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Mandelic Acid: Benefits, Uses, FAQs

The definitive guide to Clinical Mandelic Acid - from its unique properties to its multiple benefits and the best ways to use it.


WHAT IS MANDELIC ACID?

Mandelic Acid is a gentle, alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Mandelic Acid is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agent, that is an effective skin care solution for hormonal acne, uneven tone and fine lines.

This gentle acid has a larger molecular structure than other AHAs, which results in a slower and more uniform penetration into the skin, making it less irritating than glycolic acid or salicylic acid.

Mandelic Before and Afters


Targets Hormonal Acne

Mandelic Acid's antibacterial, sebum-reducing, and anti-inflammatory properties, plus its exfoliating effects, make it a highly effective acne fighter.

Targets Uneven Tone, Hyperpigmentation, Brown Spots

Mandelic Acid Blocks excess melanin production at the cellular level to reduce the appearance of dark marks and minimize sun damage.

Smooths Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Mandelic Acid promotes cellular turnover and collagen production, making skin look smoother, firmer, and more youthful.

HOW DOES MANDELIC ACID BENEFIT SKIN?

This multi-tasking AHA has multiple benefits for improving acne, irregular pigment, sun damage, and signs of aging to transform texture and tone.

Benefits of Mandelic Acid:

  • Corrects pigment irregularities and fades dark spots
  • Improves texture and reduces appearance of fine lines
  • Clears and prevents breakouts
  • Promotes collagen production and improves elasticity
  • Reduces sebum
  • Improves the appearance of photoaged skin
  • Brightens skin
  • Pregnancy-safe

IS MANDELIC ACID SAFE?

Mandelic Acid is safe for all skin types and tones. Its large-molecule structure and mild properties contribute to its safety profile, even for sensitive, rosacea-affected or hyperpigmentation-prone skin.

While Mandelic Acid will not increase UV sensitivity as much as retinoids, it is always recommended to use sunscreen when incorporating Mandelic Acid into your skincare routine.

Is Mandelic Acid Safe to Use During Pregnancy?

Mandelic Acid's gentle nature, safety profile, and multi-tasking abilities make it uniquely-suited for use during pregnancy and nursing to treat skin issues related to hormone fluctuations, including acne, increased sensitivity, and melasma.

MANDELIC ACID FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPES

Mandelic Acid is versatile and well-suited for all skin types, including sensitive acne-prone skin and is safe to use during pregnancy. Its gentle nature makes it an excellent choice for skin too sensitive for glycolic acid and for treating dark skin tones prone to hyperpigmentation.


DOES MANDELIC ACID HELP WITH HORMONAL ACNE?

Mandelic Acid's antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, combined with its exfoliating effects, make it a highly effective acne fighter.

It kills acne-causing bacteria to prevent breakouts and keep pores free from excess sebum and dead cells.

Does Mandelic Acid Cause Purging?

Mandelic Acid accelerates cell turnover and pulls pimples to the surface faster, which can seem like a sudden flare-up. Its gentler activity can mean that any purging will be less intense than it might be with a more aggressive active like retinoid or glycolic acid.

CAN MANDELIC ACID BE USED FOR HYPERPIGMENTATION?

Taking on irregular pigment is one of Mandelic Acid's specialties. It addresses hyperpigmentation at the cellular level by inhibiting excess melanin production while helping to disperse surface pigment through exfoliation.

HOW DO YOU USE MANDELIC ACID?

Mandelic Acid is used in cleansers, toners, and serums. Depending on your skin goals, Mandelic Acid may be used for these three steps of your regimen. As the gentlest of all the AHAs, Mandelic Acid is well tolerated by all skin types and tones and can safely be used daily in your morning and evening routine. However, as with any clinical skincare active, your skin will need to acclimate. Start at the lowest percentage, and use every other day, increasing to daily as your skin acclimates.

CAN MANDELIC ACID BE USED WITH OTHER ACIDS AND RETINOL?

Mandelic Acid can be used with other acids, and it is an ideal alternative to more aggressive acids like glycolic. Its best complementary acids are lactic acid and salicylic acid.

In combination with retinoids, Mandelic Acid enhances absorption of retinoids while adding an antibacterial component to create a comprehensive treatment. They can be used in the same application, but most find a routine of Mandelic Acid in the morning and retinoids at night is preferred.

MANDELIC ACID AND VITAMIN C:

This combination can boost glow and overall skin health. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that defends against environmental stress and promotes brightness and a healthy cellular matrix. Mandelic Acid has similar properties, plus an antibacterial acne-fighting effect.

Mandelic Acid is the optimum ingredient for those who find Vitamin C irritating but want the benefits of this potent ingredient. When Women's Health Magazine asked dermatologists to name the best Vitamin C serums, Dr. Laura Scott named Vivant's 8% Mandelic Acid Serum because of its ability to deliver all the glowy benefits of a Vitamin C serum with none of the irritation.

New to clinical mandelic acid?

Start with these professional recommendations

MANDELIC ACID 3-IN-1 WASH

Gentle antioxidant, antibacterial, and brightening gel cleanser for smooth, radiant skin.

SKIN NOURISHING TONER

Targets acne, aging and discoloration with gentle exfoliation for even the most sensitive skin.

DAILY REPAIR PADS

Gently resurfaces, targets acne, aging and discoloration for clear, even-toned skin.

8% MANDELIC ACID SERUM

Gently resurfaces and targets acne, aging and discoloration to reveal clear, even-toned skin.

MANDELIC ACID 3-IN-1 WASH

Gentle antioxidant, antibacterial, and brightening gel cleanser for smooth, radiant skin.

SKIN NOURISHING TONER

Targets acne, aging and discoloration with gentle exfoliation for even the most sensitive skin.


DAILY REPAIR PADS

Gently resurfaces, targets acne, aging and discoloration for clear, even-toned skin.

8% MANDELIC ACID SERUM

Gently resurfaces and targets acne, aging and discoloration to reveal clear, even-toned skin.