Mandelic Acid Is The Youth-Boosting Ingredient That Works For All Skin Types
Mandelic acid is one of the hottest skincare ingredients of 2025. An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), it is derived from bitter almonds and favoured for its gentle yet efficacious nature — and it’s actually not a new addition to the skincare world.
“Mandelic acid has been popular among dermatologists for as long as I have been practising,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr Blair-Murphy Rose. “However, it may be increasing in popularity due to increased awareness among consumers.”
Board-certified dermatologist Dr Michelle Henry is also quick to note that the acid gained traction back in the late ’90s, and that its benefits are widely accepted in skin-expert circles. The reason for that? It’s gentle.
Featured in this article
Allies Of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum
Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Exfoliant
“Mandelic acid is larger in molecular size than other AHAs like glycolic acid, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and is less likely to cause irritation,” Henry explains. This physical characteristic means that the benefits of chemical exfoliants are available to those with sensitive skin, too.
Here’s everything you need to know about mandelic acid.
In this article:
Best mandelic acid serums
Why we love it: In order to make mandelic acid less irritating for the skin without compromising on its many benefits (which include balancing uneven tone and brightening the complexion), The Ordinary has added hyaluronic acid to the formula. The bonus of this hydrating hero is that it nourishes the skin and doesn’t cause stinging, making the AHA chemical exfoliant more tolerable. The impact is visible and near instant, with a glowy finish and more even texture after use.
Allies Of Skin
Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum
Why we love it: Pigmentation, blackheads and uneven texture be gone with this supercharged serum from potent skincare brand Allies of Skin. The Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum gets to work while you slumber to even out and support the skin’s barrier with a cocktail of buzzy ingredients. These include hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, bakuchiol, peptides and fatty acids from rosehip and tamanu oil. They work in tandem to buff away dulling dead skin cells, improve radiance and calm redness.
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Paula’s Choice
6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Exfoliant
Why we love it: A double act of buffing AHAs, Paula’s Choice sets mandelic with lactic acid to bust blemishes and smooth with two times the active power. It works well for sebaceous filaments, dull skin and speeding up the process of breakout healing. This is true for sensitive skin types too. It is important to follow this serum with SPF.
Why we love it: Active-filled serums aren’t always the most gentle on irritation-prone complexions, which is why skincare expert Caroline Hirons created this formula to exfoliate when you have more sensitive skin, even those with rosacea claim it doesn’t trigger redness. The Gentle Acid leaves skin primed and prepped for seamless application of base make-up with mandelic acid and lactic acid leading the charge.
Best mandelic acid skincare
Why we love it: Decongest blocked pores and blackheads with this powerful cleanser, which harnesses l-mandelic and salicylic acid, which also smooth the skin and target excess oiliness. A great AM cleanser.
Dr Dennis Gross
Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel
You need not worry about pumps, travel restrictions or quantities with the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel. The individually wrapped pads couldn’t be easier to use, but that’s not why they have become a staple in beauty editors’ kits. It’s the post-use skin finish.
The results are immediate as the combination of AHAs, BHAs and antioxidants dissolves dullness-causing dead skin and oils. It’s a two-step process and requires building up tolerance at first, but after your skin is used to the acids, the pads are gentle enough to use regularly.
U Beauty
Resurfacing Body Compound
- Why we love it: U Beauty is a brand anchored in science – using technology that merited a white paper in the Journal for Cosmetic Dermatology – so it’s little surprise that its body resurfacing serum is, in a word, excellent. Make-up scion Bobbi Brown swears by this formula, which is packed with retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and a peeling peptide, for preparing her skin for spring and summer after a long winter. Together, they make quick work of rough, flaky skin.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, glycolic acid, lactic acid
- Retinol concentration: Not listed
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Micropeel Foam
Why we love it: My skincare philosophy is all about using brilliant, sensible products and doing so consistently. I’m not one for trends, more reliable, science-packed formulas that actually deliver on their promises. Enter Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Brightening Micropeel Foam – aka the face wash that pulls double duty. A foaming peel that feels soft and cushioning on the face, this cleanser gently gets rid of all the dead cells that make skin look dull and lacklustre. Simply lather, wait for 30 seconds and wash off. It doesn’t irritate, and visibly brightens within just a few uses.
FAQs
What are the benefits of mandelic acid?
Like other AHAs, mandelic acid mitigates the signs of ageing through chemical exfoliation. “Exfoliation removes dead cells from the skin’s surface, reducing dullness and revealing brighter, healthier-looking skin,” says Murphy-Rose. Along with boosting brightness, this sort of exfoliation also helps discourage the formation of wrinkles and fine lines while improving skin texture and tone. (Yes, it helps with skin conditions like hyperpigmentation and dark spots, too!)
Those who deal with breakouts should consider incorporating mandelic acid into their routines, too. Regenerative exfoliation marries with antibacterial properties to clear acne-prone skin, preventing clogged pores and helping to regulate sebaceous glands, all sans irritation.
Finally, research shows that mandelic acid stimulates the skin’s natural regenerative processes, accelerating cell turnover and promoting collagen production for firmer skin.
You can incorporate mandelic acid into either your morning or evening skincare routine. “Initially, use your mandelic acid product once or twice a week, gradually increasing the frequency as your skin adjusts,” advises Henry, adding that using any AHA at night may be your best bet due to increased sun sensitivity. (Regardless of which route you take or acid you prefer, always prioritise sunscreen to avoid sun damage.)
Murphy-Rose suggests starting with a nighttime serum containing mandelic acid, making sure to avoid the use of other AHAs, BHAs, or retinols during the introduction of the ingredient. “Once you have started mandelic acid, you may be able to re-introduce some of those other products back into your routine gradually. Always make sure to assess your skin’s response,” she says.
“Be mindful of the concentration of mandelic acid in products; higher concentrations may be more effective but also more likely to cause irritation,” says Henry. And post-exfoliation, be sure to use your preferred moisturiser to rehydrate and protect the skin barrier.
How does mandelic acid compare to other active ingredients?
So how does mandelic acid compare to your existing favourites, like glycolic acid or retinol? As noted, mandelic acid features a larger molecule size compared to other AHAs (like glycolic), meaning that its penetration is both slow and uniform. This makes it a milder choice when compared with glycolic, offering similar benefits at a slower, gentler pace.
Retinol, on the other hand, is a powerful, concentrated derivative of vitamin A that boasts many of the same benefits of AHAs (think collagen production and the turnover of skin cells, diminished fine lines and clearer, brighter skin). Though both retinol and mandelic acid are “active” ingredients, they can be used in tandem. For safety, start slowly and always consult your dermatologist if you have any issues.
What are the downsides of mandelic acid?
Though it is gentle, mandelic acid is still a topical acid and should be used with care. “Similar to other alpha hydroxy acids, potential side effects include redness, peeling and irritation — overuse can cause irritant dermatitis and even chemical burning,” says Murphy-Rose. “All skin exfoliators, including mandelic acid, increase photosensitivity, so it is even more important to use sun protection when using these ingredients.”