In the spirit of full disclosure, this post may contain affiliate links. Please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases I will receive a referral commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. In fact, I oftentimes am able to negotiate a lower rate (or bonuses) not available elsewhere. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.
You know, there’s a reason Korean women have such enviable skin. After all, they do take their skincare routine quite seriously. And using Mandelic Acid is definitely one of their secrets. I was introduced to K-Beauty by my friend Donah, from Sweet Jelly Bean (you really need to check her Insta @sweetjellybean5 if you’re into beauty and great photography…just sayin’) and after trying the first product-mandelic acid- I was hooked for good.
What is mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid is an aromatic alpha hydroxy acid (chemistry flashbacks to high school, anyone?) with the molecular formula…Lol, just kidding 😂 I’m not going to start writing formulas I can barely understand. I did get straight A’s in chemistry class back in high school; I wonder how I pulled that off 🤔 Anyway, back to the important stuff. Mandelic is derived from the German word “mandel”, which means “almond”. Because duh!-it is obtained by heating an extract of bitter almonds, with diluted hydrochloric acid. Ok, enough with the chemistry stuff, for now, I promise.
Oki dok, so after the super short chemistry lesson, what is mandelic acid used for in skincare? This clear liquid is a mild exfoliator and hence, can be used DAILY. Did you read that? Yes, daily! 🙂 The Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is a hydrating and nonirritating exfoliant. This means it can be used in sensitive skins, aka me. I have super sensitive skin and this little wonder has never irritated my skin, so extra points for that.
This prep water improves skin tone and texture while boosting the effectiveness of other products. Hands down to this daily exfoliant. 🙌
What you need to know (in case you want to skip the explanation above):
- Low-irritation exfoliation
- Helps with pigmentation to improve the skin tone and texture
- Effective to treat acne due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties
- Hydrates while providing mild exfoliation
- Boosts the effectiveness of other skincare products since it preps your skin
Now, my favorite is the one from Wishtrend because:
1.) It’s a Korean brand and that pretty much is the synonym for an enviable skin.
2.) It contains vitamin B5, which acts as a humectant and moisturizer, improving the skin’s abilities to regenerate and to maintain hydration. And it also prevents inflammation.
3.) It has Centella Asiatica extract which helps regenerate damaged skin.
4.) It contains Beta-Glucan which moisturizes, aids in redness reduction and has anti-inflammatory, and soothing effects.
5.) Last but not least, it contains Sodium Hyaluronate as a natural moisturizing factor. It attracts moisture and helps retain moisture within the skin, preventing dryness after exfoliating.
How to use Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water:
➔ After cleansing and before applying your toner, gently wipe and pat the product on your skin using a cotton pad. (These are my favorite cotton pads which leave no lint at all!)
➔ It is recommended to use it 2-3 times a week. But for me, I took the “daily” part very seriously and use it every day. It’s been over 3 months and happy to report there hasn’t been any irritation.
Now that I’m officially on the K-Beauty wagon, I’ll be testing over 10 Korean skincare products in the coming weeks 🙂 Post coming soon. Let me know your thoughts on your comments below and if you have any questions about the Korean skincare routine you can DM me. Oh, and if you want to know some anti-aging tips check this out. Cheers babes! 😘
*In the spirit of full disclosure, this post may contain affiliate links. Please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases I will receive a referral commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. In fact, I oftentimes am able to negotiate a lower rate (or bonuses) not available elsewhere. I only recommend products & systems that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.
That sounds interesting. I’ve just looked up on a facial scrub which is made of ground almonds. Almonds obviously have a lot of good value!
Hi, Deborah! Yes!!! Almonds have amazing skin benefits! I also use an almond oil body wash from L’Occitane and love it! There’s something about almonds that leave skin oh, so supple and soft. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
OK this info is AMAZING! I can use all the help I can get in the skin department and this sounds so wonderful. Mandelic acid believer now! Definitely trying it.
Hi, Maryal! I’m so glad you found this info useful. That’s certainly encouraging. If you’d like a tailored skin care regimen (that targets you’re specific skin concerns) just DM and I would be more than happy to help you! I’m a little obsessed with skin care so helping others with skincare feels great 🙂 (and it’s fo’ free). Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Thanks for the tips! I hadn’t heard of Mandelic Acid before but I sure love almonds. Both as food and in beauty products 🙂
You’re welcome! Almonds are fantastic, right?! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
This sounds amazing!! I’ve been really wanting to focus on getting my skin healthy!
Hi, Karin! If you’d like a tailored skin care regimen (that targets you’re specific skin concerns) just DM me and I would be more than happy to help you! I’m a little obsessed with skin care so helping others with skincare feels great 🙂 (and it’s fo’ free). Wishing you a fantastic day! 🙂
Wow! I didn’t know that almonds had so many benefits. I totally need to try this out because my skin would love it.
Almonds are amazing!!! I also use an almond shower oil by l’Occitane and it leaves my skin super soft. I’m a huge fan of almonds! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
for real. korean skin care is unlike any other. i’ve heard about almost every mask there can be (like, crazy ones like snail and foreskin.. ew) but you can’t ever top the basics of just regular almonds giving you the best skin ever!
Right?! Korean skincare products are amazing! I use a snail repair intensive ampoule and I promise you it’s not gross and totally worth it, lol! I was quite hesitant about incorporating snail stuff into my regimen, because…ew! But I’m so glad I did. It’s completely odorless and feels and looks like a regular serum 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Justine! 🙂
Loved Almonds before now I love them even more!!
Welcome to the “I love almonds” fan club, then! Lol 🙂 Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Wow, this is really cool! I’ve never heard of this but I do love almonds. Wish you could get all the benefits just but eating them! Lol
Lol! Totally with on this! Too bad eating them isn’t enough!!! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I LOVE exfoliating ingredients that I can use daily! Will be looking to try this soon.
Hi, Amy! This product is wonderful for sensitive skin and I also love the fact that it can be used as a daily exfoliant. I definitely recommend it 🙂 Thanks for stopping by 🙂
This is so interesting!! Almonds for the win!!
Almonds are amazing, right?! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Almonds are the best! I haven’t heard about mandelic acid but I can add that to my skincare, sounds rather interesting!
Oh, almonds rock! And mandelic acid really changes your skin game!
I love K beauty but never heard of this before. I have issues with uneven skin tone and will have to look into this.
xo
Taylor
http://www.reeseshardwear.com
Hi, Taylor! This really helps with uneven skin tone but I wouldn’t advise to only rely on this to even out your skin tone. Shoot me a DM if you’d like to know more. I’d be happy to help you (fo’ free of course) Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
Oh this sounds amazing. I’ve heard the best things about Korean skincare products!
Oh my!!! This sounds like a must! Thanks for the info! Mandelic acid believer now!
Lol! That makes two of us then! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I’ve never heard of this, but it sounds amazing. I definitely need to up my skin care game, so I can’t wait to try it. Great information and review!
say whaaattt!! I’ve never heard of this before but I’m so glad I did. A bit of a skincare junky but haven’t explored too far outside my usual gang lol
It happens! It kinda scary to explore outside what you already know works for you but mandelic acid works wonders! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
This sounds great! I’m revamping my skincare routine right now, so I’ll have to look into this!
I’m sure you’re going to love it as much as I do! 🙂
I’m for sure going to check out these products. I love trying new skincare products!
Awesome! I hope you like them! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
That’s true, Korean women do have very beautiful skin. I’ll be trying Mandelic Acid for sure!
Absolutely agree! Korean women have such gorgeous skin! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I am always looking for a nice exfoliant this seems to be a good one. I’ll be going to sephora tomorrow. Great post!
Thank you! You won’t find this brand at Sephora, this is exclusive to Korean brand, Wishtrend, but I’m sure you can find a substitute at Sephora 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I’ve never heard of this but I’m glad to have read it. My skin at 31 is so different than it was at 21 so I’m just now trying to learn how to better care for it.
Hi, Jenni! Well, if you’d like to know what works best at 31 shoot me a DM or email and I’d be happy to help you 🙂