Mandelic Acid: Men, This Is Your Perfect Ingredient

Acne, ingrown hairs, razor bumps, irritation. Men have their own skin issues. And we have an ingredient that takes on all of them with stellar results.

What’s different about male skin?

A man’s skin is about 25% thicker and has greater collagen density than a woman’s, which means it will age at a slightly slower pace. Men tend to experience more acne because they have more sebum-producing androgen hormones. However, men’s hormones level out in their twenties, so they experience less adult acne than women, whose hormones continue to affect their skin through most of their adult lives.

Men also have issues associated with shaving. It can irritate skin and cause ingrown hairs that spark the pigment production that leaves dark marks behind.

One ingredient that takes on all these issues, and it belongs in every man’s grooming kit. Meet Clinical Mandelic Acid.

Mandelic is an alpha hydroxy acid. Like its better-known counterpart, glycolic acid, mandelic exfoliates the skin by dissolving the cellular glue that binds dead skin cells. This creates micro-exfoliation that sloughs off skin’s outer layers to revive dull skin, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and fades excess pigment.

Mandelic has some other advantages to bring out your healthiest skin. It’s anti-microbial, so it kills acne bacteria and reduces the chances of ingrown hairs. It’s anti-inflammatory to help soothe razor bumps. And it suppresses the melanocytes that get activated by inflammation, so it works to fade dark marks left by previous breakouts or UV exposure. And it has a larger molecular structure than glycolic, so it’s absorbed more slowly by the skin, making it less irritating than other acids.

For overall improvement in tone and texture, mandelic acid is the MVP of AHAs.

What does Vivant recommend?

Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser
If there’s one product in the vivant line-up that is a must for every man, it’s Mandelic Acid 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser. It unclogs pores and prevents breakouts. It’s fresh without fuss. It’s non-irritating. It helps eliminate those ingrown hairs you sometimes get from shaving and fades dark marks and acne scars. This is number one in your kit.

Daily Repair Pads
Men tell us they love these pads for their simplicity and stellar results. The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory formula includes mandelic acid, zinc peptides, and salicylic acid in a textured pad to give you a hydrating mini-peel with every use. Clear cellular debris and oil, reduce the appearance of pores, prevent ingrown hairs, calm irritation, and promote smooth, healthy skin. And you can toss them in your gym bag or your travel carry-on for anywhere repair.

8% Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Serum
A serum is the workhorse of your skin care regimen. The cleanser and toner clear all the cellular debris, dirt, and oil so your serum can be optimally absorbed into the deeper layers of skin to work its magic. This serum accelerates cell turnover for smoother, clearer, and firmer skin texture. It targets pigmentation to encourage a brighter, more even skin tone.

A recent review left on our website sums up the magic of mandelic perfectly:

“The only products of their kind that actually work. The tightness, clarity, and overall glow is INSANE! I can't believe how my skin has changed. I'm really a believer in the power of mandelic acid. The investment was worth it.”
— Rakesh R.


For more tips especially for guys, watch our video on men’s skin care.