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Details & care
What it is: A botanical face gel with a refreshing, rejuvenating, deep-cleansing formula.
Who it's for: Ideal for those with oily and congested skin types.
What it does: This citrusy cleanser promotes exfoliation and thoroughly removes your makeup, dirt and oil with its nondrying, soap-free formula.
How to use: Gently massage the cleanser in circular motions on wet skin, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow with your toner and moisturizer.
- 8 oz.
- Oil-free; soap-free
- Cruelty-free
- Item #292245
Ingredients
Deionized Water, Glycerin, Carbomer, Trithanolamine, Methylparaben, Botanical Extract, Germall.
Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging
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Mario Badescu
Offering simple, gentle and effective skin care is the mission of Mario Badescu, who began his career in his native Romania. Then, nearly 50 years ago, he rose to fame in Manhattan, where he served an elite and demanding clientele. The brand's focus is on formulations for individual skin types and needs—from powerful acne solutions to potent treatments that counter the effects of aging.
Most helpful positive review
Feb 11, 2012
Great Product for a Great Price
I have been using Mario Badescu's skin care products twice a day (morning and night) religiously for 6 months and I have noticed an improvement in my skin.
While living in California I had combination skin during the warmer months (normal on the cheeks, slightly oily on the T-zone) and normal/dry skin during the colder months (slightly dry on the cheeks and normal on the T-zone). I moved to Hawaii 3.5 years ago and my skin did not like the huge increase in humidity. My skin went to slightly oily on the cheeks and oily on the T-zone. I had also started to break out with acne (deep red bumps). I started using Mario Badescu's Cucumber Cleansing Lotion to help control my oil and break outs and it worked for me.
The product comes in simple packaging (which is one way in which they are able to keep their prices affordable). It is an orange colored gel. This product does not lather so if that is important to you in a cleanser, then you will not like it. It removes oil and make up well and leaves your skin feeling clean but not dried out. It has a pleasant but not strong smell. I use this to cleanse my skin in the morning and in the evening I use Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser with the Sonicare cleansing brush. I also tone with Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion and apply Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector morning and night, and Neutrogena Healthy Defense Moisturizer SPF50 in the morning. This skin care regimen helped to control the oil production of my skin and prevent break outs. Before, I would constantly have a shiny T-zone and need to use oil blotting papers by midday but not after using this product!
After just a few days, I noticed that the texture of my skin was improved. My skin looked smoother and pores were less noticeable. Over a few weeks, the pigmentation of my skin looked more even and less blotchy. The scars from my break outs were the first to fade and eventually the sun spots that I have on the tops of my cheeks were lighter too. I was never a heavy liquid foundation wearer but I usually always wear compact powder to even out my skin tone. After using this product, I feel like I don't have to.
Overall, this is a great product for use on any type of skin.
justpeachy034
5found this helpful
Most helpful critical review
May 22, 2013
Does Not Help Control Oily Skin
I'd heard great things about this face gel for people with oily skin. However, after using it for over two weeks, it did not help my skin at all as I'd hoped. Unfortunately, I had to return the item.
BronzeBeauty
5 stars
55%
4 stars
19%
3 stars
16%
2 stars
3%
1 star
6%
Sort by Most Helpful
justpeachy034
Feb 11, 2012
Great Product for a Great Price
I have been using Mario Badescu's skin care products twice a day (morning and night) religiously for 6 months and I have noticed an improvement in my skin.
While living in California I had combination skin during the warmer months (normal on the cheeks, slightly oily on the T-zone) and normal/dry skin during the colder months (slightly dry on the cheeks and normal on the T-zone). I moved to Hawaii 3.5 years ago and my skin did not like the huge increase in humidity. My skin went to slightly oily on the cheeks and oily on the T-zone. I had also started to break out with acne (deep red bumps). I started using Mario Badescu's Cucumber Cleansing Lotion to help control my oil and break outs and it worked for me.
The product comes in simple packaging (which is one way in which they are able to keep their prices affordable). It is an orange colored gel. This product does not lather so if that is important to you in a cleanser, then you will not like it. It removes oil and make up well and leaves your skin feeling clean but not dried out. It has a pleasant but not strong smell. I use this to cleanse my skin in the morning and in the evening I use Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser with the Sonicare cleansing brush. I also tone with Mario Badescu Cucumber Cleansing Lotion and apply Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector morning and night, and Neutrogena Healthy Defense Moisturizer SPF50 in the morning. This skin care regimen helped to control the oil production of my skin and prevent break outs. Before, I would constantly have a shiny T-zone and need to use oil blotting papers by midday but not after using this product!
After just a few days, I noticed that the texture of my skin was improved. My skin looked smoother and pores were less noticeable. Over a few weeks, the pigmentation of my skin looked more even and less blotchy. The scars from my break outs were the first to fade and eventually the sun spots that I have on the tops of my cheeks were lighter too. I was never a heavy liquid foundation wearer but I usually always wear compact powder to even out my skin tone. After using this product, I feel like I don't have to.
Overall, this is a great product for use on any type of skin.
5found this helpful
Godney
Aug 21, 2015
It's nice but not a staple
I like to think of myself as a cystic acne survivor. The cystic acne is gone, but I'm left with scars, minor divots, and extremely oily skin.
I bought this on recommendation from sales rep. I described my skin to her, she immediately suggested this gel wash. I wanted to try a non-drying formula. (Feed the face oil and moisture if it is oily!-- they are right, ladies. But that's a different story.)
Bought this puppy, took it home, tried it out.
Applied some drops to my Clarisonic. No suds! What?! Maybe I didn't apply enough. Drench my Clarisonic. Still no suds. Read the bottle. Soap-free formula. Oh.
Lather some in my hands.
It's extremely creamy and leaves your skin feeling so soft. As far as deep-cleansing, I'm not too sure I would label this as deep-cleansing. My face feels clean and hydrated, but my pores don't seem less congested.
I used it every morning for a week.
It's a pleasant wash but I wouldn't repurchase it. It's just not special enough for the price.
Needless to say, I returned it :) Bless Nordstrom's return policy!
2found this helpful
ShoeGalForLife
Apr 27, 2014
refreshing
If you're looking for a cleanser that will remove your makeup or your sunscreen, look elsewhere. That being said, I still enjoy using it. It has natural citrusy scent and very minimal ingredients. I really wish it didn't contain parabens! It's a good cleanser to use when you want a basic cleaning. Pretty decent but not super noticeable oil control. Great price esp for the amount you get.
1found this helpful
M S.
Reposted from Mario Badescu Skin Care
Feb 2, 2026
This is an amazing cleanser!
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is an amazing cleanser! I trade off using this with the Enzyme Cleansing Gel, the Gentle Foaming Cleanser, and the Cream Soap depending on what my skin needs are. This cleanser is great for getting a really thorough cleanse after using an oil based make up remover. It rinses clean and I feel the botanics truly work to brighten and smooth my skin. I also like that it has a soft, pleasant aroma.
Tam
Reposted from Mario Badescu Skin Care
Sept 25, 2025
Effective Cleanser
My teenage daughter loves this product for her oily skin, and I love it for my combination skin. It smells great and effectively cleans skin without overdrying. It has a slightly thick consistency that allows you to squeeze out a little bit at a time, which is all that’s needed to wash your face. For this reason, the bottle is long-lasting. Highly recommended!!
Eliezer J.
Reposted from Mario Badescu Skin Care
Aug 6, 2025
I love this cleanser! It
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I love this cleanser! It effectively cleans my skin without drying it out and doesnt leave any residue. The scent is AMAZING!