What is mandelic acid?
According to Murray, mandelic acid is an exfoliating acid (Alpha-Hydroxy Acids or AHA) that comes from apples, in the same category as glycolic acid and lactic acid.
“It is one of the more gentle acids. It has a very small molecule, she says E!. The the weight of the molecule is very important – the less weight, the deeper your skin absorbs. When a molecule is larger, it has a harder time sinking deeper into the skin. Don’t let that scare you, though. AHAs exfoliate and absorb deep into your skin while remaining gentle.
Mandelic acid is usually recommended for acne-prone skin, active breakouts, and generally sensitive skin. “It’s used to treat acne, because you never want to over-dry, over-strip, over-exfoliate, because that can only make the condition worse,” Murray shared. She also recommends the ingredient for treating hyperpigmentation, which can accompany pimples.
Murray highly recommends products with mandelic acid for adult and mature women who experience cyclic breakouts, have sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation. “I would even feel comfortable using it for rosacea,” she says. On the other hand, for teens struggling with acne, she suggests salicylic acid and willow bark to tackle the oil buildup instead.
