Mandelic acid is one of the most gentle alpha hydroxy acids used in skincare.
It has benefits like improving skin texture and evening out skin tone. Additionally, it is more suitable for people with acne prone skin thanks to its structural similarity to salicylic acid.
You can typically find mandelic acid in skincare products ranging from 5-15% concentration to target discoloration and signs of aging.
This article will explain everything you need to know about mandelic acid in skincare.
What is mandelic acid derived from?
Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds. As such, it has great exfoliation properties like any alpha hydroxy acid.
Mandelic Acid Benefits
From fighting dark spots to anti-aging, there are tons of benefits of mandelic acid in your skincare routine.
Suitable for Darker Skin Tones
Stronger acids like glycolic acid and lactic acid are more likely to cause irritation and potentially hyperpigmentation for individuals with dark skin tones.
On the other hand, mandelic acid is gentle and unlikely to cause irritation or hyperpigmentation.
Promotes Chemical Exfoliation
Mandelic acid is a chemical exfoliant that promotes cell turnover and helps slough off the top layer of your skin.
Additionally, mandelic acid is somewhat lipophilic like salicylic acid. Therefore, it can help flush out the oil and dead skin cells stuck in your pores before they become pimples.
Thanks to this process, mandelic acid can be especially useful for people with acne prone skin.
Improves Skin Texture and Tone
Mandelic acid is great to fight stubborn skin texture and even out your skin tone through chemical exfoliation.
Anti-Fungal Properties
Perhaps surprisingly, mandelic acid exhibits anti-fungal properties and can be useful to treat Malassezia and fungal acne.
Suitable for Sensitive Skin
One of the best advantages of mandelic acid is that it is gentle enough for people with sensitive skin.
If you’re new to using exfoliating acids, mandelic acid is definitely the better option over glycolic acid peels or even lactic acid.
Mandelic Acid Side Effects
While mandelic acid is the most gentle alpha hydroxy acid and suitable for most people, you should also be aware of any potential side effects.
That being said, side effects will vary depending on a few factors like:
Your individual skin sensitivty
The concentration of mandelic acid in your product
The frequency with which you use mandelic acid
Regardless, mandelic acid products have the potential to cause side effects like dryness and photosensitivity.
Dryness and Peeling
Mandelic acid is quite gentle and unlikely to cause skin irritation for most people.
You are more likely to experience this side effect with a high concentration mandelic acid peel than something over the counter like The Ordinary Mandelic Acid.
To reduce your chances of irritation, don’t use mandelic acid products too often and always follow up with a moisturizer afterwards.
Increased Sun Sensitivity
Alpha hydroxy acids are typically associated with increased photo sensitivity, but the evidence is mixed on whether mandelic acid peels and serums also cause this.
To be safe, you should consider wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen when using anything products with mandelic acid.
How to Use Mandelic Acid
To use mandelic acid, follow these steps:
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser
Apply about a dime sized amount of mandelic acid to your face
Gently rub in until absorbed
Foll0w up with your favorite moisturizer
That’s it!
Bear in mind that you will want to avoid layering mandelic acid with retinol or other strong active ingredients.
When to Use Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid is safe for use in both your morning and evening skincare routines, though most people prefer to keep exfoliating acids for night use.
How Often to use Mandelic Acid
Given that mandelic acid is far more gentle than other alpha hydroxy acids, you can use it more frequently.
Start with 3 days per week and slowly work your way up to 5 or 6 depending on your skin’s tolerance.
Can you use mandelic acid everyday?
If you can tolerate it, you can use mandelic acid everyday.
That being said, many people will benefit from taking at least one day’s break from all active ingredients per week.
How long does it take for mandelic acid to work?
You can expect to see results from mandelic acid within 2-8 weeks depending on the severity of your specific skin conditions.
Summary: Mandelic Acid In Skincare
Mandelic acid is an effective alpha hydroxy acid used in skincare for benefits like:
Gentle exfoliation
Improving skin texture
Evening out skin tone
Plus, thanks to its gentle nature, mandelic acid is one of the best skincare ingredients for people with sensitive skin types.
Overall, mandelic acid can be a great and affordable addition to your skincare routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mandelic acid gently exfoliates your skin, promoting cell turnover and improving texture. It’s great for evening out skin tone and addressing issues like dark spots.
Yes, if your skin tolerates it well, you can use mandelic acid every day. However, taking a break from all active ingredients at least once a week can be beneficial for most people.
For individuals with darker skin tones or sensitive skin, mandelic acid is often a better choice than salicylic acid. Mandelic acid is gentler and less likely to cause irritation or hyperpigmentation.
Mandelic acid and retinol serve different purposes. Mandelic acid is excellent for gentle exfoliation, improving texture, and even skin tone, while retinol is known for its anti-aging benefits. Both can complement each other in a skincare routine.
Potential side effects of mandelic acid include dryness and increased sensitivity to the sun. To minimize these, avoid using high-concentration peels too frequently and always follow up with a moisturizer.
Avoid layering mandelic acid with strong active ingredients like retinol to prevent irritation. Keep it simple: cleanse, apply mandelic acid, and finish with your favorite moisturizer for best results.
