Tree to Tub Mandelic Acid 10% Gentle Exfoliating AHA Serum Versus Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum
Updated on August 30, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free, fungal acne (malassezia) safe, and reef safe serums. They have a total of 7 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, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any common allergens, fragrances, oils, 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
Tree to Tub Mandelic Acid 10% Gentle Exfoliating AHA Serum 25 ingredients
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Tree to Tub Mandelic Acid 10% Gentle Exfoliating AHA Serum 25 ingredients
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningButylene Glycol
Humectant
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
Methylpropanediol
SolventPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingNiacinamide
Smoothing
Hyaluronic Acid
Humectant
Benzyl Glycol
SolventHydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum
HumectantLactic Acid
Buffering
Glycolic Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCitric Acid
Buffering
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract
MaskingActinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract
EmollientSolanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Astringent
Glycerin
Humectant
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin ConditioningWater, Butylene Glycol, Mandelic Acid, Methylpropanediol, Potassium Hydroxide, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Benzyl Glycol, Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Prunus Salicina Fruit Extract, Fragaria Chiloensis Fruit Extract, Citrullus Lanatus Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Actinidia Chinensis Fruit Extract, Solanum Lycopersicum Fruit Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol
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
BufferingIngredients 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 WaterButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Mandelic 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 AcidNiacinamide 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 NiacinamideLactic 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 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 GumCitric 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 AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Tree to Tub Mandelic Acid 10% Gentle Exfoliating AHA Serum 25 ingredients
Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum 19 ingredients
