Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant Versus Selfless by Hyram Mandelic Acid & Rice Bran Gentle Exfoliating Serum

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant Versus Selfless by Hyram Mandelic Acid & Rice Bran Gentle Exfoliating Serum Detailed comparison of Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant versus Selfless by Hyram Mandelic Acid & Rice Bran Gentle Exfoliating Serum. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Mandelic Acid and Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothing serum is formulated around Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. 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 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 Propanediol Annona Cherimola Fruit Extract Gluconolactone Maltodextrin Phenoxyethanol Glycerin Phytic Acid Salicylic Acid Hydroxyethylcellulose Sodium Gluconate Ethylhexylglycerin Dextrin Polydextrose Amylopectin Biosaccharide Gum-1 Niacinamide Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract Phenylpropanol Sodium Dehydroacetate Water, Propanediol, Mandelic Acid, Annona Cherimola Fruit Extract, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hydroxide, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Phytic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Gluconate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dextrin, Polydextrose, Amylopectin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Niacinamide, Sodium Citrate, Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Citric Acid Be the first to review These ingredients are found in both products. Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount. Citric Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. Like other AHAs, citric acid can exfoliate skin by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together. This helps reveal smoother and brighter skin underneath. However, this exfoliating effect only happens at high concentrations (20%) which can be hard to find in cosmetic products. Due to this, citric acid is usually included in small amounts as a pH adjuster. This helps keep products slightly more acidic and compatible with skin's natural pH. In skincare formulas, citric acid can: While it can provide some skin benefits, research shows lactic acid and glycolic acid are generally more effective and less irritating exfoliants. Most citric acid used in skincare today is made by fermenting sugars (usually from molasses). This synthetic version is identical to the natural citrus form but easier to stabilize and use in formulations. Rosacea skin has a lower threshold for acids generally, with 62.5% of rosacea subjects in one study reacting to lactic acid in a sting test. This is why we mark citric acid as a potential rosacea trigger. However, this ingredient shows up as a pH adjuster or chelator at roughly 0.1-1% in many products. These low levels are unlikely to be an issue for rosacea skin and becomes a potential trigger at exfoliating concentrations (20%). Because everybody's skin is unique, we recommend a patch test if you are unsure. 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 acid, mandelic acid is able to penetrate the skin more slowly and evenly. This makes it gentler and less irritating, making it a great option for sensitive or beginner skin. Despite being milder, mandelic acid is still an effective exfoliant that improves skin texture and tone over time. What makes mandelic acid stand out from other AHAs? It has antibacterial and antioxidant properties. These traits make it a great option for acne-prone or problem skin by reducing active breakouts and fading post-acne marks. Studies show that mandelic acid (especially when combined with salicylic acid) can significantly reduce pimples and hyperpigmentation while causing fewer side effects than stronger acids. Mandelic acid is effective in concentrations of 5% and up with an ideal pH range of 3-4 for at-home use. Like other AHAs, it’s important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your newly exfoliated skin. However, unlike glycolic acid, mandelic acid is light-sensitive. Be sure your mandelic acid is packaged in opaque containers to ensure it stays stable and effective. In short, mandelic a