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dupes by wishtrend the ordinary mandelic acid exfoliants

Is it me or Mandelic acid exfoliants are becoming more popular?

I totally see why. Mandelic acid is gentler than other exfoliating acids out there, so everyone can use it – even if acids usually make their skin scream in pain.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA and By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water are two of the most popular options out there.

How do they compare? Are they dupes? Let’s find out:

What Ingredients Do These Mandelic Acid Exfoliants Have In Common?

MANDELIC ACID

Mandelic acid is a member of the Alpha Hydroxy Acids family – the same family as Glycolic and Lactic acids.

Like its siblings, Mandelic acid dissolves the “glue” that holds skin cells together, so they can slough off and reveal the smoother and brighter skin underneath.

The difference? Out of the 3 acids, Mandelic is the biggest. In skincare, this means it penetrates skin more slowly and not as deeply.

Translation: Mandelic Acid works more slowly than other acids, but it’s gentler for sensitive skin. Mandelic acid is usually well tolerated even by people who can’t use other AHAs… or BHA (Salicylic Acid) for that matter.

One more thing: Mandelic Acid has antibacterial properties that help kill P.Acnes, the bacteria that gives you acne.

I personally prefer Salicylic acid for acne-prone skin. It gets deeper into your pores, unclogging them from within. But if that bothers your skin, Mandelic acid is a fine alternative.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA has a higher concentration of Mandelic acid than By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. A lower concentration means you can use it more often. Plus, By Wishtrend has other strengths I’ll tell you about in a moment.

Related: AHAs VS BHA: Which One Is Right For You?

HYALURONIC ACID

Both By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water and The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA have Hyaluronic Acid, a moisture magnet that attracts and binds to the skin up to 1000% its weight in water.

But they opted for different forms. By Wishtrend uses the classic Sodium Hyaluronate, a salt of Hyaluronic Acid with a smaller molecular size. In other words, it penetrates skin better than Hyaluronic Acid itself.

The Ordinary has opted for Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, a modified form of Hyaluronic Acid attached to a polymer structure that keeps the uppermost layers of your skin hydrated for longer.

Both are very hydrating and help keep skin softer and plumper for hours.

Related: Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type

What Else Is In These Mandelic Acid Exfoliants?

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA is a very basic formula. The only other ingredient of note is Tasmanian pepper berry, a natural extracts with soothing properties that helps skin better tolerate exfoliation.

By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water has a few extras:

Related: 3 Reasons Why You Should Use Licorice For Younger And Brighter Skin

What’s The Texture Like?

Both exfoliants have very lightweight textures, but The Ordinary’s feels a little oily.

One more thing: By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water makes your skin tingle. That’s normal. But if the tingling turns into stinging, stop using it.

Related: Is It Ok For Skincare Products To Tingle?

What’s The Packaging Like?

By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water comes in a sleek, dark bottle with a small opening.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA has opted for a smaller bottle with a pump dispenser.

How To Use Them

Two/three nights a week, straight after cleansing.

Less is more with exfoliants. If, at any time, your skin gets drier or irritated, cut back usage. If you experience stinging, stop using the product immediately.

Related: How Often Should You Use Exfoliating Acids?

Which Of The Two Should You Go For?

It depends on your needs. If you just want a basic, no-frills, Mandelic acid exfoliant, The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA will do.

If you want something a bit more hydrating, need some extra help to fade away dark spots, or are concerned about antiaging, By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is the better choice.

Related: My Full Review Of The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

Availability

By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water ($22.00/£18.55): Available at Yes Style

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA ($6.80/£5.75): Available at Beauty Bay, Cult Beauty, Escentual, Feel Unique, Ulta

Is The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA A Dupe For By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water?

No, The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA isn’t a dupe for By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water. It’s a simpler, basic version of it.

By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

Water, Mandelic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Beta-Glucan, Panthenol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Sorbitol, Dimethyl Sulfone, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Citrate, Arginine, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Natto Gum, Carbomer

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

Propanediol, Aqua (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.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.