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Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub for oily skin

Rated by Lovi · Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes

Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub

Average

  • HighOily Skin Fit
  • AverageEffectiveness
  • HighSafety

Works for oily skin; other exfoliants fit it better.

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with oily skin: shine, enlarged pores, blackheads, and blemishes. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.

Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works

Lovi Assistant explains

  • Offers moderate exfoliation for your oily skin due to Phytelephas Aequatorialis Seed Powder, which provides physical exfoliation, and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, offering antioxidant effects that are supportive but not targeted for oily shine.
  • The formula is highly suitable for oily skin, with Phytelephas Aequatorialis Seed Powder and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract providing good keratolytic action and antioxidant activity respectively.
  • The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation for your oily skin due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the presence of soothing components like Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.

How to apply

  • Use this exfoliant product as part of your PM routine once a week. Start slowly and build up frequency only if your skin tolerates it well.
  • Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
  • Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and let it absorb fully. Avoid any harsh rubbing to keep your skin calm.
  • Apply the exfoliant directly onto completely dry skin to get the best balance and results. Clean, dry skin helps the product work evenly.
  • Always avoid the delicate eye area when applying. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily while using exfoliating acids.

People Say

★4.7Overall rating based on 2.2k+ reviews

Based on a very large amount of data, users consistently praise this gel-based scrub for its ability to gently polish and refine skin texture without causing irritation or dryness, making it a favorite for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. Many appreciate the fresh botanical scent and soft post-scrub feel, though some users with oily or resilient skin find the exfoliation too mild to be effective.

Highlights

  • Gentle exfoliation Mostly Mentioned
    • “Gentle enough for daily use”
    • “doesn't dry my skin out”
    • “no irritation”
  • Smooths & softens Mostly Mentioned
    • “Leaves skin soft and smooth”
    • “refines texture”
    • “removes dead skin”
  • Acne & pore control Sometimes Noted
    • “Helps clear up acne”
    • “unclogs pores”
    • “good for breakouts”
  • Pleasant scent Sometimes Noted
    • “Smells good”
    • “fresh scent”
    • “botanical and not overpowering”
  • Too mild Sometimes Noted
    • “Not abrasive enough”
    • “didn't feel like a scrub”
    • “too mild for oily skin”
  • Product longevity Rarely Noted
    • “A little goes a long way”
    • “lasts a long time”
    • “good value”
  • Drying effect Rarely Noted
    • “Leaves skin feeling stripped”
    • “made my face tight”
  • Packaging issues Rarely Noted
    • “Nozzle issues”
    • “cheap packaging”
    • “leaked in bag”
  • Price vs. value Rarely Noted
    • “Not worth the money”
    • “expensive for what it is”
    • “cheaper options work better”
  • Scent dislike Rarely Noted
    • “Smell is too strong”
    • “don't like the scent”
    • “smells like cucumber”

Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, ulta.com, mariobadescu.com, walmart.com, and more

Questions and answers

How well does Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub work for oily skin?

This scrub works reasonably well for your oily skin, offering moderate exfoliation and a safe formula that is unlikely to cause irritation. However, an exfoliant for oily skin works best when it includes ingredients like BHA and salicylic acid to effectively manage oiliness and refine pores.

Experimental Dermatology, 2009Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019

Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for oily skin?

This exfoliant works for your oily skin thanks to Phytelephas Aequatorialis Seed Powder for physical scrubbing and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract for soothing antioxidant support. To best fit oily skin, products of this type need ingredients like BHA and salicylic acid to control excess oil and minimize pores.

Experimental Dermatology, 2009Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019

What does Ivory Nut Powder do for oily skin?

Ivory Nut Powder helps exfoliate oily skin by removing dead cells and clearing away excess oil to keep your face feeling smooth and fresh. This physical scrub may temporarily unclog pores, but because it can sometimes be too harsh, it is best used gently and only once or twice a week to avoid irritation.

What does Green Tea Extract do for oily skin?

Green tea extract helps oily skin by significantly lowering oil production when applied regularly over several weeks. It also calms inflammation and reduces breakouts, making it a great addition to a routine for managing greasy skin.

Bosnian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences, 2010Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2016

Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for oily skin?

This exfoliant works well once a week in an oily routine, as this type offers moderate physical polishing and soothing plant extracts. Oily skin works best with products that clear excess shine and target pores more directly.

Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this exfoliant with retinol, but apply them on different nights to keep your skin calm and avoid irritation. Oily skin works best with an exfoliant that offers targeted oil control and stronger clearing ingredients rather than general scrubbing.

How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start using this exfoliant once a week, and if your skin tolerates it well and shows good results, you may carefully use it more often. To get a better fit for oily skin, a product of this type needs targeted ingredients that manage excess shine and deep clean pores.

Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for oily skin?

This scrub is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores for your oily skin because it has an excellent safety profile and soothing ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract. However, because it provides only moderate exfoliation, oily skin often needs stronger ingredients like salicylic acid or glycolic acid to thoroughly clear pores and manage excess shine.

Experimental Dermatology, 2009Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019

Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum).

What the research says

Ingredients

Phytelephas Aequatorialis Seed Powder, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Triethanolamine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Coconut Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum

Behind this fit score

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.

  • Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Nadia Kapleva, MS

    Co-founder, Medical Director

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer

  • Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Alexey Shagraev, PhD

    Co-founder, CEO and CTO

    PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex

  • Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc

    Medical Board

    Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine

  • Aishani Shah, MD

    Aishani Shah, MD

    Medical Board

    Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD

  • Asya Zubkova, MS

    Asya Zubkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member

  • Hanna Kurets, MD

    Hanna Kurets, MD

    Medical Board, Medical Advisor

    Dermatology MD

  • Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Elina Nazarenko, MD

    Medical Board

    Dermatology and diagnostic consultant

  • Victoria Derkova, MS

    Victoria Derkova, MS

    Medical Board

    Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist

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How does it fit your skin?

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