I love K Beauty and find myself mixing it in with my clinical and green skincare for a balanced approach. They all have unique attributes they bring to my skincare routine. I am obsessed with using an acid toner in the morning for a mild daily exfoliation. It helps speed up cellular turnover and renewal. Mandelic acid is made from bitter almonds and is the largest molecule chain of alphahydroxy acids (AHA). Mandelic acid is in the same family as it's more well known sister glycolic acid. Because of its larger size it penetrates slower and is therefore more gentle and less irritating to the skin. I received this By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water in a specials deals box and I've been loving it so far. Details per Wishtrend:
Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is a hydrating and nonirritating exfoliant that can be used daily.
Formulated with Mandelic Acid, which can be used without any irritation even on sensitive skin,
the Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is an exfoliating treatment that improves the skin tone and
texture while boosting the effectiveness of other products.
Helps with pigmentation to improve the skin tone and texture. As a mild exfoliator that works on the surface of the skin, safe to use even for sensitive skin to avoid the use of harsh chemical exfoliation. Effective for acne due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties.
Key Ingredients:
Mandelic acid As one of the AHA ingredients, it has a large molecular size which causes very little irritation to the skin. It helps to improve pigmentation as well as to restore aged skin. It also has antibacterial properties that are effective for inflammatory acne.
Beta-Glucan Moisturizing, redness reduction, anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
Panthenol Also known as vitamin B5, it acts as a humectant and moisturizer, improving the skin’s abilities to regenerate and to maintain hydration. It is also used to prevent inflammation and to prevent itching.
Centella Asiatica Extract Helps regenerate damaged skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate As a natural moisturizing factor, it attracts moisture and helps retain moisture within the skin, preventing dryness after exfoliation.
Recommend For:
1) Sensitive skin type : Less irritation due to low skin permeability.
2) Dry skin : moisturizing effect.
3) Acne-prone skin : Anti-bacterial effect.
Directions:
1) Before the toner, gently wipe and pat the product on your face using a cotton pad.
2) Limit the use of this product depending on your skin type. (For sensitive skin, we recommend 2-3 times a week)
3) For morning use, please make sure to apply sun-lotion after using the product.
4) We recommend not to use this product with other facial scrubs, AHA/BHA, and Vitamin C products.
Ingredients 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
For K Beauty this has a shorter INCI list. It's gentle, non-irritating & smells faintly of sweet almonds. This contains no alcohol so it's not drying at all. I like the easy plastic slim tube and it's not hugely expensive at $22. If you've always been irritated by glycolic acid toners or even lactic acid you might try this one. This is probably the most gentle acid toner I have tried. I use this or another acid toner on a daily basis in the morning.
Another item that came in the specials deal box (a collab with Gothamista and Wishtrend) is the Klairs Toner Mate 2 in 1 Cotton Pad. I did an Instagram post on these a while back. I'm really enjoying these and sad they're almost gone. This box contains 60 pressed cotton pads and 60 sponge pads. I love the thin pressed cotton for my watery or non-slippery toners. It's perfect for the By Wishtrend Mandelic Prep Water. They're not spongy or really plush so they hold and waste less liquid. With my Shiseido pads they are plush and hold lots of extra liquid sucking up my toners and wasting a bunch. Not with these pads. I love that these don't leave any fibers behind as well. They're very durable and hold up well. Good for removing eye makeup as well. They're still soft enough even though they are a thin, dense cotton square.
The sponge style ones are perfect for those thicker, slippery style toners. I find those thicker and almost essence like toners always roll off of a normal cotton pad before it can be absorbed into the pad so it can be applied to my face. These sponge style ones are thin so no waste. They suck those thicker toners up with ease allowing you to apply with no mess. I really enjoy the dual purpose of this box of cotton pads and they have quickly became a favorite. I would even say these have become a hero product.