Face Reality Skincare Ultra Gentle Cleanser Versus Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum
Updated on July 07, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe . They have a total of 7 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, scar healing and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, oils, parabens, silicones 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 Ultra Gentle Cleanser 18 ingredients
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
What's inside
What's inside
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Face Reality Skincare Ultra Gentle Cleanser 18 ingredients
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCocamidopropyl Betaine
Cleansing
Glycerin
Humectant
Decyl Glucoside
CleansingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Fomes Officinalis Extract
Skin ProtectingCamellia Oleifera Leaf Extract
AstringentPanthenol
Skin Conditioning
Disodium EDTA
Hamamelis Virginiana Water
Astringent
Citric Acid
Buffering
Alcohol
Antimicrobial
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningWater, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Fomes Officinalis Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Citric Acid, Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin
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.
Alcohol 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 AlcoholButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene 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 AcidHamamelis 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 WaterPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbateWater. 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
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When to use
Face Reality Skincare Ultra Gentle Cleanser 18 ingredients
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
