Mandelic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly used for gentle exfoliation and tone refinement. Because it has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, it tends to work more slowly at the skin surface, which many users perceive as a more comfortable exfoliation experience.
In skincare, mandelic acid helps improve the look of rough texture, dullness, and uneven tone by supporting regular cell turnover. It is also popular in clarifying routines because it can help reduce the look of congestion and improve the appearance of pores over time.
Mandelic acid is often used in leave-on toners, serums, gels, and emulsions where pH is carefully controlled to balance performance and tolerability.
FEATURES
- Gentle AHA exfoliation – supports smoother-looking skin with a more gradual exfoliation profile.
- Even-tone support – helps reduce the appearance of dullness and uneven tone over time.
- Clarifying benefits – supports clearer-looking pores and reduces the look of congestion.
- Active-friendly – works well in exfoliating blends when pH and total acid load are well designed.
BEST FOR
- Gentle exfoliating toners
- Texture-refining serums
- Clarifying gels
- Body care for rough texture
- Uneven tone routines
- Beginner-friendly AHA systems
FORMULATION GUIDELINES
| INCI | Mandelic Acid |
|---|---|
| Type | Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) exfoliant |
| Solubility | Water soluble (also soluble in some glycols) |
| Use Rate | 2.0–10.0% typical in finished products, depending on product type and target performance. |
| Best Phase | Water phase (dissolve, then pH adjust) |
| pH Compatibility | Works in acidic systems. Many leave-on exfoliating products are set around pH 3.5–4.5 depending on the design brief. |
| Temperature Tolerance | Stable under normal processing. We recommend adding below 50°C where possible, especially if your formula contains other sensitive actives. |
| Pro Tip | If you are gelling the system, choose a polymer that tolerates low pH to avoid viscosity collapse. If you blend mandelic acid with other acids, manage total acid load carefully and confirm preservative efficacy at your final pH. Always validate pH drift (immediate, 24 hours, and 1 week) before scaling up. |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder |
| Stability Notes | Final pH drives performance and system stability. Some emulsions and polymers destabilize under acidic conditions, so run accelerated stability tests. |
| Storage | Store tightly closed in a cool, dry place, away from moisture. |
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