Mandelic acid for skincare – Complete Guide

Mandelic acid is a type of AHA that helps to remove the dead skin cells on top of our skin. Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds, it is one of the only AHAs that can be used for both sensitive skin and skin of colour.

• It has antibacterial properties that can help with acne.
• It helps to treat melasma and hyperpigmentation.
• Increase cell turnover.
• It is an anti-fungal and can help with ingrown hairs and help with rosacea.
• It has anti-aging properties and can help with fine lines and wrinkles.
• It can help with oily pores making it suitable for acne-prone skin.
• Mandelic acid has larger molecules than most AHAs, so it penetrates more slowly into the skin making it safe for sensitive skin and skin of color.

Mandelic acid is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, and skin of colour. It can be used by anyone who wants to treat anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, and acne-related problems.

• Retinol and retinoids
• Vitamin C
• Hyaluronic acid
• Peptides
• Niacinamide
• Azelaic acid
• Ceramides
• Vitamin E
• Tranexamic acid
• Arbutin

Look for mandelic acid that is stored in dark bottles. They must also be kept in a dry, cool place.

Mandelic acid can be used 1-2 maybe 3 times a week. It should only be used at night. Be careful when you mix it with other actives.

• Use a gentle cleanser
• Toner is optional
• Use your skincare actives such as niacinamide or Vitamin C.
• Moisturize and then apply your favorite sunscreen.

1. Use a cleanser
2. Use toner
3. Apply your mandelic acid
4. Wait for 30 minutes and then apply your skincare actives such as niacinamide, Vitamin C, or retinol.
5. Moisturize.

Note: You can use your skincare actives with mandelic acid, it is perfectly safe.

• Tip 1: you can try to use derivatives of Vitamin C or Retinol together with mandelic acid at night but do be cautious. Or just use niacinamide with mandelic acid at night.
• Tip 2: Since you’re using mandelic acid 1-2 times a week, you can modify your skincare actives such as Vitamin C or Retinol. For example:
  • Alternate nights: on 1st night you can use your AHA with retinol. On 2nd night you can use your AHA with Vitamin C.

Mandelic acid is a gentle acid and can be very safe to use for all skin types. It can also be used with other skincare actives.

Yes, mandelic acid is safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Yes, mandelic acid can cause purging and it is more likely to happen in acne-prone skin. In acne-prone skin, there are unseen microcomedones, and when mandelic acid increases the cell turnover rate, it fastens the appearance of these microcomedones and is shown as sudden temporary breakouts.

Yes, it is safe to use mandelic acid with benzoyl peroxide as mandelic acid needs to be used only 1 or 2 times a week and benzoyl peroxide can then be applied on subsequent days. Just make sure to use a gentle moisturizer to reduce the purging effects of benzoyl peroxide.

Yes, you can use mandelic acid with rosehip oil, and is perfectly safe. Since mandelic acid is best applied at night, you can incorporate face oils into your skincare routine. Since rosehip oil is an emollient it helps to smooth and soften the skin by filling in the gaps.

• Use a cleanser
• Toner is optional
• Apply your mandelic acid
• Use your skincare actives such as niacinamide, retinol, or vitamin C.
• Use your moisturizer and then apply rosehip oil.

Yes, mandelic acid can be used with tretinoin and is perfectly safe. You can just use them on alternative nights (for example mandelic acid on the 1st night and tretinoin on the 2nd night). Make sure to use a moisturizer.

Yes, mandelic acid can be used with other AHA/BHAs, but it should be used on alternate nights. On night 1, you can use mandelic acid and on the second night, you can apply a BHA like salicylic acid. You can do this 1-2 times a week.

Yes, it is safe to use mandelic acid with clindamycin as mandelic acid is a gentle exfoliant and needs to be used only 1 or 2 times a week. Clindamycin can then be used on days when you don’t use mandelic acid. This helps to reduce irritation.

Yes, you can use mandelic acid with niacinamide, and is perfectly safe. You can use niacinamide in the morning and mandelic acid at night or use them together at the same time if it does irritate your skin.

No, you can’t mix mandelic acid with pycnogenol as it will make the combination ineffective. You can use pycnogenol in the morning as it is an antioxidant and then apply your mandelic acid at night.

Yes, you can use mandelic acid with alpha arbutin, and is perfectly safe. You can start with a cleanser, followed by mandelic acid, and then finish it off with alpha-arbutin and a gentle moisturizer.

Yes, it is safe to use mandelic acid with adapalene. You only need to use mandelic acid 1 or 2 times a week and adapalene can be used on subsequent days. This helps to reduce irritation.