exfoliant aha
Aromatic AHA with the largest molecular weight among common AHAs, resulting in slow, gentle penetration. Antimicrobial properties make it effective for acne-prone skin.
| Concern | Strength | Studies | What the research says |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acne & breakouts | Strong | 4 | Dayal 2020 (PMID 31553119) randomized 50 Indian patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne to 45% mandelic acid peel versus 30% salicylic acid peel at 2-week intervals for 6 sessions. Efficacy was equivalent; mandelic… |
| Blackheads | Strong | — | Dayal 2020 (PMID 31553119) randomized 50 Indian patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne to 45% mandelic acid peel versus 30% salicylic acid peel at 2-week intervals for 6 sessions. Efficacy was equivalent; mandelic… |
| Dark spots & hyperpigmentation | Strong | 2 | Study in Fitzpatrick IV-VI patients (n=25): 50% mandelic acid peels every 2 weeks for 8 weeks improved hyperpigmentation and fine lines with no post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH); significantly lower PIH risk… |
| Post-acne marks | Strong | — | Garg 2009 (PMID 19076192) documented 59.8% reduction in post-acne hyperpigmentation with salicylic-mandelic peels at 24 weeks, superior to glycolic's 46.3%. This is one of the few direct head-to-head trials where… |
| Fine lines & wrinkles | Relevant | 2 | corpus (mandelic-acid.json); AHA class fine-line effect |
No known conflicts — Mandelic Acid isn’t flagged against any concern or skin condition.
Strength reflects the ingredient’s effect on each concern; study counts match research whose findings relate to that concern.
Mandelic Acid is a exfoliant aha backed by a moderate body of supporting evidence (evidence tier 2 of 4). We track 5 studies for it, 4 reporting a positive effect. It is typically effective at 5–15% in a formulation.
Dermatologic Surgery · 2016 · rct · n=60
RCT in melasma patients (n=90, Indian skin): salicylic-mandelic combination peels reduced MASI comparably to glycolic acid (~61% vs 62%, p=0.876) and more than phytic acid; authors concluded salicylic-mandelic peels are better tolerated and more suitable for darker (Indian) skin.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2019 · rct · n=50
Randomized controlled trial (n=50): Head to head mandelic vs salicylic for acne equal efficacy better tolerability for mandelic.
Dermatologic Surgery · 2009 · rct · n=44
Randomized controlled trial (n=44): Salicylic mandelic combo superior to glycolic for active acne and PIH.
Cosmetic Dermatology · 1999 · observational · n=25
Study in Fitzpatrick IV-VI patients (n=25): 50% mandelic acid peels every 2 weeks for 8 weeks improved hyperpigmentation and fine lines with no post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH); significantly lower PIH risk than glycolic acid peels at equivalent strength in darker skin types
Cosmetic Dermatology · 1999 · review
Review: Mandelic daily use clinical observations for photoaging hyperpigmentation acne.
In 131 products — most often serums (51), exfoliants (36), moisturizers (21), from $9.40 to $235.22. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.
Bubble
Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask
Moisturizer
$20.0050.3ml · $0.40/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter and Glyceryl Stearate)
Bubble
Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask
Moisturizer
$20.0050.3ml · $0.40/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol, Shea Butter and Glyceryl Stearate)
Over Night Hydrating Sleep Mask is a exfoliant by Bubble. Key ingredients include Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin.
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Set up your skin profileDIME
TBT Serum with Mandelic Acid + Peptides
Serum
$38.0029.6ml · $1.28/ml
Ideal for
DIME
TBT Serum with Mandelic Acid + Peptides
Serum
$38.0029.6ml · $1.28/ml
Ideal for
TBT Serum with Mandelic Acid + Peptides is a retinoid treatment by DIME. Key ingredients include Water, Mandelic Acid, Propanediol.
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Set up your skin profileRoC
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing 2-Step Peel Pads
Exfoliant
$38.99
Ideal for
Not recommended for
RoC
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing 2-Step Peel Pads
Exfoliant
$38.99
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing 2-Step Peel Pads is a exfoliant by RoC. Key ingredients include Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Mandelic Acid.
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Set up your skin profile
Caudalie
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Daily AHA Micropeel 100ml
Exfoliant – for Dryness
$24.13100ml · $0.24/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Melasma (Fragrance); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance)
Caudalie
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Daily AHA Micropeel 100ml
Exfoliant – for Dryness
$24.13100ml · $0.24/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Melasma (Fragrance); Perioral Dermatitis (Fragrance); Psoriasis (Fragrance)
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Daily AHA Micropeel 100ml is a exfoliant by Caudalie. Key ingredients include Glycerin, Coco-Glucoside, Mandelic Acid.
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Set up your skin profileflorence by mills
Cleanser
$18.00100.5ml · $0.18/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate)
florence by mills
Cleanser
$18.00100.5ml · $0.18/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate)
Clean Magic Face Wash is a water cleanser by florence by mills. Key ingredients include Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Mandelic Acid.
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Set up your skin profilePhilosophy
Hope In A Jar Deep Hydration & Glow Overnight Mask
Moisturizer
$53.0059.1ml · $0.90/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60)
Philosophy
Hope In A Jar Deep Hydration & Glow Overnight Mask
Moisturizer
$53.0059.1ml · $0.90/ml
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate and Polysorbate 60)
Hope In A Jar Deep Hydration & Glow Overnight Mask is a exfoliant by Philosophy. Key ingredients include Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol.
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Set up your skin profileCetaphil
Hydrating & Firming Skin Activator Neck and Chest Cream
Moisturizer
$13.49100.5ml · $0.13/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol and Sweet Almond Oil)
Cetaphil
Hydrating & Firming Skin Activator Neck and Chest Cream
Moisturizer
$13.49100.5ml · $0.13/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Cetearyl Alcohol and Sweet Almond Oil)
Hydrating & Firming Skin Activator Neck and Chest Cream is a exfoliant by Cetaphil. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Dimethicone.
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Set up your skin profileCetaphil
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Sa Cleanser
Cleanser – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads
$12.99
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Fluoride)
Cetaphil
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Sa Cleanser
Cleanser – for Acne & breakouts, Blackheads
$12.99
Ideal for
Not recommended for
Caution
May aggravate: Perioral Dermatitis (Fluoride)
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Sa Cleanser is a water cleanser by Cetaphil. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine.
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Set up your skin profile
Cetaphil
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Lotion 236ml
Moisturizer
$17.78236ml · $0.07/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Isopropyl Palmitate, Shea Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Salicylic Acid)
Cetaphil
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Lotion 236ml
Moisturizer
$17.78236ml · $0.07/ml
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Seborrheic Dermatitis (Isopropyl Palmitate, Shea Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol and Glyceryl Stearate); Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Salicylic Acid)
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Lotion 236ml is a exfoliant by Cetaphil. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Isopropyl Palmitate.
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Set up your skin profilePeace Out
2% Salicylic Acid Early Stage Acne Dot
Serum
$20.00
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Salicylic Acid)
Peace Out
2% Salicylic Acid Early Stage Acne Dot
Serum
$20.00
Ideal for
Caution
May aggravate: Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema (Salicylic Acid)
2% Salicylic Acid Early Stage Acne Dot is a exfoliant by Peace Out. Key ingredients include Salicylic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
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Set up your skin profileEducational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.