
Good but greasy 3
Vicki from Greenwood, IN
I needed to add a vitamin C serum to my skincare routine after my melasma became worse this summer. I gave this one a shot. While this certainly helped with the hyperpigmentation, I found this to be too greasy.
Minimized my pores 5
Mallory B from Heath, TX
I love it! I've had large pores and black heads for 10+ years on my nose
I am in love with this product 5
Nuts4ever from Chicago IL
I love this product. I was so confused about buying this product due to prize, However, after buying and trying I would say if you have combination or sensitive skin this is the best product. I was looking for vitamin C serum and tried couple of other products. But this one works so well. I use as directed. Also it absorb very well in my skin. Will keep buying this product.
My favorite Vitamin C serum 5
Kar from Utah
I have acne prone and dry/sensitive skin, and this has been my favorite Vitamin C serum I have found to date. I noticed after I had used it for a few weeks that the texture of my skin was much smoother, my moisturizer went on much easier, and I needed less moisturizer. I have now switched to using the serum from the Ordinary to save money, but it is noticeably better!
Good product 4
Dayna from NY
I started using this serum as a more affordable alternative to the Kiehl's Vitamin C serum. I'm pretty happy with it, it does make my skin glow after using, and even the following morning. Just be sure to follow the directions and not use it every night, as it can dry your skin a bit.
Go with Mad Hippie so much better 2
Shannon from Florence
I have been religious about using Mad Hippie Vitamin C since pregnant with my daughter. It made my skin amazing. I had heard so much about this one so I tried this... meh. Definitely not worth the price and just not great. I'll stick with my Mad Hippie from now on and not stray
Love it 5
Tristan from Orange County
Switched to this after trying and disliking the Tarte Maracuja. This absorbs sooo quickly, under 5 minutes, which is what I look for in a serum cus I hate when it's too oily and just sits on your face. I apply 4 drops every other night as instructed and my skin is so bright in the morning. Another plus is it doesn't smell bad like other serums.
This is not it, do not buy! 1
Liz from Montana
I was very disappointed by how dry and irritated my skin became for DAYS after using this product. I am NOT new to vitamin c serums and have used multiple bottles of different 20% vitamin c concentrates and I have never had a problem. This was the most drying product I have ever used. I'm assuming it is because of the lavender oil in it, which has been known to not be the best for skin. Literally my skin was flaky and irritated after using the recommended amount. At first I thought maybe I just need to get use to it. So I applied it about three days apart three times, but every time was worse than the last. Also it is very greasy and I didn't like the texture of it, smelled nice though!
Meh 2
Alyson from East TN
Didn't feel great going on; didn't see much improvement from using. For the price, there are better options.
