8 Mandelic Acid Benefits & Uses You Won't Believe
Why Mandelic Acid Belongs in Your Routine
A super gentle alpha hydroxy acid, mandelic acid offers benefits like removing dead skin cells and reducing dark spots.
Unlike other alpha hydroxy acids, mandelic acid also helps people with acne-prone skin, thanks to its structural similarity to salicylic acid.
It’s also gentler than lactic or glycolic acid, making it more suitable for people with sensitive skin.
This article will explain everything you need to know about the benefits of mandelic acid.
Benefits of Mandelic Acid
Mandelic acid products and similar chemical peels have unique benefits that you won’t find with every type of chemical exfoliant.
In fact, mandelic acid peels are particularly great for people with darker skin tones and have great anti-aging benefits.
Safe for Sensitive Skin
Of the three main AHAs, mandelic acid is a larger molecule than either glycolic or lactic acid.
Therefore, it penetrates your skin more slowly and reduces the risk of irritation often found with other exfoliants.
This unique feature makes mandelic acid ideal for people with sensitive skin as it’s less likely to cause excessive dryness or compromise your skin barrier function.
Suitable for Darker Skin Tones
Because mandelic acid is less likely to cause irritation, it may be more suitable for people with deeper skin tones.
This is because darker skin tones often respond to irritation with a condition called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
You may recognize PIH better as dark spots.
That being said, people with darker skin tones can still use stronger acids like glycolic acid as long as they don’t cause irritation for you.
Promotes Chemical Exfoliation
Mandelic acid chemically exfoliates the top layer of your skin by breaking down the bonds that hold your dead skin cells together.
This layer of skin is also known as your stratum corneum.
Chemical exfoliation is a beneficial process to help with speeding up cell turnover and fighting unwanted skin texture.
Improves Skin Texture
If you have rough bumps and uneven texture, mandelic acid is your new best friend.
By gently turning over the top layer of your skin, mandelic reduces fine lines and unnecessary roughness.
Over time, your complexion will even out and glow beautifully.
Reduces Uneven Skin Tone
Thanks to its ability to speed up skin cell turnover, mandelic acid fights uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.
Thanks to its acne- and scar-fighting properties, it’s the perfect exfoliating acid for people with oily skin.
Uses for Mandelic Acid
Thanks to its versatile nature, mandelic acid has tons of applications for use in your skincare routine.
Reducing Acne
Not only is mandelic acid antibacterial, but it’s also somewhat antifungal!
This means that it can:
Unclog pores
Reduce excess oil production
Fight mild acne
Help treat fungal acne
As a bonus, it also has some anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce redness.
Improving Signs of Aging
If there’s one thing AHAs are good at, it’s fighting fine lines and wrinkles.
By promoting skin cell turnover, mandelic acid has promising anti-aging benefits.
That being said, the anti-aging effects won’t be as significant as they would if you were using something stronger like glycolic acid.
Brightening Dull Skin
If you’re dealing with dull skin, you might benefit from adding a mandelic acid product to your routine.
By getting rid of dead skin cells and evening out your skin tone, it can help you develop a beautiful, healthy glow.
Product Recommendations
Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%: A gentle yet effective serum that combines 12% mandelic acid with natural fruit extracts, promoting exfoliation and improved skin texture. ​
Image from naturium.com The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10%: An affordable option offering 10% mandelic acid, known for its simplicity and effectiveness in addressing uneven skin tone and texture.
Image from theordinary.com Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum: Formulated with 11% mandelic acid, plus lactic and salicylic acids, along with 1% bakuchiol, this serum targets dark spots and discoloration, promoting a brighter, more even skin tone
Neostrata Mandelic Mattifying Serum: Ideal for oily skin, this serum combines mandelic acid and gluconolactone to gently exfoliate while silica helps control oil production, reducing greasiness.
Image from neostrata.com
Side Effects of Mandelic Acid
Even though mandelic acid is generally well tolerated, people with sensitivity might experience mild skin irritation.
Signs of irritation include redness and itching, which typically subside once you reduce how often you use the product.
You can also use hydrating serums (like the Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum or Cocokind Ceramide Barrier Hydration Serum) and moisturizers (like the Naturium Marshmallow Root Barrier Balm or Versed Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream) to reduce your chances of developing irritation.
Summary: Mandelic Acid Benefits for Skin
In summary, mandelic acid is a gentle yet powerful skincare ingredient that can do a lot for your skin.
It’s safe for sensitive skin and darker skin tones, making it a great option for almost anyone.
As a chemical exfoliant, it helps clear away dead skin cells, smooth out rough texture, fade dark spots, and even fight breakouts.
If your skin needs a glow-up, a boost in brightness, or help with acne or uneven tone, mandelic acid might be just what your routine is missing.
It’s easy to use, generally well-tolerated, and delivers real results over time.
So give it a try! Your skin just might thank you.
Cheers,