The mandelic acid is a molecule widely used in cosmetic creams and products for rejuvenating facial skin. It has an exfoliating effect and is used in chemical peeling. Additionally, thanks to its bactericidal properties, it works well for acne.
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Properties of mandelic acid
This acid belongs to the group of alpha-hydroxy acids and serves various purposes in the beauty and cosmetic product industry. It is produced from a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid and bitter almonds. Because mandelic acid has a slight abrasive action, it can remove imperfections from the skin and be used as a product to reduce marks on the face.
It also works against hyperpigmentation, sunspots, or age-related spots. Its action reduces the depth of wrinkles by thinning the corneal layer of the skin and facilitating the renewal of the epidermis. As this occurs, the skin appears younger and defects are corrected, similar to how imperfections are dealt with.
The properties of mandelic acid are:
- Exfoliating.
- Bactericidal.
- Natural collagen activator.
- Humectant.
- Anti-acne.
- Anti-aging.
Regarding its use for eliminating pimples, the benefits of mandelic acid are largely due to its bactericidal action. It can kill bacteria and improve acne symptoms. This, combined with its ability to reduce the surface layers of the skin, can provide greater softness and renewal of the upper epidermal layer, improving tissue regeneration with marks. In this sense, it can be effective for people with pimples, blackheads, acne marks, or even pustule scars.
In terms of anti-aging, it works by reactivating collagen cell production. As the outer layer decreases, there is a need to create new tissue. This will be healthy, wrinkle-free, smoother, and youthful-looking. It provides a brighter and more even skin tone to the face or areas of the body where it is applied. Mandelic acid creams are used to brighten the skin and improve pigmentation.
It is also a hydrating molecule. When used in cosmetics, while gently removing imperfections, it benefits the cellular ecosystem thanks to its humectant action. It provides some of the water necessary for living tissues to reproduce easily without dehydrating.
Peeling with mandelic acid
The benefits of alpha-hydroxy acids are numerous and widely used to exfoliate and improve skin quality. These require a renewal that can be superficial, medium, or deep.
Each person has different needs based on their anatomy, whether there are pimples, acne, or some kind of mark or scar on the face they want to improve.
Depending on the result you expect, you can use mandelic acid or another type of chemical peeling with stronger acids depending on your skin’s needs.
However, the best approach is to consult with a professional in aesthetics or a beauty center if you are considering chemical exfoliation so they can assess the need for a treatment with different substances to promote skin regeneration.
Differences between mandelic acid and other acids
Although it belongs to the same group and is an acid, there are differences with some of the more commonly used acids in peeling. Mandelic acid has larger molecules than glycolic acid, making it a much gentler cosmetic. It doesn’t penetrate as deeply into the skin and causes less damage. It is more superficial and less irritating. This is great for many cases. These features make it quite similar to kojic acid, although it is lighter and less aggressive with the epidermis.
In general, you can find it in low concentrations, either mixed with other substances or not, but this is the same for the aforementioned acids. There are some cosmetics with high concentrations that should only be used by professionals in a beauty salon or aesthetic center. This ensures that the use is correct and the timing is appropriate. But if you want to use this substance, don’t worry because there are many cosmetics that work very well.
Products with mandelic acid
There are various products ranging from acne treatment to melasma and facial skin spots. Mandelic acid is useful for both situations, and the cosmetics are aimed at these purposes.
A quick search will provide you with creams to correct excess sebum in oily skin, serums to prevent acne scars and repair them along with salicylic acid. There are many combinations such as gentle facial peeling and exfoliant for dead skin cells on the face, improving your natural complexion.
Products that contain mandelic acid include:
- Exfoliants.
- Anti-acne treatments and facial sebum correctors.
- Body gels.
- Serums with high concentrations of acid. Some of these may not be available to you unless you are a professional.
Side effects
- Skin redness.
- Peeling.
- Allergy.
In general, if you use a pre-made product, there should be no skin issues. Only some individuals with high sensitivity, atopic skin, and similar conditions might experience problems. If you have a skin condition, avoid using any abrasive products. Before undergoing an exfoliation or treatment to improve your appearance, consult with a doctor to assess its suitability and develop an action plan for improvement.
Usage precautions
Although in theory, it is a much gentler acid than others used in peeling, it is advisable to avoid sun exposure after using it. It should not affect melanin production or cause clusters or accumulations that lead to spots; on the contrary, it should have the opposite effect. However, when there is thinning of the upper corneal layer of the skin, it is recommended to use full-screen sunscreen and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This ensures that new cells are protected while your delicate skin regains its natural shape and color without causing damage.
Be cautious around the eyes and mucous membranes as it can be very irritating if it comes into contact.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a doctor before using it.
Can mandelic acid be purchased?
Public sales offer products with concentrations lower than 10%, priced between $10 and $20.
Today, it is available in perfumeries, cosmetic stores, and online platforms like Amazon, eBay, and traditional stores. Personally, the recommendation is to purchase it online since it tends to be cheaper. However, you can buy it wherever you find it most convenient and at the best price.
Excellent, I’ll take note.
How to use it?
Thank you, Zonia.
I’m from Los Angeles, and I want to buy kojic acid.
I’m from Seattle, United States, and I want to buy mandelic acid. It’s possible that some stores might have it in Colombia, but I can’t provide a specific location. Another option is to order it online. There are different possibilities, some offer free international shipping, but make sure to check before paying to see how much the shipping cost would be if it’s not free.
I had a 30% mandelic acid peel, and now I have a dark spot on one side of my cheek. What can I do?
You should visit the center so they can assess the current state of your skin. Depending on the time passed, it might recover on its own, or you might need to proceed with another peel or depigmenting creams.
Use sunscreen and consider changing your cosmiatrist…
I have some spots that were caused by intense pulsed light laser, and I would like more information on the percentages of mandelic acid and, if possible, recommended brands for this product.
I had a mandelic acid peel, and my face is smooth except for one cheek, which is completely irritated. It developed a kind of dermatitis with blisters filled with liquid, but only on that cheek. It’s like an allergic reaction, but I wonder why it only happened on one cheek while the rest of my face is fine. I’m taking anti-inflammatories and birth control. My cheek is disfigured, and it feels like it has a fever. They told me to only use soap and sunscreen, but I’m not sure if I should use a corticosteroid cream on the damaged cheek. Thank you.
I bought mandelic acid in a bottle with drops, and I’ve started applying it to my face because I have some spots that appeared after the summer. Should I keep using it? It’s a serum I bought at a store.
It is indicated and works for facial spots, both from aging and sun exposure. Just for the purpose you mentioned, Sara.
Use it as directed in the store or follow the instructions that come with the mandelic acid bottle. Once you see the spots fading, you can stop using it. Always monitor the skin to avoid excessive irritation, and be cautious at first, as some people experience slight redness and itching.
I think it’s a good idea to start with a 5% mandelic acid for a week, then move to 10% the following week, and gradually prepare the skin to get used to it. It’s very rare to get blisters with this acid, as it’s one of the most reliable. But you should avoid hot showers on your face during that time and reapply sunscreen every two hours. If anything unusual happens, consult a dermatologist.
This is my first time using this acid. Should I buy the 5% or 10% version?
Good afternoon, I have used mandelic acid, but now I can’t find it. Could you let me know if you have it?
I sell 2% mandelic acid, which is very gentle.
I want to buy it, but where can I get it?
I’m interested. How can I contact the supplier of this product?
I used 7% mandelic acid, and it worked great for me.
Ladies, mandelic acid at 10%, and after 15 days, move to 20%. Keep in mind that it should be applied every 15 days or once a month. The skin needs to get used to it. Please don’t start with such a high percentage.