Mandelic Acid Serum: The Best Exfoliant for Acne-Prone + Sensitive Skin
- Jillian Blair
- Jun 17, 2025
- 2 min read
Looking for an exfoliating serum that won’t freak your skin out? Enter: Mandelic Acid. This underrated AHA gently smooths texture, fades dark spots, and helps keep breakouts at bay, without the irritation.
What is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds. Unlike glycolic acid, it has a larger molecular size, meaning it penetrates more slowly and is way less irritating to sensitive, acne-prone skin.
It’s exfoliating, antibacterial, and ideal for clearing breakouts
Helps fade dark marks and smooth out bumpy texture
Safe for deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI)
What Does Mandelic Acid Serum Do?
If you’re dealing with acne, scarring, or texture, mandelic acid works below the surface to:
Remove dead skin cells and unclog pores
Calm inflammation and reduce active breakouts
Brighten skin and fade post-acne marks (PIH)
Balance oil production
Improve skin tone and texture over time
Our Top Pick:
Face Reality Mandelic Serum (5%, 8%, or 11%)
Why? It's acne-safe and tested on real skin. We've been using it for years! It helps reduce congestion and hyperpigmentation and one of my favorite things about this serum is that it comes in different strengths that make it great for beginners and advanced skincare warriors.
This product is a staple in our acne clearing programs for a reason. It works!
Is Mandelic Serum Right for Me?
Use it if:
You have acne or clogged pores
You struggle with dark spots or PIH
Your skin reacts to other acids (like glycolic or salicylic)
You want a gentle, exfoliating glow
How to Use Mandelic Serum
Get a consultation
and make sure it works with your skin regimen
Cleanse skin
Apply 1-2 pumps of mandelic serum to dry skin
Follow with a moisturizer and SPF every morning
Start 2-3x a week, then increase as your skin tolerates
Ready to Mandelic?
Start low (5% is perfect for beginners) and always pair with sunscreen daily. This is a slow and steady kind of glow and 100% worth the wait.
Only Available from an Acne Expert It's always recommended to speak with a trained specialist (like me) or schedule a virtual consultation to get a full assessment and recommendation for what you need to achieve your skincare goals.
Book Virtual Consultation here
Shop Face Reality Mandelic Serum here
Your skin barrier will thank you later!
BONUS!
Tools to Support Your Serum Routine (that I adore)
Travel-Safe Serum Pouch Leak Proof Protection and
Serum Applicator Glides serum across skin evenly, no waste.
TL;DR
Mandelic Acid is your gentle-but-powerful BFF if you’re dealing with acne, post-breakout marks, or textured skin.No drama. No sting. Just smooth, calm, clear vibes.