The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant Detailed comparison of The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA versus Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant. This smoothing serum is formulated around Mandelic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. This smoothing exfoliator is formulated around Mandelic Acid and Lactic Acid to refine skin texture and brighten dull-looking skin. Propanediol Water Mandelic Acid Glycerin Dimethyl Isosorbide Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract Pentylene Glycol Polysorbate 20 Sodium Hydroxide Ethylhexylglycerin 1,2-Hexanediol Caprylyl Glycol Propanediol, Water, Mandelic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol 2,3-Butanediol Lactic Acid 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 Xanthan Gum Citric Acid Sodium Citrate 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. 1,2-Hexanediol is a synthetic liquid and another multi-functional powerhouse. It is a: Humectant, drawing moisture into the skin Emollient, helping to soften skin Solvent, dispersing and stabilizing formulas Preservative booster, enhancing the antimicrobial activity of other preservatives 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). 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 acid is a gentle yet powerful AHA that exfoliates, brightens, and helps clarify skin while keeping irritation low. Its antibacterial action makes it especially beneficial for those with acne-prone, sensitive, or uneven skin, offering smoother, clearer, and more even-toned results over time. Read more about some other popular AHA's here: Pentylene Glycol (1,2-pentanediol) is a multitasking little diol with three main roles in a formula: Research on alkanediols (the family pentylene glycol belongs to) show they work by disrupting microbial cell membranes. This disruption helps the primary preservative system in a product work more effectively at lower doses. On the safety side, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded this ingredient to be safe as used in current cosmetic practices + concentration