Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from bitter almonds. AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.

Mandelic acid has a larger molecular weight vs. other acids in the AHA category. It is twice the molecular weight of glycolic acid for example (the smallest AHA on the market), so it tends to be better tolerated than smaller AHAs, which penetrate the skin much faster. Research also shows that mandelic acid is particularly effective at improving some forms of pigmentation, compared with other AHAs.

Renude

blemishes

dull skin

enlarged pores

I have chosen this gentle clarifying cleanser for you to tackle congestion in the skin. It contains soothing Vitamins E and B3 to hydrate and calm inflammation, alongside Salicylic and Mandelic acids to unblock pores, and Tea tree oil to purify, making it a great choice for congested, irritatated skin.

mandelic acid

Tea tree oil is an essential oil extracted from the Melaleuca alternifolia plant, native to Australia. Tea tree leaf oil is known to have antibacterial qualities, the mechanism for this is not completely understood, but research shows that it could be due to an ability to damage the bacterial cell wall.

It also has anti-inflammatory effects, due to its content of terpen-4-ol, which studies have shown reduces inflammation in the skin when applied topically. These functions make it a great ingredient for the use in acne treatments, both to kill p.acnes bacteria, but also reduce the associated inflammation.

melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil

Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3 and Nicotinamide, has many skincare benefits. Firstly, it regulates sebum production in the skin, which in turn reduces blemishes and visible pore size. It also reduces facial redness by improving microcirculation, which means moving the blood inside the capillaries away from the face to reduce visible redness. It also has the ability to strengthen the natural lipid barrier of the skin by encouraging ceramide production (the building blocks which seal our skin cells together), which in turn increases the hydration within the epidermis. Lastly, niacinamide works to help reduce hyperpigmentation by blocking melanin from being deposited on the skin cells.

niacinamide

Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which occurs naturally in willow bark. Salicylic acid works as an exfoliating acid to dissolve the keratin that binds the outermost layers of the skin, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin.

Due to its oil-soluble form, salicylic acid can penetrate inside the pore, to clear out dead skin cell build up and prevent comedones (blocked pores) from occurring, or acne-causing bacteria to overpopulate within the pore. This P.Acnes bacteria is anaerobic so needs an oxygen-free environment to thrive, and thus require a pore to be blocked.

salicylic acid

Tocopherol, aka Vitamin E, is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

tocopherol

Vitamin E is a fat-soluble Vitamin contained in many plant oils, or can also be produced synthetically. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

Gently remove daily oil, impurities and make-up with Clarifying Foam, an easy-to-use cleanser designed for blemish-prone skin. This deeply purifying, antibacterial foaming cleanser unclogs pores and lightly exfoliates the skin without causing dryness or irritation. An exfoliating blend of mandelic acid and salicylic acid is teamed with natural tea tree oil to renew and detoxify the complexion, while soothing niacinamide calms the appearance of problematic skin. This ensures the skin’s natural protective oils are left balanced and blemish-causing bacteria are diminished. Over time, tone and texture of skin is significantly improved.

blackheads

pigmentation

uneven texture

I have chosen this acid-based exfoliating treatment to decongest pores, reduce inflammation and fade post-acne pigmentation. It contains a blend of resurfacing acids, fruit enzymes and brighteners to smooth texture, even skin tone and reduce breakouts.

Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), derived from sugar cane. AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.

Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular weight of all the AHAs, meaning it can penetrate the skin quickest, producing the fastest results, but also most likely to cause skin sensitivity, so it is best for those with fairly tolerant skin types.

glycolic acid

glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract

Liquorice is a legume which grows in the Mediterranean, the Middle East & Russia. It contains the active constituent glabridin, which has been shown to prevent and reverse UV-induced skin damage, to provide visible skin-lightening properties to the skin.

Its second active component, Glycyrrhetinic acid is used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory benefits. It works by inhibiting the production of inflammatory substances, such as cortisone, within the body, with some research showing results to be comparable to prescription hydrocortisone cream.

Lactobacillus Extract Filtrate is a cell-free extract (CFE) of the lactobacillus microorganism. This means it is no longer a living bacteria (probiotic), but an extract of a once-living bacteria, which functions as a prebiotic. This active has been shown via clinical studies from the manufacturer, Evonik, to encourage the growth of beneficial skin bacteria, as well as support the natural skin barrier function, helping to protect against skin roughness and dryness.

lactobacillus extract filtrate

Prebiotics in simple terms, can be classed as a food source that encourages the growth of good bacteria on the skin. The microbiome (the ecosystem of bacteria on the skin) is a relatively new discovery and we are learning that this is linked to many different aspects of our health, mood and appearance. A diverse breadth in the strains of bacteria living on the skin results in a healthy microbiome, and some early research has linked certain imbalances in this microbiome to skin conditions such as acne, ezcema and psoriasis.

Panthenol is a form of Vitamin B5, which is converted into Pantothenic acid within the epidermis when applied topically. Its main benefit in cosmetics is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to.

Panthenol also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

panthenol

Vitamin B5 is as a humectant, meaning it can draw water molecules to it, hydrating and plumping the area it has been applied to. It also supports the natural lipid barrier of the skin, by encouraging the production of a precursor to fatty acids & sphingolipids, both of which are essential parts of the skin barrier. This mechanism helps to moisturise the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), therefore retaining more moisture within the skin. This also helps to reduce inflammation in dry or broken skin, as an intact skin barrier will prevent potential irritants from getting into the epidermis.

Zinc PCA is a synthetic active, derived from zinc and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid. Zinc is known to regulate sebum production, as well as inhibit the growth of the P.Acnes bacteria to improve acne symptoms. PCA is a component of the skin’s natural moisturising factor (NMF), which acts as a humectant to draw water to it, and when synthesized with zinc, it can actually improve the efficacy of zinc, by making it more bioavailable and easily-absorbed.

Studies have also shown that zinc PCA can inhibit the activity of destructive enzymes within the skin, therefore providing a protective, anti-ageing mechanism to the skin. 

zinc pca

Zinc is known to regulate sebum production, as well as inhibit the growth of the P.Acnes bacteria to improve acne symptoms.

The Accelerator has a multitasking formulation.  The gel-cream combines a 12.5% Acid blend of Dioic, Mandelic, Salicylic and Pomegranate Enzymes, addressing breakouts and hyperpigmentation at the same time. It works effortlessly to help smooth the skins texture, fade hyperpigmentation, refine pores, combat breakouts and help smoothen the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

These treatments combine AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate the skin, decongest pores, reduce blemishes and breakouts, and refine overall texture and tone.

AHA & BHA mixed acid exfoliant picks

This formula includes a blend of acids to decongest and brighten the skin. This include mandelic, glycolic, dioic, salicylic and gluconolactone. On top of this, hydrating and soothing ingredients such as panthenol, liquorice and aloe vera work to balance the skin to support the skin barrier.

This toner includes a blend of natural salicylic acid from willow bark water, alongside natural malic acid from apple fruit water. Combined with allantoin and panthenol to soothe and hydrate, this formula works well to decongest and brighten without drying or stripping the skin.

This resurfacing toner combines 5 different acids to deliver multiple benefits to the skin. AHAs lactic acid and glycolic acid refine skin texture and add radiance, BHA salicylic acid works to decongest pores, reducing blemishes and breakouts, whilst PHAs gluconolactone and lactobiotic acid even out skin tone. The toner also includes niacinamide to regulate oil production and soothe any redness.

Cruelty free

Diverse founder

Female founder

Unfragranced

Vegan

fine lines

scarring

wrinkles

I have chosen this weekly peel treatment to give your skins natural exfoliation process a boost, and target skin discolouration and uneven texture, as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

Lactic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which occurs naturally in the body, as well as being found in dairy products, but is typically derived synthetically for cosmetics today.

AHAs work by dissolving the keratin binding the outermost layer of skin cells, speeding up the skin’s natural exfoliation process. This leads to smoother, brighter, clearer skin, whilst reducing skin discolouration & fine lines/wrinkles with continued use.  

lactic acid

Using high-strength lactic, glycolic and mandelic acids, PRIORI’s peel pads are designed to adapt to the needs of each individual’s skin. These Smart Peel Pads feature professional-strength technology, that delivers the multi-layer of AHA resurfacing, working perfectly to remove only the outermost layer of dead skin cells - revealing luminous, fresher and healthier skin.

I have chosen this gentle peeling formula to target fine lines and pigmentation. Mandelic acid is one of the gentler AHAs so is a great introduction into resurfacing products.

Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid (a polysaccharide which occurs naturally in the body), created to improve the ingredient stability. It works as an extremely powerful humectant, able to attract 1000x its own weight in water, to immediately plump and hydrate the area it is applied to. The body’s own production of hyaluronic acid slows with age, so supplementing this ingredient in topical formulations helps to support the skin’s natural moisture-binding, anti-ageing mechanisms.

sodium hyaluronate

Hyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide which occurs naturally in the body. Hyaluronic acid works as an extremely powerful humectant, able to attract 1000x its own weight in water, to immediately plump and hydrate the area it is applied to. The body’s own production of hyaluronic acid slows with age, so supplementing this ingredient in topical formulations helps to support the skin’s natural moisture-binding, anti-ageing mechanisms.

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA offers superficial dermal peeling that is gentler than other alpha hydroxy acids. The molecular weight of mandelic acid is 152.1 daltons which is larger than other alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic acid is 76.0 daltons, for example). This larger size allows mandelic acid to penetrate the skin more slowly which in turn makes it very gentle and suitable for all skin types. You don't need a concentration of more than 10%, because then you would simply be achieving an indirect peeling strength that is more easily offered through lower percentages of glycolic acid.

I have chosen this mild exfoliating toner for your routine to offer gentle exfoliation and add radiance to the skin.

**Phase in slowly. Start with 1x per week, building up usage (if tolerated) to every night over several weeks. Avoid the corners of the mouth, the eye area and the neck.

arginine

Beta Glucans are polysaccharides found naturally in oats, fungi, seaweed and yeast. They are best known for its skin-soothing properties, showing excellent effects at reducing redness and other symptoms of sensitive skin. They do this via barrier-supporting properties, as they form a film on the skin’s surface to offer protection against daily environmental stressors, which can aggravate sensitive skin. They also stimulate macrophage function in the body (immune cells which fight invading bacteria), so offer added benefit to those with already compromised skin barriers more susceptible to bacterial infection, for example ezcema-prone or or drier skin types. Their polysaccharide nature makes them an effective humectant, meaning they can draw water molecules towards them to plump and hydrate the area.

beta glucan

This is a gentle exfoliator containing 5% Mandelic Acid less irritating compared to other AHA ingredients. Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract and Beta Glucan supply moisture to soothe skin after peeling. Recommended as a gentle, low-irritant exfoliator.

These gentle daily resurfacing products will work to lightly exfoliate the skin, resulting in clearer, smoother, more radiant looking skin.

Daily mild AHA exfoliator picks

This multi-functional formula contains a 6% blend of mandelic and lactic acids to gently exfoliate the skin, alongside liquorice root to soothe and even the complexion, kombucha to provide antioxidant protection, centella asiatica to reduce inflammation and niacinamide to brighten and balance.

A great toner for daily exfoliation for occasionally sensitive skin (super sensitive might be best with a PHA formula instead). 5% mandelic acid provides gentle daily exfoliation in a liquid form.

I have chosen this daily exfoliating cleanser to tackle the congestion you are seeing in your skin. Its resurfacing action will break down surface debris to clear pores and reduce blemishes and blackheads.

Gluconolactone is a poly hydroxy acid (PHA). PHAs work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

gluconolactone

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within. 

tea tree leaf oil

Contains exfoliating Alpha and Polyhydroxy Acids. Formulated to smooth skin texture and clarify pores. Washes away excess oil and problematic bacteria. Soap-free and fragrance-free.

These cleansers will exfoliate the skin, decongest pores, minimise breakouts and blackheads, leaving skin clearer, smoother & more even-toned.

Resurfacing cleanser picks

A cult classic, this potent foaming gel cleanser includes sugarcane, bilberry and willowbark extracts, containing naturally-occurring AHAs and BHAs (glycolic, lactic & salicylic acids), to resurface the skin, deep clean pores and leaving the skin smoother, brighter and clearer. Fragrance free.

Designed for oily and congested skin types, this foaming gel cleanser contains a blend of PHAs (3% gluconolactone), BHAs (5% salicylic acid), and AHAs (mandelic acid) to deep the clean the skin, removing dead cell build up from the pores, and in turn reducing blemishes and blackheads.

Containing a blend of AHAs (lactic & mandelic acid), and BHAs (salicylic acid), this best-selling foaming gel formula works to exfoliate the skin, deep cleaning pores and targeting blemishes, blackheads and enlarged pores. Essential oils provide a delicate scent.

A 5* rated, creamy foaming cleanser, this formula contains 0.5% salicylic acid alongside tea tree oil as an antibacterial and prebiotics to balance the skin and further reduce blemishes.

I have chosen this creamy combination exfoliator to resurface the skin. It contains a blend of AHAs, BHAs and Jojoba beads to gently buff the skin whilst at the same time clearing out the pores to make skin smoother and softer.

Allantoin occurs naturally in the body, but can also be derived from the root of the Comfrey plant or Chamomile, or produced synthetically. It is used in skincare for its ability to promote wound healing and healthy tissue growth, by stimulating the fibroblasts in the dermis to produce collagen and elastin fibres, essential tissues for skin regeneration and healing. Allantoin has also been shown to have soothing and anti-irritant properties, which is thought to be down to its ability to form complexes with irritating agents, thus preventing them from activating inflammatory mechanisms within the skin.

allantoin

L-ascorbic acid is Vitamin C in its purest form, and the active form required by the body to result in the many skin skin benefits of Vitamin C. The issue with L-ascorbic acid is in the delivery, as it is very unstable in water, and needs a pH 4 or below for it to penetrate the skin. That being said, when it can be stabilised in a formula and is able to penetrate the skin, it provides the highest potency of any form of Vitamin C currently available.

ascorbic acid

Vitamin C has many skin benefits, including its action as an antioxidant, to neutralise free radicals (reactive molecules with an unpaired electron), preventing them from causing damage to cells within the body. Vitamin C is also involved in the collagen-production process, so provides anti-wrinkle activity through this mechanism. Lastly, Vitamin C inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in melanin-synthesis, and can therefore visibly reduce areas of hyperpigmentation in the skin.

jojoba esters

Pores are left virtually undetectable and skin feels soft, smooth and supple. Best of all, the velvety formula enhances the skin’s receptiveness to the rest of your beauty routine by allowing follow-up products to penetrate deeper.

keratosis pilaris

psoriasis

xerosis / ezcema

This intensely nourishing formula has been designed specifically for extremely dry skin prone to Psoriasis and Ezcema. It contains a blend of 20% hydrating acids (Glycolic, Lactic, Mandelic, Maltobionic & Gluconolactone) to moisturise the skin whilst gently exfoliating the rough surface of the skin. Skin conditioning oils helps to hold moisture in the skin, restoring the natural barrier to health.

Maltobionic acid is a non-irritating poly hydroxy acid (PHA) derived from natural sugars. PHAs provide a gentle exfoliation of the skin, encouraging dead cells to be shed from the surface, and new cells to be produced in the basal layer of the epidermis. This process leads to smoother, less congested & more radiant skin, whilst reducing discolouration & fine lines to provide visible anti-ageing results.

Maltobionic acid is also an antioxidant, protecting skin from harmful effects of free radicals within the body, as well as inhibiting specific enzymes which lead to degradation of our skin proteins, so this mechanism keeps skin more youthful. Maltobionic acid also has humectant qualities, meaning it is able to draw water molecules to it, plumping & hydrating the area which it is applied. It was patented in 2000 by Neostrata, as one of their ‘Bionic acids’.

maltobionic acid

Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) work by gently dissolving the keratin that binds our outermost layer of skin cells, encouraging the natural exfoliation process of the skin, leading to smoother, clearer skin. This process also encourages new skin cell generation in the basal layer of the epidermis, a process which naturally slows with age, so with repeated use this can have an overall anti-ageing effect on the skin. Gluconolactone has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme elastase, which breaks down elastin in the skin (an essential protein produced by the fibroblasts), leading to sagging of the skin.

PHAs are much larger in molecular weight vs AHAs so they cannot penetrate the skin as fast or as far, which therefore makes more gentle & suitable for more sensitive skin types, including those with rosacea-prone skin. Gluconolactone is also especially good for drier skin types as it also has natural humectant qualities, meaning it draws water towards it, hydrating the skin from within.

Tocopheryl acetate is a specific form of the fat-soluble Vitamin E, with improved stability vs. Tocopherol. Vitamin E is found naturally in our own skin, and it’s main benefit is to offer powerful antioxidant protection against pollution and free radical damage. It also helps to support our skin’s natural lipid barrier, which in turn improves the hydration levels within the epidermis, as water loss through the skin is minimised.

tocopheryl acetate

This rich salve contains high strength Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) and Polyhydroxy Acids (PHA) to exfoliate severe dry skin. Contains beeswax, skin conditioning oils and Vitamin E to reduce skin roughness on contact.

I have chosen this gentle exfoliating cleanser to tackle congestion within the skin. It contains resurfacing acids to unblock pores, reduce blemishes & blackheads, and smooth & brighten the skin.

Medik8’s best-selling cleanser, Surface Radiance Cleanse™, gently renews and purifies skin to reveal a soft, radiant complexion. This refreshing daily cleanser includes an exfoliating AHA/BHA complex of mandelic, lactic and salicylic acid  as well as glycerin for deep cleansing and pore refining, without any stinging or dryness. Infused with mangosteen and raspberry extracts to provide natural antioxidant protection and increase skin barrier function, Surface Radiance Cleanse thoroughly removes impurities to decongest the skin. Plus, with gentle daily exfoliation, visible signs of premature skin ageing are prevented and the complexion appears more even toned. The result is smooth, refined texture with luminous clarity.

Mandelic Acid

What is Mandelic Acid?

What does Mandelic Acid do?

Who is Mandelic Acid good for?

Who should avoid Mandelic Acid?

Mandelic Acid

What is Mandelic Acid?

What does Mandelic Acid do?

Who is Mandelic Acid good for?

Who should avoid Mandelic Acid?

Cleansers (3)

Treatments (3)