The Regimen

5 Amazing Things Mandelic Acid Can Do for Your Skin

Acids do amazing things for the skin, with benefits for everything from acne to aging. In their chief role as exfoliators, acids dissolve the “glue” that binds dead cells together to slough them away and instantly give skin a brighter, fresher appearance.

Each acid has its particular strengths—smoothing, tightening, firming, thickening, and brightening—that can be harnessed to address skin concerns. But one is a multi-tasking hero that combines the best of all AHAs, plus a few bonuses.

Here are five amazing things mandelic acid can do for your skin:

1. Clears Acne

Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, exfoliating, sebum-regulating—mandelic acid is a born acne fighter. It kills acne bacteria in the pore to prevent breakouts, removes dead cells from the skin’s surface to decongest pores and help peel away blemishes, and quells inflammation to speed healing.

2. Promotes Even Tone

Mandelic acid inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for initiating melanin production in response to triggers like inflammation or oxidative stress, keeping pigment from reaching the surface. It also works on the surface to help fade dark spots and discoloration by sloughing away pigmented cells.

3. Reduces Fine Lines

An accumulation of dead cells can make lines appear deeper and more pronounced. Mandelic acid removes cellular debris to diminish the appearance of fine lines and reveal a smoother surface. Longer-term, mandelic works below the surface to enhance collagen production to give skin a smoother, firmer appearance.

4. Improves Texture

Several factors affect skin texture—cellular debris, lack of moisture, inflammation, breakouts, collagen degradation, visible pores. The exfoliating, acne-fighting, anti-inflammatory, non-irritating, barrier-supporting properties of mandelic acid help with all of those things to deliver clear, smooth, refined, elastic, healthy texture.

5. Minimizes Irritation

A large molecular structure means mandelic acid penetrates the skin slowly, making it less likely to cause irritation or trigger reactive pigment. Its gentle action makes it ideal for people with sensitive, hyperpigmentation-prone, or rosacea-affected skin.

Benefits of Mandelic Acid

  • Micro-Exfoliation Minus the Irritation
  • Gently Resurfaces
  • Smooths Fine Lines
  • Brightens and Evens Tone
  • Clears and Prevents Blemishes
  • Safe for All Skin Types and Tones
  • Promotes Smooth, Healthy, Even Tone
  • Pregnancy-Safe

Our Favorite Mandelic Acid Products

Mandelic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

The ultimate healthy skin scrub combines a gentle mandelic acid formula with biodegradable exfoliating beads. Exfoliate dead cells, clear impactions, kill acne bacteria, and encourage cell renewal. Excellent for both face and body.

Daily Repair Pads

Daily Repair Pads are everyone’s favorite way to tone. Single-use textured pads steeped in a glow-boosting cocktail of mandelic, salicylic, and lactic acids, plus barrier-boosting niacinamide. Lift dead cells, refine, hydrate, and heal. Maximum results with minimum effort. Easy to toss in a gym bag or travel carry-on for healthy skin on the go.

Skin Nourishing Toner

Mandelic acid, niacinamide, rosehip oil, green tea extract, and kiwi extract make this an ultra-nourishing formula and hydrating formula. Protects against environmental stressors, supports a healthy barrier, and enhances serum absorption for accelerated results.

8% Mandelic Acid Serum

This gentle, high-performance formulation is one of our best-sellers and best-reviewed for targeting acne, aging, and hyperpigmentation without irritation. Our customers call it “magic in a bottle.”

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