UNDER A LOCK DOWN?
I am writing this amidst the Covid-19 pandemic which has placed Malaysia under a Movement Control Order (MCO) for 14 days. I have been staying home for the past week with my parents. Different from a lock down, we are still allowed to go out at any time with specific reasons such as to get food supplies. At this moment, I am terribly awed by some of those selfish Malaysians who just cannot grasp the purpose of the MCO. Sigh. So, how about we get distracted a little and read a review?
INGREDIENT LIST
(SkinCarisma)
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
Bolded are the good/star ingredients in the product whereas underlined are those flagged as 4 & above under 'Safety index' in by EWG. Safety index ranges from 1-9 and the lower the number means the less hazardous. Those with asterisk (*) are more likely to cause acne or irritate skin than those without.
You can read other product reviews containing the ingredients by clicking on them in the ingredient list above.
Note: This is free of paraben, sulphate, alcohol/ethanol, silicone, steroid, artificial fragrance, artificial colouring and EU allergen. It is also vegan friendly and cruelty free.
You can find both the ingredients and directions in both Korean and English at the back of the bottle and the package.
YAS, THE GOOD ONES
Mandelic Acid is an anti-ageing ingredient which is less irritating compared to other AHA ingredients like Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid and Tartaric Acid. It can act as a pH buffer i.e. to help adjust our skin's acidity. Not just that, it also promotes skin peeling (exfoliation) and re-growth which is why it is frequently used in anti-aging products.
Butylene Glycol, Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate are all powerful moisturisers. This would be able to help re-moisture and soothe the skin once it has been exfoliated.
Beta-Glucan is a soluble fibre found in the cell walls of plants such as oat kernels and mushrooms. In many skincare products, Beta-Glucan is usually extracted from oat as it has a long history of safe use and is able to give fast, temporary relief of itching and pain associated with minor skin irritations. It has also been used frequently in skincare products to provide skin-smoothening effect and help wound healing.
How much I have used up currently.
YAS, THE GOOD ONES (contd.)
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is good for fighting acne, skin brightening and calming the skin. It can also diminish the appearance of under-eye dark circles, discolouration and even age spots as well as acting as a powerful antioxidant to protect the skin from environmental stressors and balance oil.
Centella Asiatica Extract is known for its skin-calming properties. Mainly found in shady and damp areas in many different parts of the world, Centella (a.k.a. tiger grass because wounded tigers were often seen rolling in it to heal their wounds) is a small plant that grows up to around six inches in height. Also called the “miracle elixirs of life”, researchers have found that Centella Asiatica Extract facilitates the healing of cuts and burns as it can promote collagen production and inhibit inflammation which results in scarring.
NAH, THE BAD ONES
According to SkinCarisma, both Sorbitan Sesquioleate and PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil can potentially cause fungal acne. And... that's all! Hehe.
I have failed at my multiple attempts to capture the texture of the Prep Water and this is the best I have got.
GIMME A TASTE
This Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is colourless and very watery. But don't be deceived by its seemingly powerless texture. It exfoliates like a queen and can sting quite badly if it accidentally gets into the eyes or open wounds (speaking from experience here). It also has a rather faint citrusy scent, which I am in love with and is as a result of its lack of artificial fragrance (hurray!). After it has fully dried down, my skin feels as if I have not applied anything on it and man, that's the best feeling ever.
See how it has trickle all the way down before I managed to take a picture LOL.
TONER? OR EXFOLIATOR?
Having a pH of 3.5-5.5, this can act as both a toner and an exfoliator. Therefore, it all depends on how you prefer to use it. Personally, I prefer using it as a toner. Because of its ability to help shed skin, I only use it at night. After giving it around 2-3 minutes to sink in, I will follow up with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. And I stop there, because nowadays, I am trying to be as minimalistic as I can be (or my skin can afford to haha) for my skincare routine (mostly just lazy actually 😛).
Pat pat to help with absorption.
HOW TO USE
To avoid wasting a single drop of the Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water, I always drip it directly on my skin. After that, I would just quickly (and gently) pat it in using my fingers and let it sit. If you have any open wounds, e.g. a fresh acne wound, be sure to steer clear of them. You can thank me later. If you are using it as an exfoliator, saturate a cotton pad with the Prep Water and use it to wipe the skin. Wishtrend recommends using this product 3-4 times before applying your toner. But if you have sensitive skin, reduce to 2-3 times.
Love the hygienic bottle design, although it might be a little difficult for me to get the last drop out.
SHOW ME THE RESULTS
I have been using it for 4 months now and I am barely halfway through, showing just how little I use each time (plus I only use it at night). So a little definitely goes a long way here! It has not just improved my skin texture, but has also brightened my skin tone. For two years since I started working at my current firm, my skin would break out, especially at the cheeks during the period from October to May and only started recovering from June onwards when I was less stressed out (auditors and their peak periods, sigh). But ever since I started using this, the cycle is no longer repeating itself!
You can read other product reviews containing the ingredients by clicking on them in the ingredient list above.
Note: This is free of paraben, sulphate, alcohol/ethanol, silicone, steroid, artificial fragrance, artificial colouring and EU allergen. It is also vegan friendly and cruelty free.
YAS, THE GOOD ONES
Mandelic Acid is an anti-ageing ingredient which is less irritating compared to other AHA ingredients like Citric Acid, Glycolic Acid and Tartaric Acid. It can act as a pH buffer i.e. to help adjust our skin's acidity. Not just that, it also promotes skin peeling (exfoliation) and re-growth which is why it is frequently used in anti-aging products.
Butylene Glycol, Panthenol and Sodium Hyaluronate are all powerful moisturisers. This would be able to help re-moisture and soothe the skin once it has been exfoliated.
Beta-Glucan is a soluble fibre found in the cell walls of plants such as oat kernels and mushrooms. In many skincare products, Beta-Glucan is usually extracted from oat as it has a long history of safe use and is able to give fast, temporary relief of itching and pain associated with minor skin irritations. It has also been used frequently in skincare products to provide skin-smoothening effect and help wound healing.
YAS, THE GOOD ONES (contd.)
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract is good for fighting acne, skin brightening and calming the skin. It can also diminish the appearance of under-eye dark circles, discolouration and even age spots as well as acting as a powerful antioxidant to protect the skin from environmental stressors and balance oil.
Centella Asiatica Extract is known for its skin-calming properties. Mainly found in shady and damp areas in many different parts of the world, Centella (a.k.a. tiger grass because wounded tigers were often seen rolling in it to heal their wounds) is a small plant that grows up to around six inches in height. Also called the “miracle elixirs of life”, researchers have found that Centella Asiatica Extract facilitates the healing of cuts and burns as it can promote collagen production and inhibit inflammation which results in scarring.
NAH, THE BAD ONES
According to SkinCarisma, both Sorbitan Sesquioleate and PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil can potentially cause fungal acne. And... that's all! Hehe.
Follow me:
GIMME A TASTE
This Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is colourless and very watery. But don't be deceived by its seemingly powerless texture. It exfoliates like a queen and can sting quite badly if it accidentally gets into the eyes or open wounds (speaking from experience here). It also has a rather faint citrusy scent, which I am in love with and is as a result of its lack of artificial fragrance (hurray!). After it has fully dried down, my skin feels as if I have not applied anything on it and man, that's the best feeling ever.
TONER? OR EXFOLIATOR?
Having a pH of 3.5-5.5, this can act as both a toner and an exfoliator. Therefore, it all depends on how you prefer to use it. Personally, I prefer using it as a toner. Because of its ability to help shed skin, I only use it at night. After giving it around 2-3 minutes to sink in, I will follow up with The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. And I stop there, because nowadays, I am trying to be as minimalistic as I can be (or my skin can afford to haha) for my skincare routine (mostly just lazy actually 😛).
HOW TO USE
To avoid wasting a single drop of the Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water, I always drip it directly on my skin. After that, I would just quickly (and gently) pat it in using my fingers and let it sit. If you have any open wounds, e.g. a fresh acne wound, be sure to steer clear of them. You can thank me later. If you are using it as an exfoliator, saturate a cotton pad with the Prep Water and use it to wipe the skin. Wishtrend recommends using this product 3-4 times before applying your toner. But if you have sensitive skin, reduce to 2-3 times.
SHOW ME THE RESULTS
I have been using it for 4 months now and I am barely halfway through, showing just how little I use each time (plus I only use it at night). So a little definitely goes a long way here! It has not just improved my skin texture, but has also brightened my skin tone. For two years since I started working at my current firm, my skin would break out, especially at the cheeks during the period from October to May and only started recovering from June onwards when I was less stressed out (auditors and their peak periods, sigh). But ever since I started using this, the cycle is no longer repeating itself!
----BEWARE! GROSS SKIN PICTURES COMING UP!----
SEE IT YOURSELF
Wow, seriously, see how much my skin has changed! The scars are gone and the weird skin texture around my nose area has improved so much! And, before you think it, yes, this is my bare skin, without any makeup or any sort of skincare products. Otherwise, the first place I would be covering up would be my dark circles. Gosh, look how much worse it has become during this peak period! I need to change my job!
p.s. Wishtrend recommends to store it in a fridge or somewhere cool and dry. For the best effect, use it within 6 months after opening the bottle. Also, use sunscreen after using this product!
This post contains affiliate links.
Where to buy:
International
Wishtrend - USD15.40 (approx. RM68)
*Free Shipping with purchases over USD60 (ships worldwide)
Keep in mind their referral program! You can get a 10% off your first purchase by inputting this Wishtrend discount code 2FD84A38 when you check out. What better way to save money? Remember to share this awesome deal with your friends too because sharing is caring!
*Free Shipping with purchases over USD60 (ships worldwide)
Keep in mind their referral program! You can get a 10% off your first purchase by inputting this Wishtrend discount code 2FD84A38 when you check out. What better way to save money? Remember to share this awesome deal with your friends too because sharing is caring!
Malaysia & Singapore
Hermo - RM79
*WM: RM6.80 / Free shipping when purchase above RM50
*EM: RM12 / Free shipping when purchase above RM150
You can use Shopback to save money (2% for every purchase) when buying from Hermo. Just sign up here, and you'll be rewarded with RM5 immediately, followed by RM5 when you make your first purchase on Hermo through Shopback. That's RM10 in total and you can cash this RM10 out once you spend RM25 buying on websites such as Hermo, Shopee and many more! For each of your purchase you can get further cash back of which you can withdraw to your bank account. Learn more about Shopback here.
*WM: RM6.80 / Free shipping when purchase above RM50
*EM: RM12 / Free shipping when purchase above RM150
You can use Shopback to save money (2% for every purchase) when buying from Hermo. Just sign up here, and you'll be rewarded with RM5 immediately, followed by RM5 when you make your first purchase on Hermo through Shopback. That's RM10 in total and you can cash this RM10 out once you spend RM25 buying on websites such as Hermo, Shopee and many more! For each of your purchase you can get further cash back of which you can withdraw to your bank account. Learn more about Shopback here.
Thank you for reading, see you in the next post!
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I bought this with my own money. The review is 100% my personal opinion of the product after personally trying it out. Please make sure you consult whoever is selling you the product and ask for samples if you can! Read my disclaimer here.
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