Mandelic acid is an exfoliating ingredient that you need to know about.
Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid is a super gentle AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) that actively treats the skin without causing redness and irritation.
Like all AHAs, mandelic acid is a chemical exfoliant that dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells to increase cell turnover, strengthen collagen production, and correct pigmentation. The gentle acid also boasts antibacterial properties and helps regulate sebum production, making it a great ingredient for controlling acne.
Mandelic acid has a larger molecular structure than glycolic and salicylic acid, enabling it to penetrate the skin at a slower rate, causing less irritation. However, this slow speed doesn't mean mandelic acid lacks power. It is actually the only AHA that treats the skin’s deeper layers, enabling it to prevent the melanin production that can cause pigmentation problems.
There are some impressive beauty treatments and products on the market that utilise this glorious ingredient. However the most popular for at-home use are mandelic acid peels.
One of the best affordable options is the Pharmaceris T Sebo-Almond Peel Exfoliating Night Cream (£13.40 escentual.com). Containing 10% mandelic acid, this lightweight cream gently exfoliates dead skin cells, unblocking and cleaning out pores. It also helps alleviate acne lesions and accelerates regeneration of the epidermis, reducing the risk of acne scar formation and skin discolourations. By exfoliating and regenerating the epidermis, the Pharmaceris T Sebo-Almond Peel is able to minimise the signs of ageing by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving texture, and helping to brighten skin.
One of the best affordable options is the Pharmaceris T Sebo-Almond Peel Exfoliating Night Cream (£13.40 escentual.com). Containing 10% mandelic acid, this lightweight cream gently exfoliates dead skin cells, unblocking and cleaning out pores. It also helps alleviate acne lesions and accelerates regeneration of the epidermis, reducing the risk of acne scar formation and skin discolourations. By exfoliating and regenerating the epidermis, the Pharmaceris T Sebo-Almond Peel is able to minimise the signs of ageing by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving texture, and helping to brighten skin.
For those with a bigger budget, I recommend the new and improved Dr Dennis Gross Overnight Texture Renewal Peel (£79 cultbeauty.co.uk). This potent powerhouse combines retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid to work some serious magic while you sleep. The ingredients work together to correct pigmentation, increase cell turnover, and protect skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors. They also thicken and strengthen the epidermis and dermis for stronger, healthier, and more youthful-looking skin. The Overnight Texture Renewal Peel also includes cucumber extract to soothe and protect the skin, as well as squalane and hyaluronic acid to ensure it remains well hydrated.