Unfortunately, things didn’t improve on the honeymoon. The pair struggled to connect and even ended up sleeping in separate beds. By the first commitment ceremony, the experts had already picked up on the lack of chemistry. Juliette admitted, “If I wasn’t part of this experiment, and I just met Joel out, I wouldn’t be proceeding.”
Then came the ick. Shortly after moving into their apartment, Juliette received a clip from a friend showing Joel playing the drums using sex toys instead of drumsticks. “I woke up this morning to my friend sending me a link to Joel’s YouTube channel. It was him playing the drums with two sex toys. I can’t help but feel embarrassed,” she said.
When Juliette confronted Joel about the video, he said it was just “harmless humour” and a “bit of fun,” but Juliette didn’t see the funny side. “That’s kind of pushed me over the edge on whether or not I find Joel attractive. It was so theatrical and performative. That’s also what I saw at our wedding. I think I was right about him all along, and now I’m icked out,” she said.
Are Juliette and Joel still together?
On the April 8 episode, the drama between Joel and Juliette escalated during an intimacy challenge. Speaking to the cameras, Juliette admitted, “I’ve been fighting the ick all week and it’s doing my head in.”
When asked to look into each other’s eyes for an extended period, Juliette flat-out refused. “No — I think it’s inappropriate for sure,” she snapped, before storming off and adding, “You’re p*ssing me off, I’ll leave actually.” She then hid in another room, forcing Joel to talk to her through the door, while fuming, “You aggravate me, darl.”
During the next task, a hug, Juliette was just as fierce. “I’m not going to stare into your devil eyes,” she said. When Joel mentioned the hug, she shot back, “You don’t get the privilege to touch me right now… Just don’t come near me anymore, you p*ss me off.”
OLAPLEX Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo is a one-stop solution that helps reduce breakage, strengthen hair, and gently cleanse without stripping away moisture. It also smooths, nourishes, and detangles for healthier-looking hair.
Its formula includes OLAPLEX’s patented Bond Building Technology™, which helps protect and repair hair bonds on a molecular level. It’s also packed with hydrating and softening ingredients like glycerin, sunflower seed oil, banana extract, and panthenol for added shine, softness, and frizz control.
For best results, pair it with Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment before shampooing to help restore hair health from past damage and defend against future breakage. Use a small, coin-sized amount of Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo, then follow with N°.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner for stronger, more manageable hair.
Jump to
You may know OLAPLEX Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo rebuilds the bonds in the hair while cleansing, but do you know about its other rockstar benefits and properties? Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo is a one-stop shop for almost any hair concern and works to:
Reduce breakage
Strengthen hair
Gently cleanse without stripping moisture
Smooth, nourish, and detangle hair
What’s in Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo?
The ingredients in a single bottle of Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo makes the shampoo a one-stop shop for well-rounded, healthy hair, starting with OLAPLEX’s patented Bond Building Technology™. OLAPLEX developed and patented Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, which became the first ingredient of its kind in the bond builder category. This innovative ingredient protects, nourishes, and restructures hair internally by repairing bonds on a molecular level. To soften, nourish, and moisturize hair, this shampoo contains ingredients like:
Coconut oil-derived surfactants: Provides an easy lather that leaves the scalp and hair feeling hydrated.
Glycerin: This ingredient comes from plant oils and pulls moisture from the air into the hair, improving hydration and softness.
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil: This emollient adds shine, reduces moisture loss, and smooths the hair.
Musa sapientum (banana) fruit extract: Boosts moisture retention to condition and soften hair.
Prunus armeniaca (apricot) kernel oil: This lightweight emollient adds softness without heavy buildup.
Pseudozyma Epicola/Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil Ferment Filtrate (fermented argan oil): Tames and smooths frizz and flyaways. Why is it fermented? Fermenting the oil lowers the pH level which helps close cuticles helping them to lay flat. Fermented oils contain more potent vitamins and nutrients and have better absorption rates compared to non-fermented oils.
Panthenol (Vitamin B-5): Penetrates the hair shaft to help hair feel thicker and improve elasticity.
How to Use Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo
To make the most of your shower, start with a pre-shampoo treatment like Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment. With patented Bond Building Technology™ and Damage-Defense Cationic Complex, Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment repairs all 3 broken bonds and restores healthy-looking, resilient hair. This formula addresses hair health throughout its lifecycle:
Past: repairs all types of damage for 3x stronger and softer hair in 3 minutes
Present: Immediately revives all 5 key signs of hair health: strength, smoothness, softness, shine/sheen, and shape
Future: Defends against damage, split ends, and breakage
To use Nᴼ.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment:
Squeeze out excess water from your hair in the shower.
Apply a generous amount from mid-lengths to ends.
Leave on for 3 minutes, then rinse from hair.
Shampoo and condition your hair as usual. Use Nº.3PLUS Complete Repair Treatment every 1-3 washes.
Now it’s time for Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo. To use this shampoo:
Dispense a coin-sized amount and apply to wet hair.
Lather thoroughly and rinse well.
Follow with N°.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner to reduce breakage, strengthen hair, improve manageability, and boost shine.
A little bit of Nᴼ.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo goes a long way. Explore more OLAPLEX shampoos and conditioners, or take the Hair Quiz for a personalized bond-building routine.
Unlike Collection 01, which saw the brands take over a street in London for a runway show preview, and Collection 02, which was exclusively debuted at an event in Manchester before going live online, adidas Originals x ASOS Collection 03 will also be available to shop in-store at the adidas London flagship as well as asos.com.
“Drop 3 of our partnership with ASOS marks a significant step forward in bringing the collaboration into a physical retail environment,” adidas commented. “By launching the new collection at our London flagship, we are building on the momentum of previous releases while elevating the partnership into a more integrated, immersive brand experience for our consumers.”
Prices will range from £40-£130 in sizes XS-XXL, and if you’re wondering what to make a beeline for, I asked Vanessa what she thinks will sell out first. “The polka dot peplum jacket definitely,” she said, while sat opposite me wearing it styled with barrel leg jeans and Chanel pumps. “Spots are the moment, there’s a big trend, and the colour makes it so versatile.”
And PSA on the notion of things selling out; once they’re gone, they’re gone. Those trusty ASOS re-stock notifications won’t come in clutch where this collection is concerned. It’s a limited edition drop, folks. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Ahead: Shop all 27 pieces from the adidas Originals x ASOS Collection 03
Most of us just accept that relationships lose spark over time. Intensity fades, the butterflies settle, and eventually you slide into something steady, comfortable, and routine.
That seemingly unromantic shift towards feeling more like roommates than crushes isn’t inherently bad. In fact, “if you go into any relationship thinking it’s going to be the honeymoon stage forever, you’ll be sorely disappointed,” Erika Ettin, MBA, a New York City–based dating coach and founder of A Little Nudge, an online dating consultancy company, tells SELF. In some cases, however, there’s more to a creeping sense of boredom than just stability.
Meet parallel life syndrome. As the name implies, it’s a common pattern where couples aren’t really living a life together anymore—they’re existing side by side. You know, parallel to each other, with no intersection. Schedules outside of the home barely overlap—one partner’s at the gym, the other lingers in a café. Friend groups are kept separate. Even your downtime, while technically “together” in bed, is spent on your own screens, in different mental worlds.
“Just because you have the time together doesn’t mean that’s quality time,” Ettin points out. “And just because you’re still in a marriage doesn’t mean it’s automatically progressing.” A healthy marriage, even decades in, should feel like it’s moving. It doesn’t have to do so dramatically, but still: You keep each other in the loop, learn from conflict, improve how you communicate, and ultimately deepen the relationship instead of just continuing it.
“You have to tend to [a marriage] just like you would a garden,” Ettin adds—with consistent intention and care. Otherwise, it’s easy to take each other for granted and morph into two individuals who happen to coexist.
So how can you tell the difference between a healthy, slow rhythm and one that veers into parallel life syndrome? Read on for the biggest warning signs experts notice.
1. You make decisions alone—then inform your partner later.
Ideally, your partner should be your default sounding board—not out of obligation, but because they’re someone you instinctively want to include in your world, for stuff big and small.
“So one early sign of parallel life syndrome is rarely thinking to tell your partner about updates or anything important,” Patrice Le Goy, PhD, LMFT, a Los Angeles–based couples therapist, tells SELF. Maybe you got big news—a win at work or a stressful health update—and your instinct is to text someone else. Or you’ve fallen into the habit of making decisions (booking a trip, splurging on nice furniture, signing up for a marathon) without looping them in (or, if you do, only after the fact). Losing that sense of “we,” Dr. Le Goy says, is a subtle indicator of couples running on separate tracks.
In this episode of In Conversation With, Global Cosmetics News turns its focus to the global sun care market—a category that remains central to beauty, but is becoming more structured, disciplined and strategically driven. Valued at US$14.6bn in 2026 and projected to reach US$22bnsun care growth is being shaped less by hype and more by strong portfolio management, retail execution, regulatory compliance and dependable seasonal demand.
As the category evolves, brands are being challenged to balance performance, sensory appeal, transparency and compliance—while responding to rising consumer expectations around sustainability, trust and everyday usability.
This Month’s Expert Panel
Jennifer O’Hara – Director of Technical Marketing and Commercialisation, INOLEX
1. Sun Care Moves from Basic Protection to Daily Skin Strategy
Consumers are no longer satisfied with seeing “SPF 50” on-pack and taking it at face value. According to Dr. Inna Szalontaytoday’s more skin-literate consumer wants to know how a product protects, what else it does for the skin, and how it supports long-term skin health.
“They do not ask for sunscreen anymore. They want sun strategy products that work.” – Dr. Inna Szalontay
This is pushing the category beyond basic sun protection and into skin longevitywith rising demand for multifunctional formats including tinted SPF, barrier-support SPF, antioxidant-led formulas and products designed for specific use cases such as post-treatment skin, pigmentation-prone consumers and everyday urban wear.
2. Sensory Performance Is Now a Compliance Issue Too
Jennifer O’Hara argues that one of the biggest barriers to better sun care adoption is not just innovation, but education. Consumers want safe, reliable sunscreens, but confusion around filters and misinformation continues to affect uptake—particularly in the US.
“The best sunscreen is the one that you’re going to use.” – Jennifer O’Hara
For suppliers and formulators, this makes sensory performance critical. If a sunscreen feels heavy, chalky or greasy, consumers are less likely to apply it consistently. The opportunity lies in creating lighter, more elegant and multifunctional formats that fit seamlessly into everyday routines and encourage habitual use.
3. Multifunctional Innovation Is Reshaping Product Development
Innovation in sun care is increasingly focused on efficiency, formulation quality and usabilityrather than constant novelty. O’Hara points to growing interest in hybrid sunscreen systems, improved film formers, solubilisers and biodegradable performance ingredients that can deliver better wear, water resistance and comfort.
Szalontay adds that the next phase of formulation is about more than UV filters alone. New product development is increasingly incorporating DNA-repair enzymes, advanced antioxidants, encapsulation technologies and other ingredients aimed at supporting broader biological protection.
“Sun care is no longer just about filters. It’s about complete biological protection of the skin.” – Dr. Inna Szalontay
At the same time, simplification is becoming more important: fewer ingredients, fewer steps, but smarter and more purposeful formulation.
4. Sustainability Demands More Than ‘Reef-Safe’ Language
Environmental scrutiny is intensifying across the category, especially around reef impact, packaging, lifecycle transparency and ingredient sourcing. Maggie Spicer notes that while consumers increasingly want “reef-safe” sunscreen, the term itself remains poorly standardised and scientifically contested.
“Consumers really want to see brands talk about this. We’re just still at a very early stage of having the right information and discourse.” – Maggie Spicer
This leaves brands navigating a complex middle ground: consumers are asking valid questions, but the industry is still developing the tools and language needed to answer them credibly. As a result, ESG strategy in sun care is shifting towards broader transparencywith greater attention on biodegradability, lifecycle assessments, responsible ingredient sourcing and backend manufacturing impact—not just end-of-life packaging claims.
5. Regulation Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage
Sun care remains one of the most highly regulated categories in beauty, and complexity is only increasing. Differences in approved UV filters across markets, stricter testing requirements and growing scrutiny of both performance and sustainability messaging are all shaping NPD timelines and portfolio strategy.
“Strong brands that invest in clinical data and transparent communication will stand out.” – Dr. Inna Szalontay
For O’Hara, regulatory alignment is also opening new formulation pathways, especially in the US market where the anticipated approval of new UV filters could significantly expand innovation opportunities. But as Spicer points out, claims governance must extend beyond SPF efficacy alone.
“Brands need a universal claims validation system—not one standard for performance claims and another for sustainability.” – Maggie Spicer
That means marketing, regulatory and operational teams must work more closely together to ensure claims are robust, credible and globally defensible.
Looking Ahead: Sun Care Beyond 2026
The panel agrees the next phase of growth will be shaped by:
Daily-use SPF that integrates seamlessly into skin care and skin longevity routines Hybrid protection combining UV filters with antioxidants, barrier support and repair claims Smarter simplicitywith fewer but more intelligent ingredients and product formats Stronger lifecycle accountabilitydriven by ESG data, supplier transparency and global compliance pressures
O’Hara also sees room for more playful, sensorial product forms that still meet strict regulatory requirements, while Szalontay predicts sun care will become increasingly embedded into broader skin health protocols rather than remain a standalone seasonal category.
“Simplicity will be with purpose.” – Dr. Inna Szalontay
Bottom line: Sun care in 2026 will be defined by precision protection, disciplined innovation and rising accountability. In a category where compliance, consistency and trust matter as much as novelty, the winners will be brands that combine strong fundamentals with better sensory experiences, clearer communication and credible environmental strategy.
A signature lip has long been a power move—a way to command attention, express identity, and show up with confidence. Some of the most memorable women in history are associated with distinct lip looks. Marilyn Monroe’s red, and Taylor Swift’s, come to mind. And Grace Jones’s metallic fuchsia.
Red lipstick, in particular, has been dubbed a sign of resistance and strength for women. In 1912, suffragettes marched for women’s rights in New York City wearing Venetian Lip Paste from Elizabeth Arden, an emblem of their grit and determination.
To this day, a bold lip can help give its wearer a sense of strength, even when they don’t feel as fearless or put-together as they look. With this in mind, we asked 12 powerful women—including an Olympic athlete, a politician, and a fashion stylist to the stars—about the lip products they swear by, how they found them, and why a specific combination gives them a confidence boost whether they’re on a global stage or just logging in to a 10 a.m. Zoom meeting. Ahead, read about the power-lip looks they reach for on repeat.
Colette Laxton, founder of The Inkey List
Getty Images
Those who get their glow from The Inkey List’s impressive lineup of skin-care products have Colette Laxton to thank. The beauty-brand founder’s signature look isn’t complete without her orange-red lipstick. “It needs to be strong and solid, but creamy and easy to wear,” she says. Just a few swipes of La Bouche Rouge in La Folie makes her feel “ready to take on the world!”
Dr. Vijayvergia stresses that marriage itself is unlikely to be driving this. “If you take away the lifestyle factors that are linked with marriage, I think you may have different findings,” she says. “This is simply proof that preventative behaviors are important to prevent cancer.”
Unmarried people aren’t destined to develop cancer.
Of course, not everyone meets the right person or even wants to get married. Plenty of people also have long-term, committed relationships without being married, or have thriving social lives as a single person. If you fall into any of those categories, doctors stress that you’re not destined to develop cancer.
It’s not necessarily marriage itself that provides a protective effect, according to Dr. Pinheiro. “Marital status is really a marker of a bundle of exposures,” he says.
The data didn’t separate out people in long-term partnerships or those who are living with someone—those were classified as never married, Dr. Pinheiro points out. “If those partnerships provide similar levels of support and shared behaviors, then some of the same patterns could apply, and the differences we observe may be somewhat underestimated,” he says.
Dr. McNeill agrees. “I do think that being in a committed relationship likely confers similar benefits of reduced cancer risk to those married, in as much as those in a committed relationship are less likely to experience social isolation [and have] increased social support, which is also a protective of cancer incidence, and are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors,” she says.
Social support likely plays a role too. “Social support, whether through a partner, family, or community, can influence health behaviors, access to care, and adherence to screening and prevention,” Dr. Pinheiro says. “Marriage is one way to capture that at the population level, but it is not the only way. Strong support systems outside of marriage may confer advantages, but that requires more work.”
*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
I absolutely love a low-effort hair hack, and this one has quickly become a staple in my routine. I recently discovered these overnight blowout rods on Amazon, and while they’re incredibly affordable, they’ve genuinely impressed me in terms of both design and results.
If you’re into heatless styling or just want an easier way to get that soft, bouncy blowout look and extend time between washes, these are definitely worth knowing about.
What Are Overnight Blowout Rods?
Overnight blowout rods are soft, flexible hair tools designed to create a voluminous, blow-dried effect without using heat.
This particular set comes as a pack of three rods. They’re slim, a really manageable length, and perfect for wrapping the hair either in sections or as a full ponytail. The rods are covered in a soft velvet material, which means they don’t snag or catch on the hair at all.
They also feature a really convenient hook-and-eye fastening system, so you can secure them easily without needing extra clips or grips.
As a nice added extra, they come with a silk-style scarf, which is ideal if you want to protect your hair while you sleep.
How I Use Overnight Blowout Rods
I’ve actually found my own way of using these, and it’s made them even more practical.
Overnight Blowout Rod In Place – top of head
Instead of using all three rods, I tend to use just one and create a “unicorn ponytail” right at the top/front of my head.
From there, I either:
Wrap the ponytail directly around the rod, or
Lightly curl the hair first and then wrap it
Once it’s wrapped, I secure it so the bun sits right on the very top of my head.
Overnight Blowout Rods – Ponytail technique
This is a complete game-changer for comfort because:
There’s nothing pressing into my head while I sleep
It doesn’t touch the pillow at all
I can lie completely flat without anything bothering me
It’s also really practical during the day. I can wear it for Peloton or Pilates and it stays totally out of the way.
Overnight Blowout Rods – Ponytail technique
How I Use These to Extend Time Between Washes
One of the biggest benefits I’ve found with these overnight blowout rods is how they help me stretch my hair between washes.
Instead of reaching for heat tools to revive my style, I can just wrap my hair up in the evening and wake up with refreshed volume and movement.
I’ve been pairing them with the Living Proof Style Refresh Mist, which I’ve also been testing recently, and the combination works really well. I’ll lightly mist the hair before wrapping, which helps to reactivate the style and gives a bit of added polish and bounce.
What I love about this approach is that it feels much gentler on my hair. I’m not piling on heat day after day, and I’m still getting that soft, “done” finish that makes everything feel more put together.
It’s become a really easy way to get an extra day (or two) out of my hair without it looking flat or tired.
Overnight Blowout Rods Review
Overnight Blowout Rods – End Result
I’ve been testing these overnight blowout rods for a while now, and once I found my preferred way to use them, they quickly became a really handy part of my routine.
Here’s a full breakdown of how they perform:
Design & Ease of Use
These are really well thought out for such an affordable product.
The rods are soft, flexible and easy to bend into shape, which makes wrapping the hair very straightforward. I especially like the velvet covering. It means there’s no snagging or pulling, and everything feels very gentle on the hair.
The hook-and-eye fastening system is also a nice touch. It makes securing the rod quick and fuss-free, without needing extra grips or clips.
Comfort (Especially for Sleeping)
This is where they really stand out for me. Because I use just one rod and position it right on top of my head, I can sleep completely comfortably. There’s nothing pressing into my scalp or interfering with the pillow, which is something I personally can’t tolerate.
It also means I can lie flat, turn over easily, and not even notice it’s there.
Results & Finish
The finish you get really depends on how you use them. Using one rod (my preferred method) gives a soft, bouncy, blown-out look. It’s more about volume and movement than tight curls, which makes it perfect for everyday wear.
If you use all three rods and section the hair, you can achieve a much more defined, curlier result. It’s nice to have that flexibility depending on the look you want.
I also find it’s a great way to revive my hair the next day, which really helps extend time between washes without needing heat styling.
Versatility
I love that you’re not limited to one technique with these.
You can:
Wrap a full ponytail for a loose blowout effect
Section the hair for tighter curls
Use them on damp or dry hair depending on the finish you want
They’re also practical beyond just overnight use. I’ve worn mine while exercising and it stays completely out of the way.
Value for Money
This is one of the biggest selling points. They’re incredibly affordable, especially considering you get three rods plus a scarf included. It feels like a very low-risk purchase, and the quality is genuinely better than you might expect at this price point.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I think these overnight blowout rods are a brilliant little find.They’re easy to use, comfortable (when styled the right way), and give a really soft, voluminous finish without any heat. For the price, they’re a very worthwhile addition to any hair routine.
Do Overnight Blowout Rods Really Work?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for a soft, voluminous, heatless finish.
They won’t give you super tight curls unless you use them in sections, but for that effortless, bouncy blow-dry look, they work really well, and without any heat damage.
Are They Worth It?
If you’re into heatless styling or just want a simpler way to achieve a blowout look, I think these overnight blowout rods are well worth trying.
They’ve become a really easy, reliable option in my routine, and I love how low-effort they are for the results they give.
FAQs
Can you sleep in overnight blowout rods comfortably?
Yes, especially if you place them on the top of your head like I do. That makes a huge difference in comfort.
Do you have to use all three rods?
No, not at all. I mostly use just one for a softer, more relaxed blowout effect.
Do overnight blowout rods work on damp or dry hair?
Both: Damp hair = more hold and definition. Dry hair = softer, looser results.
How long do the results last?
For me, they last all day, especially if I start with a bit of styling product.
Can overnight blowout rods help extend time between washes?
Yes, they’re great for refreshing volume and shape without using heat. I like to pair them with a lightweight styling mist to revive the hair and make it feel freshly styled again.
Video: How to Use Overnight Blowout Rods
I’ll embed my demo here so you can see exactly how I use them. For a full list of products used, click here*.
Where to buy them
I bought my Overnight Blowout Rods from Amazon for £7.99. Shop now via the link below:
The wellness industry loves a hero ingredient. 2025 was the year protein dominated grocery aisles, appearing in everything from popcorn to soda and even water. Now, fibermaxxing is coming for its glory, with the humble nutrient promising not only smoother, more satisfying poops but also benefits for metabolic health, heart health, and then some. But where do probiotics—another gut-health darling that had its own heyday as the supplement du jour a few years back—come into play?
If you’re trying to optimize your gut health and digestion, is it fiber or probiotics that’ll do most of the heavy lifting? Below, experts help us unpack these two gut health all-stars and share which one reigns supreme. But first: a quick refresher on both.
The benefits of fiber
Found in plant foods, fiber is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t digest—but your gut bacteria can. “When diverse dietary fibers reach your colon, your bacteria ferment them and produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs),” says Will Bulsiewicz, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist and the author of Plant Powered Plus. Butyrate is one important SCFA that helps to not only strengthen your gut barrier and protect your body against pathogens. Beyond the colon, SFCAs also “regulate blood sugar, help manage cholesterol, and trigger the release of appetite-suppressing hormones like GLP-1 and PYY,” says Dr. Bulsiewicz. “They even optimize your immune system and reduce inflammation.” Beyond SCFA production, fiber helps beneficial bacteria thrive and supports the transit and absorption of nutrients in the gut, says Federica Amati, PhD, MPH, RNutr, head nutritionist at ZOE.
And of course, most of fiber’s fame derives from its benefits for digestion, no matter if your issue is too many or too few trips to the toilet…or just a generally uncomfortable experience once you’re there. “Fiber improves bowel irregularity and makes stools bulkier and softer, helping things move through the digestive tract more smoothly,” Felice Schnoll-Sussman, MD, MSc, a board-certified gastroenterologist at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, tells SELF.
Depending on your digestive woes, it can also help to get specific about the type of fiber you’re getting. That’s right: There are two kinds—soluble and insoluble fiber—and each serves a different purpose. The former dissolves in water and can help slow digestion, which Dr. Schnoll-Sussman says is helpful for diarrhea and managing blood sugar. (“It can also lower cholesterol by binding to bile acids, which can be associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity,” she adds.) Insoluble fiber, meanwhile, doesn’t dissolve in water and can help boost transit in the bowel, thus addressing constipation.
Is mandelic acid more gentle than glycolic acid or lactic acid?
Yes, mandelic acid is generally considered gentler than glycolic and even lactic acid. “It can be helpful for sensitive skin since it is less irritating than other AHAs,” says Dr. Moy. Its larger molecular size means it penetrates the skin more slowly, minimizing any sting and the likelihood of irritation. You’re still getting the smoothing, brightening benefits of an AHA—just without the intensity that can come with its faster-acting counterparts.
How often should you use mandelic acid serum?
There’s no need to rush it. “It is generally recommended to start using a mandelic acid serum two to three times a week and increase frequency based on skin tolerance,” says Dr. Moy. In practice, that means easing it into your routine, seeing how your skin responds, and only dialing it up if things stay calm.
Can mandelic acid be used with retinol or vitamin C?
Yes, mandelic acid can be used alongside retinol or vitamin C—but this is where pacing matters. As Dr. Moy puts it, “mandelic acid can be used with retinol and vitamin C, but it’s best to start with lower concentrations and monitor your skin’s tolerance.” This simply means don’t pile them all on at once. Ease in, see how your skin behaves, and adjust as you go.
Is mandelic acid safe for deeper skin tones?
“Mandelic acid products are safe for deeper skin tones because of their lower risk of causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Moy. Since it works more gradually than stronger exfoliants, it’s less likely to trigger the kind of irritation that can lead to discoloration, so you get the benefits without setting off a whole other issue.
Meet the experts
Whitney Hovenic, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist, Mohs micrographic dermatologic surgeon, and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
Shamsa Kanwal, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Portland
Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist of Moy MD based in Beverly Hills, California
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best mandelic acid serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Now, watch the Forbidden Fruits cast spill secrets after sipping the truth serum:
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