Clearstem Skincare Clearity Versus Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum
Updated on July 17, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, parabens, silicones or sulfates
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
Clearstem Skincare Clearity 22 ingredients
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Clearstem Skincare Clearity 22 ingredients
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningMandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Propanediol
Solvent
Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
Emollient
Glycerin
Humectant
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract
Antiseborrhoeic
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingLactic Acid
Buffering
Sodium PCA
Humectant
Toona Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antioxidant
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
Masking
Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Paradisi Seed Extract
Masking
Capsaicin
MaskingHesperidin
EmollientCitrus Reticulata Peel Oil
Masking
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed
Perfuming
Sodium Lactate
BufferingParfum
Masking
Water, Mandelic Acid, Propanediol, Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Sodium PCA, Toona Sinensis Leaf Extract, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract, Citrus Paradisi Seed Extract, Capsaicin, Hesperidin, Citrus Reticulata Peel Oil, Ascorbic Acid, Citric Acid, Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed, Sodium Lactate, Parfum
Water
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate
EmollientAlcohol Denat.
Antimicrobial
Niacinamide
Smoothing
Sodium Lactate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingSodium PCA
Humectant
Sodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingIngredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidLactic Acid is an AHA that is derived from fermenting lactose, a carbohydrate from milk. It removes the top layer of old and dead skin cells and helps increase cell turnover.
Benefits of Lactic Acid are that it can help to reduce large pores and reduce the effects of aging. Some potential downsides are that it can be bad for dry skin, cause irritation, worsen eczema, and worsen rosacea.
Not only does it help exfoliate the skin, it helps strengthen the skin's barrier. When applied, lactic acid helps the skin create ceramides.
Lactic acid is an over-the-counter chemical exfoliant that comes from the fermentation of lactose — a carbohydrate found in milk.
Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Lactic AcidMandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
As an AHA, Mandelic Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and look more even.
Mandelic Acid may be an alternative to Glycolic Acid for those with sensitive skin.
Mandelic Acid may help reduce wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Mandelic AcidSodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and sometimes used to adjust the pH of a product.
This ingredient is part of our skin's NMF, or natural moisturizing factor. Our NMF is essential for the hydration of our top skin layers and plasticity of skin. NMF also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Fun fact: Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid. It is naturally occurring in our skin's natural moisturizing factors where it works to maintain hydration.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
This ingredient has skin conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.
Learn more about Sodium PCAWater. 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 WaterXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Clearstem Skincare Clearity 22 ingredients
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
