Product Reviews Rated 4.26 out of 5 stars
548 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 548 customers Too oily 2
Beth from New York
I've been using this for about 2 months now. It's okay, but its very oily and takes a long time to settle into your skin.
The best serum for me! 5
AmberAM from Oregon
This is probably my third bottle. I love this serum! I use it at night and my face is glowing in the mornings! Thank
Great product and price, bad packaging 4
Molly from Lubbock, TX
The contents of the serum is great. It works relatively fast by reducing breakouts and redness while maintaining moisture and balance to the skin. I actually enjoy the scent, but it's relatively strong smelling of lavender oil. The only thing that frustrates me with this product is the packing. The lid does twists on, but it doesn't keep the tension, meaning that if you travel or knock it over, it could leak and drain the contents. I have actually purchased two bottles of this this and my first one leaked and fully saturated a bag while traveling. The second bottle only got temporarily knocked over and only lost a little bit. I think I will purchase this again because it's a better price than most vitamin c serums and does the job it's intended for, but I just won't travel with it. Overall, I recommend it, but make sure you store it upright at all times.
very hydrating 5
Rosie from Los angeles
I bought this serum about 3 months ago and I love it.I usually give it awhile to see if I really see any results I'm olny 20 years old with oliy skin with some trouble of acne scars. This serum has helped a bit especially my forehead area would buy again especially for the price point I'd say its a good buy !!!
Disappointed 3
Allie from CA
It doesn't spread easily and leaves my skin with a burning sensation. I've never had a serum do that.
Good product and price. 4
Teri from Seattle, WA
Will never go without Vitamin C nightly on face, along with serums.
I buy this product often 5
Mom from NC
I use to keep my face moisturized
Love it so far 4
Jenn from Crofton, MD
I received a sample of this and so far I love it. I've used a few other brands and they were too watery and hard to put on. This one is thicker so may not be good if you have oily skin. It's great for me bc my skin is dry. I haven't used it long enough to notice a difference. I have very sensitive skin and it didn't irritate my skin. If it goes on sale I'll definitely be buying a bottle!
Not worth it and way overpriced 1
TiBi from Milwaukee
Bought it on sale. And I'm glad I didn't spend the money because it did nothing good for my skin.
The Lavender oil make my skin sensitive and irritated. When I applied it in the morning, my skin looked greasy and it did not absorb well. The Ordinary vitamin c powder gets you way more for your buck.
love it 5
julia from tarpon springs, fl
there is a lot of smack talked about mario badescu because some of their products are very good ingredient wise. but this product doesn't have any bad ingredients in it except for lavender oil. it makes my skin look younger and brightened. totally recommend
LOVE! 5
NElizabeth from Baltimore,MD
I use this product after cleansing & toning and before moisturizing 2x a day! I'm in the last few months of acne treatment so I'm really focused on improving my skin texture and fading my acne scars. I love the way this serum feels on my skin and I do think it's helping my skin!
LOVE! 5
NElizabeth from Baltimore,MD
I use this product after cleansing & toning and before moisturizing 2x a day! I'm in the last few months of acne treatment so I'm really focused on improving my skin texture and fading my acne scars. I love the way this serum feels on my skin and I do think it's helping my skin!
Best skincare product I have ever used 5
Kaleena from Pittsburgh, PA
When I first used this product, I didn't like it. It sat in my drawer a few months and I decided to try it again. I use it at night and it has completely changed my skin. I had run out and had a bad stress breakout because I recently moved to another state. I went and got this and within 2 uses all the breakouts were gone. It does a great job at making skin really smooth. The texture can take some getting used to. It's a little slimy/sticky. However it sinks into skin fast. I've tried other vitamin c serums for less money but nothing compares to this one! It is my holy grail!
Not good for oily skin 3
lely from Florida
This product broke me out terribly. I would stay away if you have oily skin.
The only vitamin c serum in my eyes 5
The go-to review for those curious from Tulsa
So first I'll say, I'm still on my first bottle. But it's been well over a year and I bought two back ups in both the sales that occurred during that time so I may actually never run out and I'm good with that. I didn't even know that vitamin c serums smell bad because this was my first and it smells like lavender and orange oil. I actually have switched it up a couple times for about a week each just to see if there's something better out there, other good ones are good but they're just not this one. It's the most gentle and the most nice smelling and it genuinely heals damage to the skin (acne, redness, dryness, etc) put it on while your skin is warm and moist before your moisturizer and after your toner if you use it (and buy it during the beauty steals like I do, it's half off!! Can't beat it) Three or four drops will do you beautifully, it is not meant to be a moisturizer so don't load up your face with a handful of this serum or you'll just waste it as your face cannot absorb that much product or vitamin C.
Absolutely love this serum! 5
Stasi from Plano, Tx
I've been consistently using this serum for about a week and already have noticed a difference my skin tone and texture. Will definitely keep this product in my skincare routine
God sent serum 5
Girlie190 from Orange, ca
Honestly this god sent serum improved significantly my skin texture and pores . This is my third bottle. I loooove this product. The best vit c serum!!!
Great product 4
Sj from Oh
Great for any age my daughter and I both use it.
Highly recommend! 5
Teshhh from Orlando, FL
This product was recommend to me by an RN because I suffered from a chemical burn on my cheek. After the burn healed, this serum was applied nightly to brighten my skin and fade the remaining dark spots... to my surprise, that's exactly what it did! I still have a bit to go with the mark, but honestly... I dont think I've would confidently achieve these results without this product.
Seems to work 4
Al from Sparta, nj
This product smells really good, and so far o think it's working pretty well. It's just too liquidy though. I put it in my hand to rub on my face, but I feel like so much runs through my fingers and doesn't make it on my face because of the consistency
Hello!!!!!!! 5
Antoinette from Dallas, TX
I mix this with my moisturizer and noticed a difference after a week. My skin is extra sensitive and I've had no issues. This is not an oil, but truly a serum.
Thank you Mario
Causes redness 1
Rayy from Burbank
It made my very irritated, swollen, and red. I don't recommend if you have sensitive skin
Something that finally works for my sensitive skin! 5
Baconlover from Detroit, MI
I rarely leave reviews, but this serum really impressed me. I have very sensitive skin (sometimes textured in places), dry and acne prone skin making it hard to find products that can keep the acne at bay without over drying. I got this in a sample bag from Ulta and have been using for about 2 weeks now. I already have a full size bottle on the way! This serum has not only started to clear up my sporadic acne, but it's starting to lighten the awful scaring I have on my cheeks. I've noticed that my skin tone is more even and feels much smoother. The best part is that it's NOT super drying, I can't wait to see results after a few months of use. Also I use this every night even though the bottle says every other night!
Works for others but definitely not me 1
Bri M from Schaumburg, IL
I have dry and sensitive skin and now love vitamin c products, however I applied this serum to my smile line area and ended up with what was like a chemical burn. My skin darkened, got so dry it peeled for 4 months, and after over a year since I bought it I'm still buying products to undo the damage caused by this product. I love this brand so I was very disappointed when this happened.
Warning causes breakouts! 1
Kim from San Diego
I used this once a day before my moisturizer. I normally have dry to oily skin. This product caused me to have one of the worst breakouts I've ever had. Once I stopped using it, my skin cleared up. It feels very oily on my skin. I do not recommend this product.
