What Does Mandelic Acid Actually Do For Your Skin?

There's simply no denying the power of an effective skincare routine. One might even argue that there is a perfect order for your daily routine. Some products are better than others, but it never hurts to continue researching, learning, and trying new products. 

Skincare products are full of ingredients you may have never heard of or even know how to pronounce. However, one ingredient is currently garnering some attention — and it's easy to pronounce! Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that's been derived from a certain type of almond (via Healthline). Healthline explains that AHAs are both natural and synthetic ingredients and they can help your skin with hydration, firmness, and exfoliation. They're also already in a lot of skincare products in the form of glycolic acid and citric acid. 

The gentle exfoliation of mandelic acid can completely transform your skin, and it could be a game changer in the quest for a brighter and more youthful complexion. 

As a powerful AHA, mandelic acid carries multiple benefits. It's gentle on your skin, it promotes the production of collagen where it's applied, and it accelerates your cell turnover where it's applied (via Healthline). It can furthermore reduce hyperpigmentation, brighten your skin, and clear your pores (via Byrdie).

Using mandelic acid in a set routine can lead to positive results on your face. It can help with acne, skin texture, and wrinkles and fine lines (via Healthline). This is all because of its superb exfoliating and collagen producing abilities. Producing collagen helps with issues such as wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation, while exfoliation helps your skin texture. What's more, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to invest in mandelic acid. Celebrity facialist Angela Caglia explains, "It has a larger molecular structure than other acids, such as glycolic and salicylic, so it does not penetrate as deeply" (via Byrdie). Because of this, it's gentler on your skin while still maintaining all of its useful functions.

It may not be a cure-all, but it may be worth a shot if you're looking to treat one of these issues or just looking for a mix-up in your daily routine.