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Mario Badescu Protective Day Cream
Mario Badescu

Mario Badescu Protective Day Cream

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Paraffinum liquidum, Panthenol + 13 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Hydrates and nourishes skin.”
Source: Mario Badescu

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: beeswax, chondrus crispus extract.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol, paraffinum liquidum

Paraffinum liquidumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighMineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function~0.45–1.05%
PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.35–0.85%
BeeswaxKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighForms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen~22–33%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~3–4.4%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~2.2–3.3%
Chondrus crispus extractKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~1.8–2.7%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~1.1–1.7%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.6–1.4%
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency~0.5–1.2%
Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.5–1.2%
Magnesium aspartateKey activeEffect: MediumMight be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin~0.45–1.1%
SarcosineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to enhance the penetration of other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.8%
Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~0.45–1%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~0.35–0.8%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.15–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Benzyl benzoate, Diazolidinyl urea + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 14 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Benzyl benzoateFragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritatingHigh~4.4–6.6%est.
Diazolidinyl ureaA preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.85–1.3%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Sorbitan sesquioleateUsed to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
Benzoic acidA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient propertiesMedium~3.5–5.3%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~1.4–2.1%est.
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.5–1.2%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.5–1.2%est.
Oenothera biennis seed extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence is lackingMedium~0.4–0.9%est.
Olea europaea leaf extractA plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missingMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.15–0.5%est.
Comedogenic
4 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
4 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~1.8–2.7%est.
Ceteareth-20Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties2/5~3.5–5.3%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~3–4.4%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.5–1.2%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Beeswax~22–33%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Forms a protective barrier that holds water and keeps dry skin hydrated. Keeps an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components, and increases the thickness of a product. Can be an allergen

More about Beeswax
Benzoic acid~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Benzoic acid
Benzyl benzoate~4.4–6.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Fragrance with sweet balsamic smell. Help to preserve products and dissolve other ingredients. Could trigger allergic reactions and be irritating

More about Benzyl benzoate
Ceteareth-20~3.5–5.3%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Has some emollient properties

More about Ceteareth-20
Cetearyl alcohol~3–4.4%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Cetyl alcohol~2.2–3.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Chondrus crispus extract~1.8–2.7%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus extract
Citric acid~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Diazolidinyl urea~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative. Works by releasing formaldehyde. Can be irritating

More about Diazolidinyl urea
Dimethicone~1.1–1.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Parfum~0.85–1.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Glycerin~0.6–1.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.5–1.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency

More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer
Glyceryl isostearate~0.55–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Glyceryl isostearate
Glycine soja oil~0.5–1.2%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil
Magnesium aspartate~0.45–1.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

Might be helpful in restoring skin barrier function and calm down inflammation in skin

More about Magnesium aspartate
Methylparaben~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben
Microcrystalline wax~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Microcrystalline wax
Paraffinum liquidum~0.45–1.05%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function

More about Paraffinum liquidum
Oenothera biennis seed extract~0.4–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties but evidence is lacking

More about Oenothera biennis seed extract
Olea europaea leaf extract~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but evidence for effectiveness in skin is missing

More about Olea europaea leaf extract
Panthenol~0.35–0.85%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Potassium aspartate~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Potassium aspartate
Potassium hydroxide~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Propylene glycol~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Propylparaben~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Propylparaben
Sarcosine~0.2–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to enhance the penetration of other ingredients and attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Sarcosine
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Sorbitan sesquioleate~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Cleansing

Used to help oil and water mix together. Can be irritating

More about Sorbitan sesquioleate
Stearic acid~0.45–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Tocopherol~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Triethanolamine~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine
Water~0.1–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Zinc oxide~0.15–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant

More about Zinc oxide
Ingredient list view

Beeswax, Benzoic acid, Benzyl benzoate, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetyl alcohol, Chondrus crispus extract, Citric acid, Diazolidinyl urea, Dimethicone, Parfum, Glycerin, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Glyceryl isostearate, Glycine soja oil, Magnesium aspartate, Methylparaben, Microcrystalline wax, Paraffinum liquidum, Oenothera biennis seed extract, Olea europaea leaf extract, Panthenol, Potassium aspartate, Potassium hydroxide, Propylene glycol, Propylparaben, Sarcosine, Sodium benzoate, Sorbitan sesquioleate, Stearic acid, Tocopherol, Triethanolamine, Water, Zinc oxide

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Mario Badescu
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Mario BadescuProtective Day CreamYOUR PRODUCTWish FormulaReparative - K CreamSkincare by Dr VCera Pep MoisturiserExcilorHydra-Intense Cream
Match—58%57%54%
Price$18.00$69.30+$51.30$42.94+$24.94$11.01−$6.99
Shared key ingredients—5 of 104 of 103 of 10
Key difference—Madecassic AcidNiacinamideUrea
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  2. 2
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  3. 3
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Magnesium ions inhibit the antigen-presenting function of human epidermal Langerhans cells in vivo and in vitro. Involvement of ATPase, HLA-DR, B7 molecules, and cytokinesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oilncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) Biological Activity Dependent on Chemical Compositionncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Mario Badescu Protective Day Cream
Mario BadescuProtective Day Cream
Buy at Mario Badescu$18.00Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy at Mario Badescu$18.00Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.