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Mandelic Acid 101: The Best Products to Try in 2025
It's a gem for treating acne, hyperpigmentation, *and* signs of aging.
When I started dealing with hormonal acne—not whiteheads I could cover with a spot treatment, but deeper, more persistent bumps—I quickly realized I needed something I could use daily, not just in emergencies. My skin is also dry and sensitive, so most acne products only made things worse. It wasn’t until I discovered mandelic acid that my skin finally started to shift.
If you’ve seen mandelic acid all over skincare TikTok and beauty shelves but still aren’t totally sure what it is or why it’s suddenly everywhere, here’s the deal: I’ve been using it consistently for months now, and my face has never looked better. It’s helped calm my breakouts, smooth my texture, and fade old acne scars, all without the irritation and dryness I used to get from other exfoliants.
Ahead, find everything you need to know about mandelic acid. Consider this your guide on what it is, how it works, who it’s best for, and the best mandelic acid serums and exfoliators to try now.
What is mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). You might know the more intense AHAs, like lactic or glycolic acid. But mandelic acid it’s known for being gentle and slower-acting, which is why it's a great choice for dry or reactive skin. And I’m far from the only fan. Dermatologist Heather Rogers, MD, and licensed esthetician Sofie Pavitt (who played a major role in popularizing mandelic acid in the U.S. market), both swear by it.
Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells to reveal fresh, healthy skin underneath. Its standout feature is its larger molecular size, which “leads to slower and shallower penetration into the skin and gentler exfoliation," explains Dr. Rogers. That slower absorption is exactly why it’s ideal for anyone who can’t tolerate stronger acids, but still wants to even out their skin tone and texture over time. Pavitt adds that "it also helps unclog pores and smooth rough texture, thanks to its exfoliating power."
Beyond exfoliation, mandelic acid comes with a long list of skin benefits. “It has antibacterial and sebum-regulating properties that help control breakouts like blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic acne,” says Dr. Rogers. It’s especially helpful for fading and preventing hyperpigmentation too. “Mandelic acid has melanin-regulating properties, which make it effective for treating acne marks, dark spots, and melasma,” Dr. Rogers adds. With consistent use, it can help reveal a clearer, more even complexion while also softening the appearance of fine lines.
Keep scrolling for our favorite mandelic acid skincare products, plus more answers about why the gentle exfoliant is having such a moment.
Pros
- Acne Award winner
- Also has hydrating ingredients
Cons
- A bit pricey for the size (but worth it IMO)
NYC's acne whisperer, Sofie Pavitt, launched her own line and it’s quickly become beloved for acneic skin. Her hero product is this Mandelic Clearing Serum that gently unclogs pores, smooths texture, and calms inflammation without irritating sensitive skin. It also has hyaluronic acid so it won't dry out your skin as it exfoliates. FWIW, the whole line won a Cosmo Acne Award for its ability to clear all types of breakouts, from whiteheads to hormonal bumps.
Mandelic acid percentage: 8%
One Cosmo editor says: "I use this every other night and it has truly done wonders for my hormonal acne. I have super dry skin, so I try to be minimal with my exfoliation, and this gentle serum is amazing and truly has cleared my chin up so much over the last few months. I could not recommend a mandelic more than this one."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
On the left, you can see my face with breakouts and irritation, and the photo on the right shows my skin after four months of consistent mandelic acid use.
Pros
- We love that it combines mandelic and lactic acid
- Gentle enough for daily use
Cons
- Those with dry skin might want to use extra moisturizer when using this
This formula is ideal for acne-prone skin, especially if you’re dealing with uneven texture and signs of aging. Mandelic and lactic acids work together to exfoliate dry, dead skin and goes a bit deeper, thanks to lactic acid's smaller molecule size. It's also great for addressing dullness and fine lines. Simply pour this on a cotton pad and swipe it across your face for a thorough exfoliation and brightened skin.
Mandelic acid percentage: 6%
One Cosmo editor says: "The combo of mandelic acid and lactic acid work together to smooth fine lines, fade dark spots, and improve the overall look of my skin and tone and texture but with legit zero irritation. I use it just like a toner after cleansing in the morning and at night, and my skin is honestly glowing."—LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Pros
- Non-sticky formula
- Doesn't irritate my sensitive skin
- Gentle enough for daily use
Cons
- Has a strong-ish citrus scent that I don't love
Clearstem is a skincare brand that’s the epitome of non-comedogenic—the bottle even promises no pore cloggers! This, obviously, makes it ideal for acne-prone skin types that break out at even the thought of a heavy ingredient. Clearity, the brand's daily exfoliating treatment, is a mandelic serum that targets breakouts, clogged pores, and uneven skin tone without irritating sensitive skin. It also uses pyruvic acid to exfoliate dead skin and help regulate oil for smoother, clearer skin, and it also has turmeric to help brighten any hyperpigmentation or dullness.
Mandelic acid percentage: 8%
One Cosmo editor says: "I've used Clearstem for years, but really got into their formulas when I realized they're all majorly acne-friendly (especially if you try to avoid all the top pore-clogging ingredients like I do). The CLEARITY Serum is one of their GOATs for sensitive, acne-prone skin. It's gentle and even soothes my skin a bit with aloe, but keeps my skin clear with mandelic acid."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Pros
- Love the thin consistency
- Can be patted on with your fingers or with a cotton round
- Hydrators help offset any potential dryness
Cons
- Should only be used once a week, max
If your skin needs a full reset, try using this Multi Acid Milk Peel once a week. It has mandelic acid, but also other AHAs like phytic, malic, glycolic, and lactic acids to help slough away dead skin. It's a bit strong for nightly use, so this is great for when your skin is in serious need of a full resurfacing.
Mandelic acid percentage: N/A
One Cosmo editor says: "I like to give my face a true exfoliation once a week to really keep my skin clean and smooth. But most everything is way too strong for my sensitive skin. Then, I tried this Prequel Milk Peel: an effective yet surprisingly tender chemical exfoliant. Aside from its AHAs, the milky liquid is packed with glycerin and squalane, so it helps moisturize a lil."—BG
Which is better: salicylic acid or mandelic acid?
Salicylic acid isn't better or worse than mandelic acid—they just work differently and serve different purposes. "Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates more deeply into pores than mandelic acid to remove excess oil and congestion," says Pavitt. "Salicylic acid remains the top choice for individuals with oily and acne-prone skin due to its exceptional ability to dissolve excess oil," explains Dr. Rogers, but it can be very drying when used at 1 percent or higher.
So, if you're acne-prone with sensitive skin like me, mandelic acid may be the better choice for you. People also like to compare retinol and mandelic acid, but again, neither one is better than the other. In fact, they're actually quite different. Retinol doesn't exfoliate; rather, it encourages cell turnover which helps regenerate new, bright, and even skin faster. This is why it's considered one of the most effective anti-aging and anti-acne ingredients in the skincare world, but it is notoriously harsh. If you have sensitive skin, retinol is often difficult to use without experiencing dryness, flaking, and/or redness.
Can you use mandelic acid every day?
"Mandelic acid is considered safe to use every day," says Dr. Rogers. If you're new to mandelic acid or have sensitive skin, it's wise to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage as your skin builds tolerance. But in general, mandelic acid is very gentle and safe to use nightly when followed with a moisturizer. "I recommend doing exfoliating or treatments at night and in the morning, using antioxidant treatments, like a vitamin C serum followed by a moisturizer and sunscreen," says Dr. Rogers.
Who should use mandelic acid?
Since mandelic acid is well-tolerated, it can be used by most people. It's even safe for people who are pregnant or nursing. Exceptions include people on Accutane (Pavitt says she never suggests exfoliation until a client has been off the drug for at least six months) and anyone with inflamed, irritated skin.
"Anyone who already has a lot of active ingredients in their routine should be cautious using mandelic acid as well," says Pavitt. If you're already using a retinol, try to incorporate a mandelic acid product on your off nights. Or if you're already using acne actives, like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid in the evening, Pavitt suggests slowly introducing mandelic acid into your morning routine every second or third day.
The takeaway:
Mandelic acid is a derm-favorite ingredient with a ton of impressive skincare benefits, including:
- Preventing and treating breakouts
- Fading hyperpigmentation
- Smoothing rough, uneven skin texture
- Softening the look of fine lines
Overall, mandelic acid is well-tolerated by most skin types and can be layered with other ingredients, making it an easy ingredient to incorporate into your existing skincare routine.
Meet the experts:
- Heather Rogers, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Seattle, WA. Dr. Rogers is the co-founder of Modern Dermatology and the CEO of Doctor Rogers Skin Care.
- Sofie Pavitt is a skincare expert and licensed esthetician based in New York, NY. Pavitt specializes in treating inflamed, breakout-prone skin with her bespoke treatments and Sofie Pavitt Face product line.
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
Lauren Balsamo is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the best sunscreens for sensitive skin to the best lasers for acne scars. She regularly works with the industry’s top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new skincare treatments, products, ingredients, and trends.
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant beauty editor at Cosmopolitan where she writes about all things skincare. As an acne-prone editor, she's tried nearly every serum and exfoliant out there. She relies on her mandelic acids for clear skin, and knows a thing or two about finding an effective formula.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
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