Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel Review

Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Ingredients

Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel Ingredients

Hover to see details. On mobile? Tap for ingredient stories!

Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Water, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Mandelic Acid, Synthetic Sapphire, PEG/PPG-20/6 Dimethicone, Lecithin, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, PEG-Crosspolymer, Alcohol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Morus Alba Root Extract, Retinyl Palmitate, Sodium Hydroxide, Xanthan Gum, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cholate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Fragrance, Citral, Coumarin, Eugenol, Limonene, Isoeugenol
Review

Does Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel has to offer:
 
✅ Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

  

Key Benefits of Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel:
 

🔵 Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propylene Glycol (est. ≈7.5%) and Glycerin (est. ≈5.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

💧 A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

📌 Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ May Increase Skin Photosensitivity Due to Glycolic Acid

This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Its action works by removing dead skin cells, revealing new, more delicate skin that is particularly vulnerable to sun damage.

As a result, using products with glycolic acid, regardless of concentration, may increase the skin's sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays.

To counteract this increased sun sensitivity, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect your skin during glycolic acid treatment.

📌 Please always check the manufacturer's instructions for using the product, either on their website or product label.

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract and Retinyl Palmitate, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

📌 Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

🟩 Pros:

✅ When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
✅ As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
✅ Lightweight texture
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ May increase skin photosensitivity due to glycolic acid
⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel
, when used alone, delivers lightweight, humectant-rich moisturizing, making it ideal for oily skin. As part of a moisturizing routine, it provides a humectant boost, beneficial for all skin types.
 
That said, there are some things about Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel worth noting.
 
This product contains glycolic acid, a popular AHA known for its ability to exfoliate and brighten the skin. However, glycolic acid - regardless of concentration - can increase skin sensitivity, making it more prone to sunburn or irritation when exposed to UV rays. Therefore, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 during glycolic acid treatment.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering Sesderma Mandelac Moisturizing Gel is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.15
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.03
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Mandelic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Synthetic Sapphire
Function:
Origin:
PEG/PPG-20/6 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
PEG-Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycolic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Morus Alba Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Retinyl Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Cholate
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Methylparaben
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Coumarin
Function:
Origin:
Eugenol
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Isoeugenol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
14.9
7.5
5
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 14.9 10
10.0
7.5
5
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
7.5
5
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 14.9 10
10
All humectants
14.9
7.5
5
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Retinyl Palmitate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.5 3 No
All antioxidants
1.5
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
0.3
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Morus Alba Root Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
All soothing 0.6 5 No
All soothing
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Glycerin
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Mandelic Acid
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Mandelic AcidDerived from almonds, this ingredient is one of the gentlest AHAs and is used for its exfoliating and antimicrobial properties. It is particularly beneficial for acne but also helps to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Synthetic Sapphire
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Synthetic Sapphire
PEG/PPG-20/6 Dimethicone
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PEG/PPG-20/6 Dimethicone
Lecithin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP CopolymerA polymeric ingredient that creates lightweight and refreshing gel textures. It also works as a viscosity controlling agent.
PEG-Crosspolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
PEG-Crosspolymer
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) ExtractAn extract obtained from the whole German chamomile plant that contains nice-smelling chamazulene and bisabolol, as well as large amounts of soothing mucilage.
Glycolic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycolic Acid

The second most used AHA (after lactic acid) known for its potent exfoliating and smoothing effects. It increases skin cell turnover, which is beneficial for treating acne. When used in peels, glycolic acid has confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture ExtractAn extract that comes from a certain apple cultivar. It is claimed to have superior properties over any other apple extracts and the patent holder claims that it has anti-wrinkle activity.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Morus Alba Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Morus Alba Root ExtractAn antioxidant, astringent, antimicrobial, and antifungal extract from white mulberry tree roots. It has been claimed to have anti-pigment potential.
Retinyl Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Retinyl Palmitate

An esterified form of retinol – it combines retinol and palmitic acid into one molecule. Retinyl palmitate is less irritating than retinol but lacks clinical proves of its anti-aging and acne-reducing efficacy.

Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor OilA castor oil-derived ingredient often used to incorporate small amounts of oil (such as a fragrance) into a water-based product. PEG-4 HCO is a gold-standard solubilizer and can be used in low amounts due to its ability to solubilize things so well.
Polysorbate 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Sodium Cholate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Cholate
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Chlorhexidine Digluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorhexidine DigluconateA synthetic antimicrobial ingredient used to deal with bacterial and fungal skin infections. In the same way that it wipes out bacteria from the skin, it can also fight them inside cosmetic products, acting as a preservative.
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinA white crystalline powder that can reduce odors coming from other ingredients in a product.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Ethylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylparabenA cost-effective preservative that belongs to the group of parabens. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Methylparaben
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MethylparabenA preservative that keeps a product unspoiled. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding parabens, although the concentrations found in cosmetic formulations are generally considered to be safe.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.

Coumarin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coumarin

A plant-based fragrant compound that occurs in sweet-smelling grass, sweet woodruff, and sweet clover. It has a sweet and vanilla-like scent in high concentrations and a similar scent to freshly mowed grass in low concentrations.

Eugenol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eugenol

A fragrant liquid that can be found naturally in the essential oils derived from cloves, cinnamon, basil, and bay leaf. It has a spicy and warm scent. People with sensitive skin should consider doing a patch test first, as it is a potential irritant.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Isoeugenol
Est. %0.03
Function
Origin
Isoeugenol

A fragrant compound found in ylang-ylang essential oil that has a vanilla-like, creamy, and sweet aroma.