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The Drying Lotion — Mario Badescu's 60-year iconic spot treatment, instantly recognizable from the pink sediment at the bottom of the clear glass bottle. DO NOT shake. Dip a Q-tip into the pink sediment and dab directly onto the whitehead before bed; it dries down clear, kills the pimple via salicylic acid + sulfur + zinc oxide overnight, and is one of the few spot treatments where the result the next morning is genuinely measurable. Has its limitations (won't work on cystic acne, alcohol-based formula isn't for sensitive skin), but for surface-level whiteheads and pustules, it's earned its 60-year cult status.
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Drying Lotion by Mario Badescu is formulated for acne-prone, oily, combination skin. The Drying Lotion — Mario Badescu's 60-year iconic spot treatment, instantly recognizable from the pink sediment at the bottom of the clear glass bottle. DO NOT shake. Dip a Q-tip into the pink sediment and dab directly onto the whitehead before bed; it dries down clear, kills the pimple via salicylic acid + sulfur + zinc oxide overnight, and is one of the few spot treatments where the result the next morning is genuinely measurable. Has its limitations (won't work on cystic acne, alcohol-based formula isn't for sensitive skin), but for surface-level whiteheads and pustules, it's earned its 60-year cult status.
The key active ingredients in Drying Lotion are Sulfur, Salicylic Acid, Zinc Oxide. It's known for: genuinely effective on surface whiteheads and pustules and 60-year cult product with consistent formulation.
Yes, Drying Lotion targets acne. genuinely effective on surface whiteheads and pustules
Drying Lotion retails for around $17, which places it in the budget range for exfoliants. Check the "Where to Buy" section above for current retailer prices.
The main drawbacks to be aware of: alcohol-based formula will sting and dry out skin around the spot; won't work on cystic acne (those need a different mechanism); the pink dot is visible — strictly an overnight product.
A suggested daily routine featuring this product, with complementary picks.
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Mario Badescu · cleanser
Gokujyun Premium Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
Hada Labo · toner
Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence
Dr. Ceuracle · essence
Drying Lotion
Mario Badescu · exfoliant
Cicaplast Baume B5+
La Roche-Posay · moisturizer
Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
La Roche-Posay · sunscreen
Cicaplast Baume B5+
La Roche-Posay · moisturizer
