Mandelic Acid

Mandelic Acid

AKA “dl-Mandelic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid, Phenylglycolic acid, Paramandelic acid, Amygdalic acid, Uromaline, Racemic mandelic acid, Phenylhydroxyacetic acid”

Acid

Ingredient Facts

Mandelic acid

AKA: Dl-Mandelic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid, Phenylglycolic acid, Paramandelic acid, Amygdalic acid, Uromaline, Racemic mandelic acid, Phenylhydroxyacetic acid

Acid · Antimicrobial · EWG: 1

Synthetic

Exfoliant

Preservative

Soothing

Skin Conditioner

Chemical Exfoliant

Acid

Clean

Mandelic Acid is a gentle exfoliant that helps clear skin by removing dead cells and reducing bacteria buildup. It's ideal for sensitive skin types.

Formula

C8H8O3

Mol. Weight

152.15

CAS #

90-64-2

Form

Liquid

State

Pellets or Large Crystals; Liquid

See origin →

Functions

Antimicrobial

Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.

Exfoliating

Removes dead skin cells so fresh ones can come through. Chemical exfoliants (acids) are generally gentler than physical scrubs.

Skin Conditioning

A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.

Soothing

Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation. Your skin's chill pill — great for sensitive, reactive, or post-procedure skin.

Supports cell turnover

Evens pigmentation

Smooths skin texture

Traditional Use

Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid was first isolated in the 19th century. Used historically as a gentler alternative to other hydroxy acids, gaining popularity in modern skincare in the 1990s-2000s for its exfoliating and antibacterial properties, particularly for sensitive skin.