What do reviews say about how to use?

Don't shake it: dip a cotton swab into the pink sediment, dot it on the spot at bedtime and rinse in the morning.

What do reviews say about works?

1,781 Ulta reviewers tag it 'Effective', against 210 who say it doesn't work.

What do reviews say about dry?

Dryness is the main complaint: 480 Ulta reviewers tag 'Dries Out Skin'.

What do reviews say about rating?

On Ulta, 82% of 3,767 ratings are 4★ or 5★.

Beauty & Skincare · Treatments · 3,767 reviews · 3 sources

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Best for: shrinking a pimple overnightMid-range

The cult pink spot treatment: dab the sediment on a blemish at night and it often looks smaller by morning. It can dry the skin around it.

Tracking since Sep 2026

Buy if

You get the odd surface pimple
You want a simple overnight fix

Skip if

You need a full-face acne routine
Sulfur smell bothers you

How it scores

Efficacy7.6

Gentleness4.5

Price

$18

You pay for: Often on sale below $13

Reviewed Sep 2026 · 0 new reviews since · score unchanged

What people love

Most mentioned by reviewers

Easy to useDab on with a swab at night

Works overnightBuyers tag it as effective

Calms rednessCalamine helps settle spots

What people complain about

Most mentioned by reviewers

Dries skinTop tagged complaint on Ulta

One-star ratingsAbout 1 in 11 Ulta buyers

Not for everyoneSome say it doesn't work

Reviewers disagree on

Fast on single spotsCan leave dry patches

Alternatives

Same price · $18

Ask about this product

Sources

Ulta
Men's Health
Mario Badescu
Reviewed Sep 2026

AI summary of public reviews, not a recommendation.