Mario Badescu Drying Lotion Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 30 Reddit threads · Updated October 8, 2026
Redditors report sulfur flattens whiteheads overnight; studies found sulfur reduced acne spots. The catch: nightly use can leave skin noticeably drier. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best Overall Alternative10% sulfur short-contact treatment for active breakouts
Best for Acne2% salicylic acid in a no-rinse pad
Best for Redness / IrritationReddit HG for acne and post-acne marks
#1
Best Overall Alternative
The why
A 10% sulfur ointment for short-contact masks or spot treatment, aimed at oily, congested acne. Redditors report quick wins, and studies found sulfur reduced acne spots; dry or reactive skin commonly gets redness, peeling, or flares.
One minus
Can be brutally drying, especially with repeated use
Both recommended for Redness / Irritation.
“I started using the de la Cruz sulfur mask and that has been clearing my breakout significantly.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Sulfur spot treatment; one clinical trial found reduced acne spots
- Price
- $12.59 · 29.6 ml · $0.43/ml
#2
Best for Acne
Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength
Stridex·Acne Spot Treatment
See alternatives2% salicylic acid in a no-rinse pad
The why
A maximum-strength 2% salicylic-acid pad for clogged pores, whiteheads, and body bumps. Studies found 2% salicylic acid hydrogel can work about as well as adapalene for mild-to-moderate acne, while Redditors report clearer skin alongside peeling, burning, and barrier trouble.
One minus
Can peel, burn, and over-dry skin
Good forSensitive Skin
“there's already a huge improvement in mine. Way smoother and the bumps are smaller and less red.”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
#3
Best for Redness / Irritation
The why
This 10% suspension targets acne, post-acne marks, redness, and uneven texture; studies found topical azelaic acid beats placebo and performs about like tretinoin. Redditors say it can work beautifully, but the thick silicone texture pills and irritates reactive skin.
One minus
Thick silicone texture pills under makeup and sunscreen
Both recommended for Redness / Irritation.
“Every night apply The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%”
— Reddit, r/SkincareAddiction
Other alternatives worth a look
10% sulfur spot treatment for acne · 29 recs
Sensitive SkinTexture / Pores
20% azelaic acid with research-backed acne results · 21 recs
Dry SkinCream Texture
10% OTC treatment Redditors use for acne and redness · 86 recs
Combination SkinDry Skin
10% azelaic acid plus salicylic acid — two-active formula · 92 recs
LightweightGentle
Overnight hydrocolloid drainage for surfaced whiteheads · 46 recs
Sensitive SkinGluten-Free
Overnight shrinkage on surfaced whiteheads · 41 recs
K-BeautyClosed Comedones
Browse more
Reddit's best acne spot treatments by concern or ingredient list
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