The Regimen

Mandelic Acid: The Miracle Molecule

Studio photo of Vivant's mandelic acid cleansers, toners, and serums.

What do you do when you want potency, but you don’t want anything too aggressive? You fall in love with mandelic acid, the multi-tasking, miracle molecule that takes on everything from acne to aging with fierce but gentle efficiency.

 

Gently Resurfaces

Like other alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), mandelic acid is a chemical exfoliant that removes the top layer of dead cells to reveal healthy new skin. But mandelic acid is gentler than other acids because it has the largest molecular structure of all the AHAs. Why does that matter? Because the size of the molecule controls the rate of absorption. Larger molecules are slower to get past the skin barrier, which means less chance of irritation.

 

Clears and Prevents Breakouts

Antibacterial properties give mandelic acid an edge over other acids for clearing and controlling acne. It doesn’t just decongest pores; it also kills the acne bacteria inside the pore. It’s also anti-fungal, so you can use it to prevent ingrown hairs and help heal rosacea, which many dermatologists now believe has a fungal component.

 

Brightens

Mandelic acid is a natural brightener that works both at the cellular level and on the surface. As a tyrosinase inhibitor, mandelic acid blocks the enzyme that stimulates melanin production to keep excess pigment from making it to the surface. As an accelerator of cell turnover, mandelic acid disperses existing pigment through the process of exfoliation. Mandelic acid is ideal for dark skin tones prone to hyperpigmentation because of its gentle, non-triggering action.

 

Repairs Photodamaged Skin

Brightening and cell renewing mandelic acid is also a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, making it a powerhouse of repair and regeneration. For skin that’s beginning to show the accumulation of UV exposure, mandelic acid can smooth fine lines and fade dark spots. 

 

Who Should Use Mandelic Acid?

The beauty of mandelic acid is that it works for all skin types and tones. Skin too sensitive for glycolic acid? Mandelic is a powerful but gentle exfoliating acid. Prone to hyperpigmentation? Mandelic’s larger molecular structure means it’s absorbed more slowly, so it won’t trigger inflammatory pigmentation. Acneic skin? Mandelic is antibacterial and antimicrobial. Mature skin? Mandelic promotes cellular renewal to smooth fine lines and brighten dark spots. Pregnant? Mandelic safely takes on all your pregnancy-related skin issues, including melasma.

 

Benefits of Mandelic Acid

  • Micro-Exfoliation Minus the Irritation
  • Gently Resurfaces
  • Smooths Fine Lines
  • Brightens and Evens Tone
  • Clears and Prevents Blemishes
  • Safe For All Skin Types and Tones
  • Promotes Smooth, Healthy Even Tone
  • Pregnancy-Safe

 

Recommended Products

Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Exfoliating Cleanser

Antioxidant, antimicrobial, melanin-suppressing, and exfoliating formula for the ultimate healthy and brightening cleanse. 

 

Daily Repair Pads

Mandelic acid-based AHA and BHA cocktail, plus hydrators and healers for a glow-boosting mini-peel in a pad.


Skin Nourishing Toner  

Mandelic acid, niacinamide, rosehip oil, green tea extract, and kiwi extract make this an ultra-nourishing formula. Protects against environmental stressors and enhances serum absorption for accelerated results.

 

9% Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Toner

Advanced brightening and clarifying treatment booster targeting acne, aging, and hyperpigmentation. 

 

8% Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Serum

The starter corrector formula for consistently clear skin and bright, even tone without irritation.


15% Mandelic Acid 3-In-1 Serum

An advanced corrector formula for clarity, brightness, firm tone, and smooth texture.

 

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