Recently, skincare treatments with mandelic acid are becoming increasingly popular. Gentle yet effective, it delicately exfoliates the skin while also possessing anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Let's explore together the various formulas that have incorporated mandelic acid.
Mandelic Acid: What are the treatments based on this fruit acid?
Summary
Published on February 13, 2023, updated on February 27, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 7 min of reading
Themes:
How does mandelic acid work?
Derived from the hydrolysis of bitter almonds, themandelic acid (INCI name: Mandelic Acid) is one of the gentlest AHAs. Indeed, due to its higher molecular weight compared to other AHAs, it penetrates less deeply and is distributed more slowly in the epidermis. In this way, it is less irritating and does not cause hyperpigmentation, depigmentation, or redness, thus allowing sensitive skin to benefit from its advantages.
It provides several benefits to the skin:
it eliminates dead cells;
It diminishes the appearance of fine lines;
It brightens the complexion;
It tightens enlarged pores;
It makes the skin texture smoother;
It reduces the appearance of brown spots on the skin, unifying the skin tone;
it stimulates cellular renewal;
It stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin;
It hydrates the skin by promoting the production of sebum;
It protects the skin from the attack of free radicals;
It enhances the absorption of other active ingredients;
it enhances the skin's elasticity;
It inhibits the growth of bacteria.
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What are the uses of mandelic acid?
Long confined to dermatological offices, it is now common to find mandelic acid in the ingredient list of skincare products designed for all skin types. These products typically contain an average of 5 to 10% mandelic acid. It is particularly incorporated into the following formulas:
Exfoliating masks/gels with a peeling effect. The reason? Thanks to its exfoliating action, mandelic acid is often used in the formulation of face masks to restore radiance to the complexion. It is particularly suitable for combination to oily skin or even dry skin with irregularities.
Anti-blemish treatments. Why? Serum, night cream, toning lotions... mandelic acid is highly effective in neutralizing blemishes (comedones, pimples...). It helps combination to oily skin, prone to imperfections, to get rid of impurities, bacteria, and dead cells that can clog pores. The pores are thus unclogged and the presence of blackheads is then reduced in the long term.
Depigmenting serums, anti-brown spot treatments. Sun spots, melasma, hyperpigmentation caused by skin eruptions... whether it's for the skin of the face or body, themandelic acid can be used to fade the appearance of brown spots. It is even found in anti-dark circle treatments.
Care for mature skin. The explanation? In this type of care, themandelic acid is valued for its smoothing, anti-spot, firming, and hydrating effects (stimulation of sebum production).
Hygiene products such as micellar water, makeup removers, cleansing gels, shower gels... The rationale? For a deep cleansing and enhanced penetration for other active ingredients.
Themandelic acid can also be incorporated into hair care products such as shampoos or hair lotions..., particularly to control flaking and thus soothe the itching of the scalp that accompanies dandruff.
Mandelic acid in Typology skincare.
Aware of the powers of themandelic acid as a skin care ingredient, we have incorporated this active component into two of our flagship products: the face peeling mask and the exfoliating night cream. With their natural and organic compositions, they effectively accompany your daily routine to help you achieve clear, smooth, and radiant skin.
The AHA peeling mask.
A multi-purpose treatment, the gel-mask can be used to gently exfoliate the skin. Thanks to a formula that combines a complex of 4 AHA (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid) and 1 PHA (gluconolactone), it refines the skin texture, stimulates cellular renewal, and unclogs pores. The exfoliating and anti-bacterial properties of the AHAs are complemented by soothing ingredients such as bisabolol and green tea extract (INCI name: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract). After each application, the complexion is brighter, the skin texture is smoother and refined, and the pores are tightened.
What is the correct action to take?
On clean and dry skin, one to two times per week, apply a semi-thick layer of the exfoliating mask over the entire face, avoiding the eye contour, and neck, then let it act for 10 minutes, before rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
The exfoliating night cream.
Composed of exfoliating and antioxidant agents, the exfoliating night cream is a 2-in-1 treatment that gently exfoliates and deeply hydrates the skin. This treatment, to be applied every evening, stimulates cellular renewal in order to reduce pore size, smooth the skin, reduce the presence of blackheads, all while restoring the complexion's radiance.
The exfoliating virtues of fruit acids, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid, provide a gentle peel to the epidermis.True lavender essential oil (INCI name: Lavandula Augustifolia (Lavender) Oil), on the other hand, purifies the skin and contributes to its regeneration. Finally, thepink grapefruit extract (INCI name: Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract) revitalizes tired skin thanks to its composition of fruit acids and flavonoids.
What is the right action to take?
As the final step in a skincare routine, take a small amount of the product and apply it in upward motions across the entire face and neck. Due to its exfoliating properties, it is recommended to use it only once a day, preferably in the evening.
