11% L-mandelic Serum
Serum

11% L-mandelic Serum

Face Reality
16Ingredients
0EU Banned
2Caution
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk1 ingredient flagged
0.3/5Comedogenic
Pregnancy Risk1 ingredient flagged
Low Allergens2 fragrance allergens
75% Natural19% synthetic
Ingredient Analysis

Key Ingredients

Proven ActivesBeneficial ingredients with clinical evidence
WaterEXCELLENTWitch HazelGOODMandelic Acid (AHA)GOODHyaluronic AcidEXCELLENTLactic Acid (AHA)GOODButylene Glycol (Humectant)GOOD

Contains Regulated Ingredients

EU Restricted Ingredients

These ingredients are permitted in the EU but subject to concentration limits, usage conditions, or mandatory labelling requirements under Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Citrus Sinensis Oil
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
Lavender Oil
Restricted — see EU CosIng Annex III
What does "EU Restricted" mean?

Restricted ingredients are not banned — they are allowed in cosmetic products as long as specific conditions are met:

  • Concentration limits — maximum allowed percentage in the final product
  • Product type restrictions — some ingredients are only allowed in rinse-off or leave-on products
  • pH restrictions — the finished product must stay within a specific pH range
  • Mandatory labelling — certain allergens must be listed on the packaging
  • Usage conditions — must not be combined with certain other ingredients

These limits are based on the EU CosIng database (Annex III) and are updated regularly. Products sold in the EU must comply with all applicable restrictions.

Ingredient Chemistry

pH

pH Efficacy

pH Efficacy

pH 5.1 — Suboptimal
5.1
0Neutral 714
pH estimated from category & ingredients: 5.1
Active ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide
Glycolic Acid at pH 5.1: likely ineffective — above 4.5
Niacinamide at pH 5.1: optimal range (5–7)
Glycolic Acid is at pH 5.1, which is too high for optimal efficacy (3–4).
Detected actives & ideal pH
Glycolic AcidpH 3–4
NiacinamidepH 5–7

Microbiome

Composition & Ethics

Product Details

Attributes

Ethics
VeganLikely
No animal-derived ingredients detected
Cruelty-FreeUnknown
No brand statement — contact manufacturer
Safety
Fragrance-FreeLikely
No fragrance ingredients detected
Key Actives
Hyaluronic Acid SerumConfirmed
Niacinamide SerumConfirmed
Exfoliating SerumConfirmed
Confirmed Inferred Unknown Not compliant

Composition

75% natural19% synthetic
12 natural 1 unknown 3 synthetic

Based on 16 ingredients analyzed. 75% natural, 6% unknown and 19% synthetic.

Active ingredients2 actives
Fragrance2 essential oils

Functions Overview (15)

humectant4:Sodium Hyaluronate LMW, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Lactate, Urea
solvent2:Aqua, Alcohol Denatured
astringent2:Witch Hazel, Alcohol Denatured

Texture & Feel

Texture & Feel

Expected texture
Viscous, serum-like — slightly "thick water" feel
SpreadabilityEasy
AbsorptionVery fast
Tackiness / ResidueVery low
Finish:Matte dry-touch — very lightweight, quick dry-down

Slight initial tackiness that fades into a hydrated dewy finish. Cooling sensation on application with rapid dry-down.