Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub Versus e.l.f. cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant
Updated on March 06, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both vegan, cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe exfoliators. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin and sensitive skin
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens or silicones
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub 15 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant 14 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub 15 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant 14 ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningPhytelephas Aequatorialis Seed Powder
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingSodium Laureth Sulfate
Cleansing
Triethanolamine
BufferingCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract
EmollientGinkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingAloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientHexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingPhenoxyethanol
Preservative
Parfum
Masking
Water, Phytelephas Aequatorialis Seed Powder, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Triethanolamine, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Cocos Nucifera Fruit Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylyl Glycol, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterPropylene Glycol is an odorless, colorless liquid. As a humectant, it helps skin retain moisture. It also aids in delivering active ingredients.
Another role of this ingredient is preventing a product from melting or freezing. Propylene glycol also adds antimicrobrial properties to a product, elongating product lifespan.
This ingredient is considered an organic alcohol and commonly added into both cosmetics and foods.
Those with sensitive skin or conditions may develop a rash when using this ingredient.
Learn more about Propylene GlycolCarbomer is a polymer of acrylic acid. Its main role is to create a gel consistency.
A high amount of carbomer can cause pilling or balling up of products. Don't worry, most products contain 1% or less of carbomer.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.
Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.
This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.
Learn more about Caprylyl GlycolPhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Also called "fragrance", this ingredient can be a blend of hundreds of chemicals or plant oils. This means every product with "fragrance" or "parfum" in the ingredients list is a different mixture.
For instance, Habanolide is a proprietary trade name for a specific aroma chemical. When used as a fragrance ingredient in cosmetics, most aroma chemicals fall under the broad labeling category of “FRAGRANCE” or “PARFUM” according to EU and US regulations.
The term 'parfum' or 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term.
For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance by INCI standards.
One example is Calendula flower extract. Calendula is an essential oil that still imparts a scent or 'fragrance'.
Depending on the blend, the ingredients in the mixture can cause allergies and sensitivities on the skin. Some ingredients that are known EU allergens include linalool and citronellol.
Parfum can also be used to mask or cover an unpleasant scent.
The bottom line is: not all fragrances/parfum/ingredients are created equally. If you are worried about fragrances, we recommend taking a closer look at an ingredient. And of course, we always recommend speaking with a professional.
Learn more about ParfumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub 15 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant 14 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub 15 ingredients
e.l.f. cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant 14 ingredients
I love this, my nose and forehead CHRONICALLY peel, it’s never ending no matter how much i moisturize, but this definitely reduces it. It gentle enough for me to use almost daily, works fast and isn’t expensive. Unfortunately the pump broke so ive been scooping it out of the bottle.🥲🩷(Follow this up with a moisturizer cuz it does dry your skin out a bit💔)
Best stuff!
This is great for exfoliation. I’ve used it for years now twice a week and it’s wonderful. Afterwards my skin is so soft and glowy. It’s also fun to use to see the skin slough off when using it. No burning or irritation at all with it. Love this!!
