Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum Versus Skin Script Mandelic Brightening Serum
Updated on January 02, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain AHA, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for fighting acne, anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, reducing pores, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain harsh alcohols
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
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
Skin Script Mandelic Brightening Serum 36 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
Skin Script Mandelic Brightening Serum 36 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
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
HumectantSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Urea
Buffering
Phenethyl Alcohol
MaskingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientPotassium Sorbate
Preservative
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater
Skin ConditioningHamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Glycerin
Humectant
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingDimethicone
Emollient
Polysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Lactobacillus Ferment
Skin ConditioningPotassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Skin ConditioningNiacinamide
Smoothing
Hexylresorcinol
AntimicrobialSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientHydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Emulsion StabilisingPolyacrylate Crosspolymer-6
Emulsion StabilisingCedrus Atlantica Wood Oil
Perfuming
Succinoglycan
Skin ConditioningLonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract
Perfuming
Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Masking
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Perfuming
Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil
Masking
Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil
Masking
Lavandula Hybrida Oil
Emollient
Citrus Reticulata Leaf Oil
Masking
Cymbopogon Martini Oil
Masking
Citric Acid
Buffering
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil
Masking
Citrus Limon Peel Oil
Masking
Tropolone
Skin ConditioningPolylysine
Tetrasodium EDTA
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingSodium Gluconate
Skin ConditioningWater, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Glycerin, Alcohol, Mandelic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Polysorbate 20, Lactobacillus Ferment, Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate, Niacinamide, Hexylresorcinol, Sodium Hyaluronate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Cedrus Atlantica Wood Oil, Succinoglycan, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Juniperus Communis Fruit Oil, Cinnamomum Camphora Bark Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Citrus Reticulata Leaf Oil, Cymbopogon Martini Oil, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Citrus Limon Peel Oil, Tropolone, Polylysine, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Gluconate
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 WaterHamamelis Virginiana Water is made by distilling parts of the witch hazel plant. You can also call this ingredient "witch hazel water".
The name 'Hamamelis Virginiana Water' refers to the distillation product used in cosmetics. On the other hand, 'Witch Hazel' refers to the active drug ingredient.
Unless it is specified to be non-alcohol, many types of witch hazel ingredients are distilled in denatured alcohol.
Witch Hazel water is an astringent, anti-inflammatory antioxidant, and antibacterial ingredient.
It contains tannins. Tannins have a drying effect when used on skin by constricting proteins. The constriction also minimizes the appearance of pores.
Both the tannins and fragrance found in witch hazel may be skin-sensitizing.
Witch hazel water gets anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties from its catechin and gallic acid content.
Indigenous groups have used witch hazel to help treat inflammation in North America for centuries.
Learn more about Hamamelis Virginiana 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 AcidAlcohol comes in many different forms. Different types of alcohol will have different effects on skin. This ingredient is usually an astringent alcohol.
These alcohols are drying on the skin. They may strip away your skin's natural oils and even damage your skin barrier. Astringent alcohols may also irritate skin.
Other types of astringent alcohols include:
According to the National Rosacea Society based in the US, you should be mindful of products with these alcohols in the top half of ingredients.
Any type of sanitizing product will have high amounts of alcohol to help kill bacteria and viruses.
Fatty alcohols come from plant oils such as coconut oil. These can help hydrate the skin and are non-irritating. Some fatty alcohols include cetyl and stearyl alcohol.
Learn more about AlcoholNiacinamide has emerged as an all-star ingredient due to its many benefits.
It is known to treat acne by reducing inflammation. It also helps fade dark-spots and strengthen the skin by promoting the growth of the ceramide barrier.
Other benefits include smoothing wrinkles and minimizing redness.
The cherry on top? Niacinamide can also help build keratin, a protein that keeps skin firm.
When incorporating niacinamide into your routine, look out for concentration amounts. Typically, 5% niacinamide provides benefits such as fading dark spots. However, if you have sensitive skin, it is better to begin with a smaller concentration.
Niacinamide can be mixed with other ingredients to boost benefits. For instance, it has shown to be effective when used with copper, folic acid, and zinc to treat acne.
Learn more about NiacinamideSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateCaprylyl 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 GlycolCitric 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 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.
In small amounts, sodium hydroxide is considered safe to use. However, large amounts may cause chemical burns due to its high alkaline.
Your skin has a natural pH and acid mantle. This acid mantle helps prevent harmful bacteria from breaking through. The acid mantle also helps keep your skin hydrated.
"Alkaline" refers to a high pH level. A low pH level would be considered acidic.
Learn more about Sodium HydroxideIngredient Ratings
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When to use
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
Skin Script Mandelic Brightening Serum 36 ingredients
