Mandelic Acid & Rice Bran Gentle Exfoliating Serum
Mandelic Acid & Rice Bran Gentle Exfoliating Serum
Product Description
A featherlight, water-thin chemical exfoliating serum from Selfless by Hyram that pairs 3% mandelic acid with a PHA (gluconolactone), rice-bran phytic acid and encapsulated salicylic acid to smooth texture, brighten tone and keep pores clear β deliberately low in strength so it's gentle enough for sensitive skin and beginners to acids. Marketed as the brand's "don't over-exfoliate exfoliator."
β¨ Texture & Feel
Four-Acid Synergy
Mandelic (AHA), gluconolactone (PHA), phytic acid (rice bran) and salicylic (BHA) work on surface, pores and oil layer together.
Gentle by Design
Larger-molecule acids plus 2.928% Annona Cherimola buffer mean effective exfoliation with minimal sting or peeling.
Barrier Support
Rice bran, biosaccharide gum and 10% propanediol hydrate and reduce trans-epidermal water loss while you exfoliate.
Conscious Formula
Vegan, cruelty-free and reef safe; each bottle funds a year of clean water via the brand's Thirst Project partnership.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
No esters, fatty acids or polysorbates that feed malassezia β independently flagged as fungal-acne safe.
Contains BHA (salicylic acid) plus AHAs. Low-dose and topical, but check with your doctor or OB before use.
As an AHA exfoliant it can make skin more sun-sensitive. Use PM only and wear daily broad-spectrum SPF.
Do not use in the same routine as retinol or other exfoliating acids β alternate nights to avoid over-exfoliation.
Marketed fragrance-free with no added essential oils, harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates.
Reactive or very sensitive skin should patch test and introduce slowly β a few reviewers reported flaking.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π Mandelic Acid 3% Proven
The hero AHA. It loosens the bonds between dead surface cells to smooth texture and brighten tone, but its larger molecule penetrates slowly and evenly β making it noticeably gentler than glycolic acid.
- Mechanism: Larger molecular size = slower, more even penetration and less irritation.
- Bonus: Has antibacterial and antioxidant action, useful for acne-prone, uneven skin.
- Evidence: Effective from around 5% upward; here it's a low, beginner-tier 3%.
𧫠Gluconolactone (PHA) 2.5% Proven
A polyhydroxy acid that exfoliates the very top layer like an AHA but even more gently, because its large structure stays near the surface. It also acts as a humectant and antioxidant.
- Why it's here: Adds gentle exfoliation while reducing overall irritation potential.
- Hydration: Helps attract and hold water, supporting the barrier.
π― Salicylic Acid (Encapsulated) 0.5% Proven
An oil-soluble BHA that gets into pores to clear buildup and control oil. Here it's encapsulated, which in-vivo testing links to lower irritation without losing pore-clearing efficacy.
- Pore action: Dissolves oil/debris inside pores to prevent clogging and blackheads.
- Soothing: Aspirin-related structure helps calm inflamed, congested skin.
πΎ Phytic Acid (Rice Bran) 0.5% Promising
A mild AHA and antioxidant sustainably extracted from rice bran left over after polishing. It offers light exfoliation, helps control oil and chelates stray metal ions to keep the formula stable.
- Sourcing: Upcycled from the food industry rather than discarded.
- Antioxidant: Adds environmental-defense support alongside gentle exfoliation.
π Annona Cherimola Fruit Extract 2.928% Promising
A soothing fruit extract included specifically to counteract the drying or irritant potential of the acids, opening the formula up to sensitive and compromised-barrier skin.
- Brand data: In-vivo testing showed compromised-barrier users felt significantly less discomfort at this level.
𧴠Niacinamide Low % Proven
Vitamin B3 that strengthens the skin barrier, helps regulate oil, refines the look of pores and supports a more even tone β a well-tolerated multitasker rounding out the formula.
- Barrier: Helps fortify the barrier that exfoliation can stress.
- Tone: Supports a brighter, more even complexion over time.
24 ingredients
Water (Aqua / Eau), Propanediol, Mandelic Acid, Annona Cherimola Fruit Extract, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hydroxide, Maltodextrin, Phenoxyethanol, Glycerin, Phytic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Gluconate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dextrin, Polydextrose, Amylopectin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Niacinamide, Sodium Citrate, Cystoseira Tamariscifolia Extract, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Citric Acid.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use in the PM only, every other evening. Apply right after cleansing onto dry skin, before heavier serums and moisturizer. Never layer in the same routine as retinol or other exfoliating acids β alternate nights instead β and always follow with SPF the next morning.
π How to Use
Cleanse First
In the evening, wash and gently dry your face so the acids work on clean, bare skin.
Apply 3β4 Drops
Pat 3β4 drops over face and neck. Avoid the immediate eye area. Start every other night.
Let It Absorb, Then Seal
Give it a moment to sink in, then lock in with your moisturizer. Skip other actives the same night.
Protect by Day
Always wear broad-spectrum SPF the following morning to protect freshly exfoliated skin.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You're new to chemical exfoliation and want an easy, low-risk start
- You have sensitive or reactive skin that can't tolerate strong acids
- Your skin feels congested, rough or uneven in texture
- You want a fragrance-free, oil-free, fungal-acne-safe option
- You prefer vegan, cruelty-free and reef-safe formulas
β Consider alternatives if:
- You're an experienced acid user wanting a high-strength peel
- You already use retinol or stronger acids most nights
- You expect fast, dramatic results β this is deliberately subtle
- You have severe or cystic acne needing prescription care
- You have a known salicylate (aspirin) allergy
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Lightweight, oil-free and water-thin; the BHA helps clear pores and control shine without heaviness.
Balances exfoliation across oilier and drier zones thanks to the mild multi-acid blend.
Non-comedogenic and fungal-acne safe; mandelic + salicylic help with congestion and post-acne marks.
Buffered and fragrance-free for low irritation, but very reactive skin should patch test and go slow.
Humectants help, but dry skin will want a richer moisturizer layered on top after application.
π Results Timeline
Smoother, Softer Feel
Skin feels softer and slightly smoother after the first few uses, with no stinging for most people.
~40% noticedBrighter, More Even Texture
Rough patches start to refine and the complexion looks a touch brighter and more uniform.
~65% noticedClearer, Less Congested Pores
Fewer clogged pores and small bumps; skin feels more refined with continued every-other-night use.
~72% noticedMore Even Tone & Texture
Post-acne marks and overall tone look more even, with smoother, healthier-looking skin.
~80% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Genuinely gentle β little to no irritation for most users
- Fragrance-free, oil-free and fungal-acne safe
- Multi-acid yet beginner-friendly thanks to soothing buffers
- Lightweight, water-like and non-sticky texture
- Vegan, cruelty-free and reef safe with a clean-water cause
β Criticized
- Low active percentages can feel too subtle for acid veterans
- A few users report flaking if used too often
- Dropper/packaging draws frequent complaints
- 30 ml for $24 is pricier than higher-% dupes
- PM-only, every-other-day use limits how fast you see change
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
From the co-creators of this line. Higher 10% mandelic acid for stronger exfoliation, but without the PHA/BHA combo and soothing fruit-extract buffer.
The cheapest mandelic option. Stronger at 10% plus hyaluronic acid, but it's a single-acid formula and not fungal-acne safe (contains polysorbate 20).
Pairs mandelic acid with PHA and hyaluronic acid for gentle exfoliation and hydration. Closest in philosophy at a lower price, but less buffered for sensitive skin.
A stronger 12% mandelic plus niacinamide and fruit acids. More potent for tone and texture, so better suited to those past the beginner stage.
π Comparison with Competitors
Selfless by Hyram (This Product)
$24.00The Ordinary Mandelic 10% + HA
$8.90The Inkey List Mandelic Treatment
$14.99Naturium Mandelic Topical 12%
$18.00π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
6 months after opening
Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; mandelic acid is light-sensitive, so close the cap and store upright.
Frosted bottle with dropper applicator
Yes β 30 ml is well under the 100 ml carry-on liquid limit
β Frequently Asked Questions
Use with caution. The serum contains low-dose, encapsulated salicylic acid (a BHA) at 0.5% plus mild AHAs and a PHA. Topical low concentrations are generally considered low risk, but salicylic acid is often flagged during pregnancy, so we recommend checking with your doctor or OB-GYN before adding it to your routine.
Yes. The formula contains no esters, fatty acids, oils or polysorbates that typically feed malassezia, and it has been independently flagged as fungal-acne (malassezia) safe. The mild acids can also help with the congestion that often accompanies fungal acne.
Do not use it in the same routine as retinol or other exfoliating acids β this product already combines AHA, PHA and BHA, so stacking risks over-exfoliation. Alternate it on separate nights instead. It already includes its own gentle acids and niacinamide, so additional standalone acids are unnecessary. A separate vitamin C in your morning routine is generally fine.
It suits all skin types and is rated excellent for oily, combination and acne-prone skin. It's especially good for sensitive skin and anyone new to chemical exfoliation, since the larger-molecule acids and soothing fruit-extract buffer keep irritation low. Dry skin should layer a richer moisturizer on top.
Skin usually feels smoother within the first week. More visible brightening and texture refinement typically appears around 2β4 weeks, with clearer pores and more even tone by 6β12 weeks of consistent every-other-night use. Because it's deliberately gentle, results are gradual rather than dramatic.
Use it at night only, every other evening. Apply after cleansing onto dry skin, before heavier serums and moisturizer. Follow with moisturizer to seal, and always wear broad-spectrum SPF the next morning since exfoliating acids increase sun sensitivity.
No. With a comedogenic rating of about 1/5, it's an oil-free, water-based exfoliating serum designed to help unclog pores rather than block them. The salicylic acid specifically targets pore congestion, making it a good fit for clog-prone and acne-prone skin.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 6 months. Because mandelic acid is light-sensitive, store the bottle closed in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to keep the acids stable and effective for as long as possible.
Verdict: Selfless by Hyram's Mandelic Acid & Rice Bran Serum delivers exactly what it promises β a thoughtfully buffered, fragrance-free, fungal-acne-safe exfoliant that lets sensitive skin and acid beginners reap the benefits of an AHA-PHA-BHA blend without the sting or peeling. The trade-off is potency: experienced acid users may find the low active percentages too subtle, and at $24 for 30 ml it's pricier than higher-strength dupes. If your priority is gentle, gradual results and barrier comfort, it's an easy recommendation; if you want a strong, fast peel, size up to a higher-percentage mandelic instead.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging Β«promisesΒ» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 5 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 6 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Ache-fighting from 2 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
|
|
| 1 |
Gluconolactone
Solvent, Fragrance, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
|
Anti-Aging
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Hydroxide
Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Denaturant, Buffering
|
|