AD – GIFTED | Korean beauty and skincare seem to be very much in vogue just now. Sheet masks and creams are huge but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Exfoliaters and toners are also increasingly popular. So I was very happy to try out one of the most raved about kids on the block, the Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water*. How did I get on, and what, if any, mandelic acid benefits did I see on my skin?
Wishtrend
Although I’ve used a Korean Oh K! foot peeling mask (!) and a sheet mask from my first ever Birchbox, I haven’t tried any other Korean skincare products before. Wishtrend* are an online K-beauty, skincare, body and hair care store. As well as stocking brands such as Klairs* and Laneige*, they also sell their own specifically created By Wishtrend* products because, “healthy skin is the best makeup you can do.”
What is Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water?
At the time of writing, the only exfoliating toner I’ve tried before is that cult favourite Pixi Glow Toner which uses glycolic acid. And I know that can cause skin irritation for those with sensitive skin. So, is mandelic acid better than glycolic acid? Mandelic acid, from bitter almond, is kinder but, as a cautionary note up front, I think (but don’t know) that it may not be suitable for those with nut allergies, or who are specifically allergic to almond.
The Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water* is one of Wishtrend’s top ten most loved products. Recommended for all skin types (sensitive, dry, combination, oily, acne-prone, ageing) it’s a hydrating and non-irritating exfoliant that can be used daily, while boosting the effectiveness of other products.
The mantra of this gentle acid water is “Don’t peel but prep with Mandelic Acid.” Mandelic acid benefits include helping with pigmentation and improving skin tone and texture by removing dead skin cells and smoothing dull or rough skin. As a mild exfoliator that works on the surface of the skin, it should be safe to use even for sensitive skin. And it’s helpful for acne due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties.
Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water – ingredients
- Mandelic acid. As one of the AHA ingredients, it has a large molecular size which causes very little irritation to the skin due to low permeability (unlike Pixi’s glycolic acid). It helps to improve pigmentation as well as to restore ageing skin. It also has antibacterial properties that are effective for inflammatory acne.
- Beta-Glucan. Moisturising, redness reduction, anti-inflammatory and soothing effects.
- Panthenol. Also known as vitamin B5, it acts as a humectant and moisturiser, improving the skin’s abilities to regenerate and maintain hydration. It’s also used to prevent inflammation and to prevent itching.
- Centella Asiatica Extract. Helps regenerate damaged skin.
Sodium Hyaluronate. It naturally attracts and helps retain moisture within the skin, preventing dryness after exfoliation.
How do you use Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water?
Wishtrend recommend using this on a clean face before your toner or moisturiser – so basically the same as any other exfoliator. You can either tip a small amount into your hand and smooth it over your face, or saturate a cotton pad and wipe it over your skin. I didn’t want to waste any so I used my hands. There’s a slight but not unpleasant smell to the colourless, clear water, reminiscent of almonds. Because it’s an acid-based product, you shouldn’t use it with other facial scrubs, AHA/BHA, or Vitamin C products. And if you’re going to use it in the morning then you should definitely apply sunscreen afterwards.
But I don’t see the point of removing dead skin cells to then clog my face with sunscreen. When I trained as a Beauty Specialist I learned that skin renews itself at night. This being so, for the last month I’ve been using the Wishtrend Mandelic Acid at night, after cleansing. Because removing dead skin cells then means my night-time moisturiser will stand an even better chance of working.
Can I use Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water every day?
That’s entirely up to you and your knowledge of your skin type. If you have normal or oily skin then yes, you probably can. However, Wishtrend suggest sensitive skin users only use it 2-3 times a week, or at least until you know your skin can tolerate it.
Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water – is it worth it?
Yes! That was straightforward, wasn’t it? My skin isn’t usually especially sensitive (although Balance Me products don’t agree with me) but I do have a fair amount of redness and occasional breakouts across on my cheeks. As mentioned above, I’ve been using the Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water* every night for a month, which isn’t that long. However, I’ve definitely noticed my skin is clearer, smoother, with less redness, and fewer breakouts. I plan to continue using it (at night) when we’re on holiday too, although I’ll probably limit it to 2-3 times a week in case my skin flares up.
Where can I buy Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water?
I’ve been very surprised and delighted with this mandelic acid toner, it’s one of those rare suit-all products that I’ll keep using it because it actually works. And I also think it’s great value, especially as I’ve only used a tiny amount of my 120ml so far. If you’d like to dip your toe into K-beauty or add to your existing collection, you can purchase the Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water on Amazon.* And while I won’t need to restock on toner for a while, I’m very excited to extend my Korean skincare journey and try out some more K-beauty products when I do 🙂
Have you tried any exfoliating toners before? Or indeed any Korean beauty or skincare products? What would you recommend and why?
* I was gifted this product in exchange for a review but all opinions are my own. This post also uses affiliate links, please see my Disclaimer.
My skin is bloody awful so I’m open to trying literally anything by this point; I really like the sound of this and I’ve never used any Korean skincare before but you’re totally right, it does seem to be featured everywhere at the moment so there must be something in all the positive claims xxx
Aw, sorry to hear that! This might be a good one to try though, it’s so gentle, no harsh abrasives or chemicals to aggravate anything. I have to admit, I was very pleasantly surprised – looks like all these claims do stack up after all! xxx
Sounds like a great product. I really want to try Korean skincare products!
It really is, I think I’m a definite convert, I want to try some more Korean products now!
I’ve being seeing a lot from this brand but I love the sound of this product. My skin is soooo sensitive I need to be really careful with exfoliating products but this contains so many of my favourite ingredients. I ordered a new exfoliator two days ago and I’m a little bit annoyed with myself after reading this haha x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Oh, that’s typical timing, isn’t it? If you don’t get on with your new exfoliator then I’d definitely recommend trying this one, it’s so gentle, no rough bits at all. xx
Glad to hear it hasn’t done any harm to your sensitive skin! Would love to try this one out, sounds interesting 🙂
I was fascinated to try it, I really didn’t think it would work as well as it has done but it’s brilliant! 🙂
This sounds interesting, I’ve never used a product like it, in fact I don’t think I’ve ever used a Korean Skincare product ever before. I’m glad to hear it worked well for you.
Emma x
emmarollason.com
I’d never used a product like it either but I’m so pleased with how well it’s worked – and how much I’ve got left, haha. It’s a brilliant find, I can’t wait to try more Korean brands now 🙂 x
Lisa this is a fantastic review! I love trying new skin care as well and this looks like a great product! ? Korean beauty, and Asian beauty products in general, are so fab!
Love, Cally x
Oh, thank you! I haven’t tried many Korean or Asian beauty products but the buzz surrounding them is massive, isn’t it? I must say, I’m a convert to this product and I will have to try some more! x
I’ve never tried Korean beauty products before but this sounds like a good one! It’s great that it’s suitable for all skin types and that it has a lot of natural ingredients. I loved the breakdown of ingredients list with the explanations, that’s really handy as I never know what anything means. Also, that’s a really helpful tip about using the product at night. Great review Lisa, I’ll keep my eye out for this one! xx
I think if you’ve never tried a Korean beauty or skincare product then this would be a great one to start with – this or a sheet mask anyway. I was so delighted with how well it’s worked but I did want to put the nut allergy caveat in, you know, just in case. Thank you for your lovely comment! xx
I have heard so many good things about Korean Beauty and skin products but have never tried any myself . This sounds like a fabulous product so glad it seems to be helping you achieve clearer skin. My skin seems to have reverted back to a teenagers right now I could probably do with giving this a go!
Great post Lisa ?
Melanie | http://www.frasersfunhouse.com
I know what you mean about teenage skin, I think it’s to do with the weather. We keep going from hot to cold, sun to rain, our skin just can’t keep up 🙁 But I’ve been very impressed with this product, and feel very lucky to have been able to trial it, it’s fab! x
This sounds really great! I’ve seen so much hype about Korean products recently, and STILL haven’t managed to pick anything up so I’ll have to change that soon! I’m so glad you found that this worked well for you!
Sophie – – https://sophhearts.com x
TBH, I hadn’t either, my foot mask was a present and my sheet mask was a Birchbox treat. But now that I’ve found Wishtrend I’m going to explore what else they have that might suit me – not just skincare either, haha! x
I keep getting hormonal breakouts so I would love to try this, up for any thing at the moment haha! This sounds like such a great product thought, it’s really great value too. Great post as always 🙂
Kate
I really think it’s one of those suit-all products, it’s so gentle too, hard to believe what a great job it does! x
I really like the sounds of this skin care! Glad that it worked for you
It really has, I’m so impressed and delighted!
I’ve never even heard of this acid so thanks so much for sharing, I have a fair amount of redness myself… thanks so much for sharing your experience XX
Shevy
Neither had I! I had no idea almonds could be used as an exfoliator, haha. But this has really toned down my red patches with no side effects so I’d definitely recommend giving it a go! xx
Seems like an interesting product. I have a hard time finding exfoliators that aren’t to scratchy feeling but this might be a good thing to try.
I know, that’s what I always associate with exfoliators, scratchy and a little grainy, even if small grains. But this is such a good product, I’m so glad I got to trial it 🙂
I’ve heard good things about Korean beauty as well! Great review and you will have to provide an update how it faired after your holiday
Kay xx
Thank you – yes, I will, fingers crossed, haha! x
I absolutely love chemical exfoliants. After years of using physical exfoliators to no avail (apart from the time I got a bit of apricot shell in my eye and couldn’t see for three days), I started using chemical ones and they are SO much more effective. I’ve never used a mandelic acid before but I love the idea for winter when my skin is at it’s most troublesome. I love that this sounds so gentle and that you can use it daily! Perfect for a smooth and clear face 🙂
Beth x
I’ve never used a chemical exfoliant before so I had no expectations but this honestly did live up to all the blurb, I was really impressed. And it’s so easy to use as well, no mess or fuss. I do feel very lucky to have been able to trial it, I love it! x
I have been hearing amazing things about Korean skincare for ages now, but I have yet to bite the bullet and purchase anything to try out myself! I am really impressed with the results that you’ve described after having used this product, anything that reduces redness and keeps your skin feeling smooth with fewer breakouts can only be a good thing! It does sound like a great value product as well, especially as a little seems to go a very long way! I definitely need to check out Wishtrend on your recommendation!
Abbey xx
I think I’ve been slow to jump on the Korean beauty / skincare wagon too but honestly, I’ve been so impressed with this Mandelic Acid Water. I can’t believe something so gentle can be so effective. Do let me know what you think if you try some, I’m sure you wouldn’t be disappointed! Xx
I have tried a few Korean skincare products and love them all. The sheet masks, hydrating masks etc and really love them. This sounds so good and I really want to try more from K-beauty. 🙂 Loved reading your detail review. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
This was a lovely surprise, if you loved your sheet masks I think you’d really like this product too ? xx
Yes infact I’m off lately a fan of korean skin care products! I use sheet masks from the face shop and also green tea seed serum from innisfree and it works magic with my skin !!
Korean skincare is fairly new to me but I adore this product and I’ve heard such good things about other brands that I can’t wait to try some more! X
Ooh this sounds great! I did have a peek at The Ordinary’s version a few days ago, but opted for a different K-brand all together (and a stronger acid). I hadn’t heard of this brand, I’ll have to look into them!
Claudia x
This is sooooooooo gorgeous, it doesn’t sting at all, smells fab, and is super effective – highly recommended! x
I’ve come here after your recommendation as an alternative to Pixi Glow Toner and I need to admit I am ready to order a trillion of these water! Thank you for letting me know about this, I will let you know how I get on with it Lisa x
Oh wow, that’s great, thank you! And yes, I adore this toner, I’ve never looked back, so I hope you get on well with it – keep me posted! x