Written By: Allison Goins, Ph.D. | Published on January 12th, 2024 at 12:00 pm
In the world of skincare, the quest for glowing even skin seems never-ending. There are countless products and ingredients constantly trying to get our attention. If you have sensitive skin, you may find yourself getting frustrated because product after product seems to irritate your skin. Particualarly exfoliation can be tricky, because it is a harsh process so doing it in a way that does not irritate sensitive skin can definitely be a challenge. Well, insert mandelic acid, an exfoliating acid that stands out for its gentle yet effective approach. If you’ve heard about mandelic acid and are curious about its potential or you have sensitive skin and want something to exfoliate gently here are 11 mandelic acid products worth trying in 2024.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) naturally derived from bitter almonds. It is the largest of the exfoliating acids, and this makes it a much more gentle and gradual exfoliator. This gentle nature makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin who need an alternative to glycolic acid to minimize irritation and potential side effects.
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Now that you have a summary of the benefits of mandelic acid, let’s dive into some mandelic acid products to help you incorporate it into your routine:
1. Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant:
This powerful yet gentle exfoliating product combines mandelic acid with lactic acid for a double dose of gentle gradual exfoliation. This is a new product that Paula’s Choice released in January 2024 for people with sensitive skin looking for a gentle exfoliator to add to their skincare routine. Clinical data I found said, said mandelic acid can be an effective exfoliant at 5-10% so this product is right on target from a concentration point of view for a daily exfoliationg product.
On the product website, it says it can be used once or twice daily, however if you have sensitive skin I would recommend only using it once every other day at first and gradually build up your skin’s tolerance. This is also a great exfoliator for a beginner because it can be applied and left on so you do not have to deal with the guess work of some of the higher strength exfoliating masks.
Paula’s Choice has before and after pictures on their website from a three week clinical trial where all of the participants felt their skin looked, smoother, brighter, and softer. Although this product falls in the middle of the cost range for these mandelic acid products, if you can afford to spend a little extra on your products this is a great option.
2. The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA:
The Ordinary’s offering delivers a potent 10% mandelic acid concentration alongside hyaluronic acid for hydration. This affordable option is at a much higher concentration than the Paula’s Choice product. And while mandelic acid is a gentle exfoliator these two products cannot be used interchangeably. The concentration of mandelic acid in The Ordianry’s product is more consistent with the clinical data on gentle mandelic acid peels, not a daily product.
The product website says this product can be used once daily, however, I would recommend using it once a week or once every other week if you have very sensitive skin to start until your skin is able to tolerate it. If you are going to be using an exfoliating acid daily you want it to be in very low concentration, otherwise you can compromise your skin barrier.
3. The Inkey List Mandelic Acid Treatment:
While still in the super affordable category this lightweight serum was formulated to work more holistically on brightening your skin than The Ordinary’s product. With 10% mandelic acid and 0.1% retinol this product is designed to exfoliate and remove the outermost layer of skin, while also encouraging new cells to form fresh layers of skin.
Similar to the ordinary product at a 10% concentration of mandelic acid, although it says it can be used daily I recommend easing your skin in and starting with once a week. If you have very sensitive skin the additional retinol in this formulation could cause some skin irritation that you would not see in The Ordinary product.
The Inkey List, has before and after pictures from a clinical trial where 94% of the participants the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation was greatly reduced. Making its subjective efficacy similar to the Paula’s Choice product, but it does not say how long it took for participants to see this result.
4. Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%:
This mandelic acid treatment from Naturium has a concentration of 12%, so I would put it in the category with other higher-concentration mandelic acid products that should be treated more like a weekly treatment than an everyday exfoliant for those with sensitive skin. If you do not have sensitive skin and want something to use daily this product as well as The Ordinary and The Inkey List are probably fine to use more regularly at this higher concentration. This topical treatment also has low molecular weight hyaluronic to encourage hydration.
There was no clinical data on the website with this product so I would compare it to The Ordinary’s product if you are deciding between two of the mandelic acid products on this list.
5. U Beauty Resurfacing Compound:
This is the most expensive mandelic acid treatment on this list and it is a luxurious multi-acid treatment that features mandelic acid alongside other AHAs and BHAs. This product also contains retinol, vitamin E, and vitamin C to be more of a holistic treatment than a single exfoliating product.
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While there were subjective clinical results on the product’s webpage, they were from 7 days, which is not enough time to see meaningful improvement in your skin from any brightening product. This product is definitely an investment, and if you love U Beauty products, then maybe it is for you. Otherwise, there are other mandelic acid products on this list, that you could probably get a similar result from, for a much lower price point.
6. Face Theory Mandelibright Serum S7:
This is another of the mandelic acid products I would consider more of a weekly treatment than a daily use exfoliant for people with sensitive skin. It contains 10% mandelic acid as well as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to provide additional hydration and brightening benefits.
7. Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water:
This gentle toner boasts a 5% mandelic acid concentration perfect for prepping the skin for serums and moisturizers and being a daily use product even for those with sensitive skin. If you are just getting used to using exfoliating acids gradually work your way up to using it daily. This toner also has licorice root extract to give it a brightening boost.
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As well as some great hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and beta gulcan. The toner also has centella asiatica to help soothe skin.
Related Post: Centella Asiatica Extract- A Must for Soothing Skincare?
This is by far one of my favorite products on this list to consider adding to your daily skincare routine.
8. Chemist Confessions The Specialist Blackhead Exfoliation Treatment:
This 10% mandelic acid and BHA blend targets deeply clogged pores and blackheads. A lot of the clinical data on mandelic acid used it with the BHA, salicylic acid so this formulation makes a ton of sense. If you have sensitive skin or struggle with acne, this product is one you should consider giving a try.
This is a versatile product because on the product’s webpage, they suggest three ways you can use it. As a spot treatment no more than three times a week, one drop in your nighttime moisturizer daily, or as a once-a-week wash of face mask.
As someone with acne-prone skin, this is another favorite on this list of mandelic acid products, because it is versatile and the formulation is based on clinical data. It exfoliates, dissolves sebum, and minimizes pore appearance for a clearer, smoother complexion. Ideal for oily or acne-prone skin struggling with congestion.
9. Typology L38 Resurfacing Lip Peel:
This innovative lip treatment combines 8% mandelic acid and AHAs to gently exfoliate dry, chapped lips. This skin on your lips is among the most sensitive skin on your body so this is a great option to even out your skin tone on your lips in a gentle but effective way.
10. Stratia Skin Soft Touch AHA:
This lightweight lotion features a 5% mandelic acid blend alongside BHAs and lactic acid for a multi-acid exfoliation experience. It targets dullness, texture, and enlarged pores while calming the skin with niacinamide and Centella asiatica. This product is great because it is affordable and at a concentration that makes it okay for daily use.
11. Jordan Samuel Skin Mandelic Exfoliating Mask:
This creamy mask boasts 10% mandelic acid alongside fruit enzymes and AHAs for a potent yet gentle exfoliating treatment. It targets dark spots, uneven texture, and fine lines, leaving the skin radiant and refreshed.
As you are exploring these mandelic acid products and incorporating them into your skincare routine remember:
- Patch-test any new product before applying it to your entire face.
- Start with a lower concentration of mandelic acid and gradually increase as your skin tolerates it.
- Always wear sunscreen daily, as mandelic acid can increase sun sensitivity.
Embrace the Power of Mandelic Acid:
By incorporating mandelic acid into your skincare routine, you can unlock a gentler path to radiant, youthful skin. With its ability to exfoliate, brighten, and even texture, this gentle giant of AHAs is sure to become a cherished part of your beauty arsenal. So, embark on your journey to glowing skin with the power of mandelic acid, and witness the transformation as your complexion rediscovers its youthful radiance.
Feel free to explore the linked product websites for detailed information and individual reviews. Remember, consistency is key to achieving optimal results with any skincare ingredient. Be patient, listen to your skin, and let mandelic acid work its magic for a brighter, smoother, and more confident you!
I hope this article provides a helpful and informative guide to mandelic acid and its potential benefits for your skin. Please let me know if you have any further questions or want me to delve deeper into any specific product or aspect of mandelic acid.