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, 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
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
Notable Ingredients
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Benefits
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Concerns
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Notable Ingredients
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Concerns
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Ingredients Side-by-side
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.
2 Benefits 2 Concerns
Mandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.
Not safe for Fungal Acne
Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters is an oil and isn't fungal acne safe.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract comes from the witch hazel plant.
Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate is a chelating agent. Chelating agents help prevent metal ions from binding to other ingredients. This helps prevent unwanted effects and reactions from a product. These metal ions may come from water and are found in miniscule amounts.
Xanthan 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.
6 Benefits 3 Concerns
Lactic 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.
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is from the spice, turmeric. Besides being a healthy and delicious spice, turmeric also has plenty of skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-microbial properties.
Antioxidant 6 Benefits
Ascorbic Acid is is pure Vitamin C. This form makes up the largest amount of vitamin C found naturally in our skin.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Oil
Citrus Sinensis Peel Oil Expressed is a fragrance and is an oil.
Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and used to adjust the pH of a product.
2 Concerns
Parfum is a catch-all term for an ingredient or more that is used to give a scent to products.
Water, Mandelic Acid, Propanediol, Olive Oil Glycereth-8 Esters, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Extract, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Sodium PCA, Pinus Pinaster 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. 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.
Hamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
2 Benefits 2 Concerns
Mandelic Acid helps exfoliate skin. It also contains antioxidant properties.
5 Concerns
Alcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
6 Benefits 3 Concerns
Lactic 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.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
5 Concerns
Alcohol Denat. is an alcohol with a denaturant property. It is created by mixing ethanol with other additives.
6 Benefits
Niacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
Sodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and used to adjust the pH of a product.
Xanthan 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.
Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Urea is also called carbamide and is the diamide of carbonic acid. In cosmetics, urea is used to hydrate the skin. It also provides exfoliation in higher concentrations.
Phenethyl Alcohol is a colorless and aromatic alohol. It is naturally occuring in essential oils.
Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.
Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
4 Benefits 2 Concerns
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
Sodium Hydroxide is also known as lye or caustic soda. It is used to adjust the pH of products; many ingredients require a specific pH to be effective.
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 WaterMandelic 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 AcidXanthan 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 GumLactic 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 AcidSodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.
The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.
Sodium PCA is a has 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 PCACitric 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 AcidSodium Lactate is the sodium salt of lactic acid, an AHA. It is a humectant and used to adjust the pH of a product.
Sodium Lactate 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.
It also influences our skin's natural acid mantle and pH, which protects our skin from harmful bacteria.
Our NMF is formed from amino acids, lactic acid, sugars, minerals, peptides, and electrolytes. As we age, our NMF naturally depletes. Other sources of NMF depletion include harsh and drying ingredients such as denatured alcohol. Sodium lactate can help replenish our NMF, leading to more hydrated and plump skin.
High percentages of Sodium Lactate can have an exfoliating effect.
Sodium Lactate is produced from fermented sugar.
Learn more about Sodium LactateIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Clearstem Skincare Clearity 22 ingredients
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
