Name: Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Brand: TheOrdinary
Rating: 4.57 (35 reviews)

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Tell us about what you liked - texture, results, skin type, etc

Tell us what didn’t work - texture, skin reaction, or why you wouldn’t recommend it

디오디너리

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

Oily

Causes Allergic Reactions

Doesn't Remove Sebum

Not Rich

Flips

Causes Itching

Too Watery

Exfoliates Well

Not Irritating

Silky Smooth

Clears Breakouts

Doesn't Sting

Removes Whiteheads

Improves Skin Texture

It's really painful and difficult to open the bottle with damp hands after washing your face. Also, it's hard to find offline. I couldn't find mandelic acid products at Sephora or Olive Young stores.

I bought this after reading reviews, and since it was my first time trying chemical exfoliation, I was cautious and used too little at first due to the advice to dilute it. The first week, I barely saw any effects. I was wondering why nothing was happening, so I increased the amount, and then I noticed my skin texture becoming smoother and some very minor bumps were slightly reduced. The texture is unique as some people mentioned - it feels like an oil but also light! It really runs on your hands. 

With consistent use, the results are great! My skin's bumps have definitely decreased, and my blemish-prone skin has improved significantly. If I stop using this product for a few days, those little bumps come back... I guess my skin is very prone to dead skin cell buildup!

만델릭 애시드 10% + HA

Apply a drop on each cheek and wait 15 minutes before applying other products
Acid-based products can be irritating, so dilute before use
Don't be greedy! Otherwise, you might damage your skin barrier
You'll see results after about 2 weeks of consistent use
Once the milia have subsided somewhat, use only twice a week

There's hardly anything to dislike about it, I only wish I had discovered this product before developing blemish scars from milia...

Purchased with my own money

Skin type: Dry, severe milia

✨ Very gentle AHA product
✨ Honestly... the milia I've had for a decade have all disappeared...
✨ Incredibly affordable price
✨ Simple ingredient composition (which can be hit or miss for some)
✨ Fragrance-free
✨ Scars gradually fade (but don't completely disappear)

A lifetime staple.. If you're struggling with milia, buy this right now!

---------August 15, 2023---------
I'm still using it well, and as a former pro-milia sufferer, I no longer get milia... (except for one or two when I'm lazy about exfoliating).

For those struggling with milia... please give this a try just once

To avoid any potential irritation, I'm careful not to apply it around my eyes.

I don't have any complaints about the price or effectiveness. I purchased it during a sale at Olive Young.

As someone with blemish-prone skin, dead skin cell management is always crucial for me. If I'm not careful, my makeup can look patchy. That's why I consistently use various products like retinol, AHA, and BHA.

I've been using MediCube's blue ampoule regularly for its effectiveness in exfoliation. However, after prolonged use, it seems my skin has adapted, and the results aren't as noticeable as before. So, I decided to purchase this product for alternating use.

With its reasonable price, positive reviews, and great ingredient list, I had high expectations. I'm pleased to say that for an exfoliating product, it's very gentle and doesn't cause flaking.

Unlike some peeling products that can be bothersome due to visible skin shedding, this one makes my skin feel smoother without any noticeable peeling. It definitely helps my makeup apply better, and I've noticed my pores appear smaller too.

I've only been using it for 2-3 days, but I'm already satisfied.

There's hardly any scent. While it's not heavy or oily like some oils, it has a texture somewhere between an oil and an ampoule, perhaps due to the glycerin content. Just 3-4 drops are enough to cover the entire face.

My skin is super sensitive, so I wanted to calm it quickly. I used it for 3 consecutive days, took a day off, then used it for another 3 days! As others have mentioned, don't use it straight away like a serum. I recommend spacing out usage initially to check if it suits your skin!

✔️Rich texture: When first applied, it feels quite oily and doesn't seem to absorb well. You need to wait 5-10 minutes for it to fully absorb after each application

✔️Doesn't soak into cotton pads easily: When I put a few drops on a cotton pad, it absorbs more than expected... But then when applied to the face, it feels like something is being spread on. I haven't found the right amount to use yet

Quick review: A true game-changer!

✔️Skin type: Cystic acne, textured skin, dermatologist-confirmed problematic skin that flares up despite care, prone to severe cystic breakouts with stress or fatigue

✔️Current skincare: Dr.G sunscreen, Dr.G moisturizer
     (Extremely sensitive skin that reacts to even slightly harsh ingredients)

✔️Skin condition before use: After an Aladdin peeling, I applied a new regenerating cream which caused an allergic reaction, resulting in fluid-filled blisters rather than inflammation. My hormonal balance was so disrupted that I had my period again after just 16 days

✔️Usage method: Been using it for just over a week - 3 days on, 1 day off, then 3 days on, applying with a cotton pad like an exfoliating toner

✔️Skin condition after use: The fluid-filled blisters completely disappeared. My skin texture is now even better than after the peeling treatment. It's truly amazing! While I still have some acne on my chin due to hormonal imbalance, the rest of my skin has improved beyond recognition

✔️It's slightly rich: But it's more like a protective layer on the skin. I waited for it to absorb before applying my Dr.G moisturizer. I only use it at night though, as I'm worried it might cause pilling under makeup during the day

Wow, this is really fantastic... I saw reviews suggesting to use it like an exfoliating toner 2-3 times a week initially, then increase usage as skin adapts. I used it more frequently as an exfoliating toner and it's been a revelation!

I bought this because mandelic acid is supposed to be a milder exfoliating ingredient than AHA. However, as a result, the dead skin cell removal effect wasn't noticeable, so I ended up looking for a stronger exfoliating product. I didn't reach for this one often because I kept using other exfoliators, and I was worried that using this on top might irritate my skin.

It's both a downside and an upside that it seems incredibly gentle. I have super sensitive skin, but I experienced no irritation whatsoever.

Rather than a downside, I'd like to caution those with super sensitive skin to never apply the liquid directly to your face. I had been mixing it with aloe with great results, but recently tried using it alone. My face turned red and was so painful when cleansing that I'm still struggling. Please use it gradually, increasing the amount slowly to suit your skin. I'm now worried about how to repair my skin barrier. If anyone has experienced this with acids and has tips to share, I'd be very grateful.

Mixing about 4 drops with aloe and applying it to my face has reduced my frequent breakouts and made my skin smoother. I'm really pleased with the results!

This works great for gentle exfoliation when your skin is sensitive or dry. Even when my skin is acting up, I don't experience any tingling or irritation. It's truly gentle. The addition of hyaluronic acid helps with hydration, making it an excellent all-around product for mild and moisturizing winter exfoliation. If you're looking for stronger exfoliation within The Ordinary range, try their lactic acid or glycolic acid products. Both are AHAs.

Also, for oily, acne-prone skin improvement, BHAs are generally more effective than AHAs. (However, I understand that AHAs are better for treating closed comedones and acne scars.)

Although it's marketed as oil-free, the texture feels quite rich. As someone with oily skin, it's not my preferred consistency.

This is an incredibly gentle exfoliator. Among AHAs, mandelic acid has a larger molecular size, making it one of the least irritating options. However, this also means its exfoliating effect is milder. I have acne-prone skin with easily clogged pores, so exfoliation is a must for me. I've heard that in dry winter months, AHAs are preferable to BHAs, which can be more drying. I usually use Paula's Choice BHA Liquid, but I switch to this product when my skin feels dry and sensitive, for a gentler exfoliation. (Generally, BHAs are more effective for oily, acne-prone skin than AHAs.)

Winter exfoliation can be a bit of a dilemma. In my case, harsh winds, dryness, and indoor heating easily make my skin sensitive and dehydrated, so using more intense exfoliating products becomes a concern. But skipping exfoliation altogether leads to visible dead skin cells and prevents moisturizers from penetrating properly, exacerbating dryness. This product is perfect for breaking that cycle as it's virtually non-irritating.

Instead of applying the liquid directly, I used a cotton pad to swipe it on. Since I have sensitive skin, I'm letting my skin adapt to the mandelic acid before trying direct application. Even just using it with a cotton pad has given me great results!

There are no drawbacks yet, honestly none. It even reduces bumpy texture when applied to the body. No cons at all, it's that good!

This product is truly amazing, absolutely fantastic!

Quick summary:
Don't hesitate to buy it first and read reviews later. Just go ahead and purchase it!

Advantages:
- Gentle exfoliation possible even for sensitive skin
- Effective for acne caused by clogged pores or uneven texture
- Works wonders on nose acne
- Improves overall skin texture

Drawbacks:
Haven't found any yet

My usage method:
1. Use a mild, lightweight toner (avoid those with exfoliating or whitening properties) on a cotton pad. Add 3-5 drops of mandelic acid on top.

2. Gently swipe the cotton pad with mandelic acid over your face. You can pat it in if you like, but it's not necessary.

3. Wait 20-30 minutes, then continue with your regular skincare routine.

I follow up with Isol Propolis Ampoule (which is also great!) and then use two different creams.

Photo description:
You can see results as soon as the next day! That was my experience.

Before: January 2nd / After: January 21st
(I just took the 'after' photo for this review. It was actually better before, but some blemishes appeared after not using it for a few days)

These photos are completely unedited. Both were taken with the default camera app. When skin is in poor condition, it definitely looks more yellow and dark... (Everyone agrees, right?)

Given it's winter, here's my routine: After toner, I apply this product and wait patiently (at least 15 minutes). Then I follow up with a soothing gel, a ceramide cream, and sunscreen. I do this about 3-4 times a week.

Hmm, one downside is that you need to leave it on for about 15 minutes after application. Also, it doesn't magically make blackheads and excess sebum vanish instantly.

As a non-expert, it's challenging to explain its effectiveness in detail. However, when I overhauled my entire skincare routine, choosing this product was one of the two best decisions I made. It's a game-changer for problematic skin with acne scars, enlarged pores, excess sebum, and active blemishes. This little wonder helps tidy up these issues, making your skin look noticeably improved. It's particularly effective in tackling those pesky pimples near the ears and along the hairline at the back of the head. Even those stubborn milia-like bumps around the eyes that were impossible to extract have now disappeared.

Please take note of the positive aspects I mentioned.

Keep in mind this is more for skincare than for use under makeup. It's an exfoliating ampoule, so it might cause your makeup to pill if you apply it beforehand.

I've used about half the bottle. After cleansing, apply a thin layer, then put a few drops on a cotton pad and gently wipe along your skin texture where dead skin cells have built up. It removes all the flaky skin, leaving your face incredibly smooth.

First-time use may cause skin irritation and itching

It was my first time using a product with HA (hyaluronic acid). Initially, I applied it undiluted on a cotton pad, which caused my skin to freak out - I broke out in hives and had to get dermatological treatment for a week! However, after that initial reaction, I started mixing it with other products. Now, I have no adverse reactions, and my skin has become incredibly smooth. Just something to keep in mind!

Korean Reviews

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

1 Reviews