I’ve struggled with acne-prone skin from my teenage years through adulthood. After years of trying different AHAs, BHAs, spot treatments, and facials with mixed results, I finally found consistent clear skin with mandelic acid. Celebrity aesthetician Sofie Pavitt (known as the acne whisperer) has long recommended this gentle yet effective ingredient for breakouts, even creating her own serum—which has become my absolute favorite.
What makes mandelic acid special is that it clears zits, unclogs pores, and exfoliates without causing irritation—which is exactly why Pavitt developed her serum.
“Mandelic acid is my holy grail for acne,” Pavitt tells Vogue. “Many acne brands use salicylic acid because it’s FDA-approved for acne claims, but I find it too drying. Mandelic acid isn’t drying—it works on the skin’s surface to gently remove dead cells that contribute to breakouts.”
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose also notes that mandelic acid has been popular among dermatologists for years, though it may be gaining more attention now as consumers become more aware of its benefits.
### Vogue’s Top Mandelic Acid Picks
Best Overall: Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Clearing Serum
Price: $54
Why We Love It: I can’t say enough good things about this serum. After five months of use, my skin has never been clearer—without irritation or redness. Pavitt designed it for daily use, explaining, “Acne-prone skin sheds dead cells faster, so gentle daily exfoliation works best.”
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, panthenol, hyaluronic acid
Pros: Non-comedogenic, gentle for daily use, fast-absorbing
Cons: Higher price per ounce
Best Affordable: The Ordinary Mandelic Acid Serum
Price: $8
Why We Love It: Proof that great skincare doesn’t have to be expensive. This budget-friendly option still delivers smoother texture and brighter skin.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, sodium hyaluronate, mountain pepper extract
Pros: Non-comedogenic, soothing ingredients
Cons: Slightly oily/sticky texture for some
Best Cleanser: Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Cleanser
Price: $30
Why We Love It: A gentle cleanser with mandelic acid that brightens while cleansing.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, grape water
Pros: Non-drying, leaves skin refreshed
Cons: Higher price for a cleanser
Whether you’re dealing with acne, dullness, or congestion, mandelic acid could be the solution you’ve been looking for.Here’s a rewritten version of the text in fluent, natural English while keeping the meaning intact:
—
For anyone looking for gentle exfoliation, this product is ideal thanks to its mild AHA formula. Caudalie’s signature Viniferine (grapevine sap) helps brighten skin and reduce hyperpigmentation. It’s a daily option that’s both gentle and effective, leaving skin smoother and clearer without irritation.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, viniferine, grape seed oil, aloe vera
Type: Cleanser
How to Use: Apply 1-2 pumps, lather on your face, and let it sit for 30 seconds before rinsing. For sensitive skin, use no more than twice a week.
Size: 5.0 fl oz
Pros:
– Prebiotic-rich formula with soothing benefits
– Dermatologist-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, and vegan
Cons:
– Contains algin, which may clog pores for some
– Not fragrance-free
—
### Best Low pH: Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum
Price: $10 (Amazon)
Why We Love It: This affordable serum combines 10% mandelic acid, PHAs, and hyaluronic acid to refine, brighten, and soothe skin. Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends it for a clearer, smoother complexion. Its low pH helps maintain healthy skin.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid (10%), phytic acid, gluconolactone, hyaluronic acid
Type: Serum
How to Use: Apply a few drops at night, up to 4 times a week. Press onto clean skin, wait 30 seconds, then moisturize.
Size: 1 fl oz
Pros:
– Non-comedogenic
– Budget-friendly
Cons:
– May cause irritation for some
—
### Best Intensive Treatment: Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum
Price: $105 (Nordstrom)
Why We Love It: This powerful serum targets pigmentation and uneven tone with mandelic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and bakuchiol. Dr. Camp suggests using it sparingly, as it’s potent and may be too strong for sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, bakuchiol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Type: Overnight serum
How to Use: Shake well, apply 2-4 pumps to face and neck, and follow with moisturizer. Avoid sun exposure after use.
Size: 1 fl oz
Pros:
– Strong formula for hyperpigmentation and texture
– Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons:
– May be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin
—
### Best Spot Treatment: The Inkey List Mandelic Acid Treatment
Price: $10 (Amazon)
Why We Love It: This treatment fades post-breakout marks with 10% mandelic acid and 0.1% retinol, while glycerin keeps skin hydrated.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid (10%), retinol (0.1%), glycerin, vitamin E
Type: Spot treatment
How to Use: Apply a pea-sized amount to dark spots or blemishes.
Size: 0.5 fl oz
Pros:
– Non-comedogenic
– Affordable
Cons:
– May irritate sensitive skin
—
### Best Peel: M-61 Perfect Peel
Price: $36 (BlueMercury)
(Rest of the text continues similarly, maintaining clarity and simplicity.)
—
Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!Here’s a natural and fluent rewrite of your text while preserving the original meaning:
—
### Love It
This blend of lactic, mandelic, and salicylic acids gently removes dull skin, smooths texture, and refines pores and fine lines. Vitamin E hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier while protecting against environmental damage. Lavender and green tea extracts soothe the skin and provide mild anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s an all-in-one wipe for easy exfoliation.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, lavender extract, green tea extract, vitamin E
Type: Wipe-on peel
How to Use: Cleanse and dry your skin first. Glide one pad over your face, neck, and décolleté—avoiding the eye area. Follow with a moisturizer.
Size: 10 treatments per pack
Love It
✔ Pre-soaked towelettes are quick, convenient, and hygienic
✔ Free of parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances
Leave It
✘ The AHA blend may be too harsh for sensitive skin
✘ Some users report dryness after use
—
### Best Liquid Exfoliant: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant
Price: $37 (Amazon)
Why We Love It:
This AHA liquid exfoliant works like a toner but exfoliates like a peel. With 6% mandelic acid and 2% lactic acid, it brightens skin and fades discoloration without irritation. Yarrow root extract soothes and supports the skin barrier.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid (6%), lactic acid (2%), yarrow root extract
Type: Liquid exfoliant
How to Use: Apply 1-2 pumps to a cotton pad and swipe over face and neck.
Size: 3 fl oz
Love It
✔ A gentler alternative to Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant
Leave It
✘ May cause mild irritation
—
### Best With Fruit Enzymes: Naturium Mandelic Acid Serum
Price: $20 (Amazon)
Why We Love It:
This serum combines 12% mandelic acid with fruit extracts and niacinamide to gently exfoliate, brighten, and fade dark spots. Dr. Camp notes its higher concentration makes it more effective than many other options.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid (12%), niacinamide, fruit-derived AHAs, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
Type: Serum
How to Use: Shake well, then apply 1-2 drops to cleansed face, neck, and chest (avoiding eyes). Beginners should start twice weekly, increasing as tolerated.
Size: 1 fl oz
Love It
✔ Non-comedogenic
✔ Affordable
Leave It
✘ May irritate sensitive skin due to fruit enzymes
—
### Everything You Need to Know
Can you use mandelic acid daily?
Yes, but only once a day in one product. Dermatologist Noah Gratch explains that mandelic acid’s larger molecule size makes it gentler than glycolic or lactic acid, so it’s less likely to irritate. Low concentrations (5-10%) are safe for daily use.
What ingredients should you avoid with mandelic acid?
Dr. Camp advises caution when combining mandelic acid with other exfoliants (like AHAs, BHAs, or retinoids). Dr. Gratch warns that mixing harsh actives can over-exfoliate, leading to irritation—especially for sensitive skin. Instead, pair it with hydrating products. If you do mix exfoliants, do so sparingly.
—
Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!Is mandelic acid effective for treating acne?
“Mandelic acid works by exfoliating inside pores, clearing away dead skin cells that trap oil and bacteria. It also has antibacterial properties that help reduce acne-causing bacteria, keeping pores clear over time by regulating cell turnover,” explains Dr. Gratch. Additionally, its gentle anti-inflammatory effect soothes redness from breakouts—making it a safe choice even for those with rosacea or eczema.
### Meet the Experts:
– Dr. Brendan Camp, MD: A double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist practicing in New York and Long Island.
– Dr. Noah Gratch, MD: A board-certified dermatologist specializing in acne, eczema, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
– Sofie Pavitt: A New York–based licensed esthetician and skincare expert focused on problematic skin. Known as the “acne whisperer,” she recently launched her own product line, Sofie Pavitt Face.