Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant Detailed comparison of Face Reality Skincare 8% L-Mandelic Serum versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant. This acne serum is formulated around Mandelic Acid and Lactic Acid to clear breakouts and refine skin texture. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Mandelic Acid and Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. Water Hamamelis Virginiana Water Mandelic Acid Alcohol Lactic Acid Butylene Glycol PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate Alcohol Denat. Niacinamide Sodium Lactate Xanthan Gum Sodium PCA Sodium Hyaluronate Urea Phenethyl Alcohol Caprylyl Glycol Potassium Sorbate Water, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Mandelic Acid, Alcohol, Lactic Acid, Butylene Glycol, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Sodium Lactate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Urea, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate 2,3-Butanediol Sodium Hydroxide Myrica Cerifera Fruit Extract Akebia Quinata Stem Extract Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate Saccharomyces Lysate Achillea Millefolium Extract Saccharide Isomerate Arginine Hydroxyacetophenone Sodium Phytate Pentylene Glycol Citric Acid Sodium Citrate 1,2-Hexanediol Sodium Benzoate Water, 2,3-Butanediol, Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Myrica Cerifera Fruit Extract, Akebia Quinata Stem Extract, Prunus Lannesiana Flower Extract, Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate, Saccharomyces Lysate, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Arginine, Hydroxyacetophenone, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Phytate, Pentylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Benzoate These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Butylene 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. Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant, skin conditioner, emollient, and preservative booster derived from either caprylic acid or synthetically created. Typical use levels vary from 0.3-1% as a preservative booster and go up to 2% to condition skin. Because it is not a free-fatty acid, this ingredient is fungal acne safe (there's nothing for Malassezia to feed on). Lactic Acid is another well-loved alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It is gentler than glycolic acid but still highly effective. Its main role is to exfoliate the surface of the skin by loosening the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. Shedding those old cells leads to smoother, softer, and more even-toned skin. Because lactic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid, they don’t penetrate as deeply. This means they’re less likely to sting or irritate, making it a great choice for beginners or those with sensitive skin. Like glycolic acid, it can: Lactic acid also acts as a humectant (like hyaluronic acid). It can draw water into the skin to improve hydration and also plays a role in the skin's natural moisturizing factor (NMF) in the form of sodium lactate. Studies show it can boost ceramide production to strengthen the skin barrier and even help balance the skin’s microbiome. To get results, choose products with a pH between 3-4. Lower strengths (5-12%) focus on surface exfoliation; higher strengths (12% and up) can reach deeper in the dermis (deeper, supportive layer) to improve skin texture and firmness over time. Though it was originally derived from milk, most modern lactic acid used in skincare is vegan. It is made through non-dairy fermentation to create a bio-identical and stable form suitable for all formulations. When lactic acid shows up near the end of an ingredient list, it usually means the brand added just a tiny amount to adjust the product’s pH. Legend has it that Cleopatra used to bathe in sour milk to help reduce wrinkles. Lactic acid is truly a gentle multitasker: it exfoliates, hydrates, strengthens, and brightens. It's a great ingredient for giving your skin a smooth, glowing, and healthy look without the harshness of stronger acids. Read more about some other popular AHA's here: Mandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Like other AHAs, it helps exfoliate the surface of the skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath. Mandelic acid helps with: Due to it having a larger molecular size than glycolic aci