Mandelic Acid Is the Exfoliator for Everyone Who Hates Exfoliators
Get a glow without the burn.
I’ve learned the hard way that not all exfoliating acids are created equal. There was a time when my bathroom shelf looked like a chemistry lab—glycolic, salicylic, lactic acids in varying formulas—each promising clearer, brighter skin. And while some absolutely delivered, they also occasionally delivered something else: irritation. That’s exactly when mandelic acid entered my routine and quickly became one of my favorite skincare ingredients.
Here's the gist: Mandelic acid is a chemical exfoliant under the alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) class derived from bitter almonds, but what makes it special is its molecular size. Compared with other AHAs like glycolic acid, its molecules are larger, which means it penetrates the skin much more slowly. This means that you still get the exfoliating benefits (hi, smoother texture, clearer pores, and a brighter tone), but with a gentler touch. Dermatologists get behind it for acne-prone or sensitive skin because it helps unclog pores by sloughing off dead skin cells and gunk, and fades post-breakout marks, with results on par with stronger acids.
Another reason it's one of the biggest buzzwords right now? Mandelic acid multitasks. With just one ingredient, texture is refined, hyperpigmentation is tackled, and pores inevitably look smaller over time. It's also less likely to cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (i.e., dark spots) in people with deeper skin tones than other AHAs. Recently, it’s been popping up in new launches—like the mandelic-focused serum from Alix Earle’s new brand, Reale Actives—which only reinforces how much hype the ingredient has.
In other words, if you want the glow-boosting perks of an exfoliating acid without feeling like your skin barrier is suffering, mandelic acid is a very good place to start.
Smoother-Skin Serums
Serums are one of the easiest ways to incorporate mandelic acid into your routine because they tend to deliver a concentrated dose of the ingredient—think like a shot vs. a cocktail. My favorite mandelic acid serums help gently sweep away dead skin cells while contributing to clearer-looking pores and brighter tone over time.
The celebrity-loved esthetician and skincare genius that is Sofie Pavitt came out with this top-tier serum. It feels like legit water on the face, but its 8 percent mandelic acid gives your skin a (gentle!) shot of texture-refining, pore-smoothing goodness.
While this specific product from Alix Earle isn't available until March 31, it's definitely well-formulated. It includes mandelic acid and brightening licorice root for ultra-glowy skin. Get on the waitlist while you can!
There's a reason this U Beauty Resurfacing Compound is so beloved. It is said to contain eight skincare steps in one, combining ingredients like vitamin C, E, retinol esters, and, of course, mandelic acid into one easy-to-use formula.
An excellent drugstore serum with an equally excellent price comes from Versed. It combines the hero exfoliant, salicylic acid, with the new-on-the-block mandelic acid for a one-two punch against texture and acne.
Swipe-and-Glow Toners
If you prefer your exfoliation in lighter layers, a toner can be a great entry point to the ingredient for you. These formulas usually pair the acid with hydrating ingredients, so you get a subtle resurfacing effect each time you swipe it on.
Anything Paula's Choice is a pretty safe bet on acne-prone skin, and I love this newer formula from the brand that combos mandelic and lactic acids in one easy-to-use toner.
This brand is a newer discovery of mine, and I have to say I'm pleasantly surprised by it. In addition to mandelic, it contains licorice root and fruit-derived acids that further help discoloration and uneven skin tone.
Underarm Reset
Suprise! Mandelic acid in deodorant is very much a thing, and it actually makes a lot of sense. Instead of simply masking odor, the acid helps create an environment where odor-causing bacteria are less likely to thrive. Also, because they're exfoliants, these formulas help gently smooth and brighten the underarms over time.
When Cyklar—i.e., one of the most gloriously scented and luxurious body care lines—just announced the launch of its new deodorant gel with mandelic acid, you bet that was a product I could get behind. When applied, it instantly dries and keeps my underarms odor-free all day long. I'm excited to see the brightening benefits over time.
Saltair is a super luxurious-looking and formulated brand without a super high price tag typically associated with this type of skincare. Available in nine scents, this mandelic acid-based deodorant also contains niacinamide and other MVP ingredients for brighter, odorless skin.
In-the-Shower Exfoliants
Body care has officially entered its “actives era,” and mandelic acid body washes bring that ethos front and center. In cleanser form, the ingredient helps gently exfoliate areas prone to rough texture or breakouts—think back, shoulders, and chest. Used regularly, these washes can help smooth bumps, refine texture, and leave skin looking brighter from neck to toe.
Naturium is up there in my list of favorite beauty brands for its fair pricing and truly excellent products. The body washes, in particular, leave my skin looking silky as ever, and I'm so excited that I can now treat my chest acne with this mandelic acid cleanser.
Remember Frank Body's iconic coffee body scrubs a few years back? Well, the brand is still as iconic as ever, and I am in love with the Brightening Body Scrub on days I need that extra exfoliation. In addition to mandelic acid, it also contains vitamin C, and I find it wonderful for removing any lingering fake tan.
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