Mario Badescu Drying Lotion Dupes & Cheaper Alternatives
From 27 Reddit threads · Updated October 9, 2026
Sulfur spot treatment for surface whiteheads; dries fast, can be harsh. The catch: can dry you out fast if you use it nightly. Here's what Redditors reach for instead.
The short answer
Best for Acne2% salicylic acid in an easy swipe pad
Best for Redness / Irritation10% azelaic acid for acne and marks
#1
Best Overall Alternative
The why
One minus
Dries skin out fast
Good forOily Skin
Both recommended for Acne.
“I use De La Cruz 10% sulfur ointment and leave it on overnight (but ONLY on the pimple!).”
— Reddit, r/30PlusSkinCare
The original, at a glance
- Why people love it
- Sulfur spot treatment that flattens pimples overnight
- Price
- $18.00 · 29.6 ml · $0.61/ml
#2
Best for Acne
Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength
Stridex·Acne Spot Treatment
See alternatives2% salicylic acid in an easy swipe pad
The why
A no-rinse 2% salicylic acid pad that Redditors keep using for blackheads, clogged pores, KP, and random breakouts. Studies back the acne angle, but the community also treats it as a harsh, drying swipe, especially on already irritated skin.
One minus
Can feel harsh and stripping fast
Good forOily Skin
Both recommended for Acne.
“Stridex is the only product that works on the KP on my upper arms.”
— Reddit, r/AsianBeauty
#3
Best for Redness / Irritation
The why
A 10% azelaic acid suspension with a silicone-heavy, matte cream texture. Redditors use it for acne, rosacea redness, and leftover marks, but the pilling, stinging, and drying make it a YMMV pick. The studies back acne improvement.
One minus
Pills under makeup and sunscreen
Good forOily Skin
Both recommended for Acne.
Other alternatives worth a look
10% sulfur spot treatment for pimples · 45 mentions
Sensitive SkinTexture / Pores
Redness and breakouts calm down fast · 178 mentions
LightweightHyperpigmentation
10% azelaic acid for redness and breakouts · 159 mentions
Combination SkinDry Skin
20% azelaic acid without a prescription in Australia · 37 mentions
Dry SkinCream Texture
Stops picking and touching dead in its tracks · 60 mentions
Sensitive SkinGluten-Free
Niacinamide spot treatment for stubborn breakouts · 45 mentions
Niacinamide
Browse more
Reddit's best acne spot treatments by concern
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