Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid known for its ability to effectively exfoliate the skin. Unlike most other AHAs, mandelic acid has a high molecular weight. This means it does not penetrate as deeply into the skin, instead exfoliating the topmost layers of skin. This is great for people who have sensitive skin and find other AHAs like glycolic or lactic acid too intense for their skin.

Mandelic acid is an acid that supports skin as it ages in two key ways. The first is that it promotes cell turnover, which means new skin cells are brought to the surface faster during your skin cycle (something that naturally slows down as we age). The other is that mandelic acid promotes collagen production according to this study. Collagen is what makes our skin look plump and firm.

Mandelic acid antibacterial and can help regulate sebum production, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. All this combines to make mandelic acid effective at treating acne and breakout, particularly inflammatory acne.