15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
1 OZ

1 OZ
$110.00
Virtual Consultation Suggested
MADE IN THE USA

#1 Dermatologist-recommended Clinical Mandelic Acid 

This high-strength serum delivers enhanced exfoliation with Clinical Mandelic Acid to promote a clearer, brighter, and smoother complexion. Designed for Oily Skin types, it supports the appearance of even skin tone with gentle exfoliation that helps smooth skin and promote the look of a more even skin tone.  Perfect for stubborn blemish-prone skin, uneven looking tone, and visible signs of aging.

Active Intensive

Skin Types: Normal, Combination, Oily
Skin Tones: All
Ideal for: Thicker Skin, including the back

Virtual Consultation Suggested
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WHAT YOU'LL SEE
Firmer, brighter, more even skin tone and texture. Gentle exfoliation reduces the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and acne impactions. 

WHAT YOU'LL FEEL
Micro-exfoliation is normal. If dryness or irritation occurs, reduce frequency before resuming daily use.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Mandelic Acid gently exfoliates for a more even tone. Excellent alternative to Glycolic Acid for dark skin tones. This formula contains alcohol to help deliver active ingredients effectively while ensuring a lightweight, fast-absorbing feel.

  • Helps reduce the appearance of blemishes
  • Clarifies and helps minimize the look of pores
  • Brightens skin tone
  • Softens the look of fine lines
  • Reduces the appearance of post-acne marks
  • Refines the appearance of skin texture
  • Formulated by a renowned Dermatologist and PhD biochemist
  • Over 25 years of clinical use 
  • Formulated with non-comedogenic ingredients
  • Made in the USA with USP ingredients (United States Pharmacopeia-grade ingredients meeting strict standards for quality and consistency.)

DR. FULTON'S NOTES

“Super efficient and potent, Clinical Mandelic Acid epitomizes what I consider to be modern skin care innovation at its best.  In my opinion, Clinical Mandelic Acid is  one of the best modalities to come along since I developed vitamin A acid (tretinoin, Retin-A) in 1969.”

HOW TO USE/ DIRECTIONS

  • When to use: AM or PM, Regimen Step 3
  • Can be used on: face, neck, back, and chest 
  • Start usage every other day for two weeks by applying over the entire area (no spot treating). After two weeks, apply daily. Mild irritation is normal. if this occurs, skip a few days and restart every other day.

PRO TIPS AND USAGE NOTES:

  • Allow skin to acclimate to 8% Mandelic Acid Serum before using 15% Mandelic Acid Serum, unless the skin is very oily.
  • Avoid sun exposure. If exposed to the sun, wear a hat and repeat sunscreen application every 2 hours.

KEY INGREDIENT DEVELOPED BY DR. JAMES E . FULTON

Clinical Mandelic Acid: A uniquely profiled Alpha-Hydroxy Acid pioneered by Dr. Fulton to address multiple visible concerns in all skin tones. Provides gentle exfoliation and helps clarify the look of breakout-prone and congested skin, supporting a smoother, more refined, and even-toned appearance.

OTHER KEY INGREDIENTS:

Lactic Acid: A gentle Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that helps exfoliate the skin’s surface, promoting a refined texture. It acts as a humectant to attract and retain moisture, supporting hydrated, soft, and smoother-looking skin.

Urea: A naturally occurring humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping maintain optimal hydration.

Sodium PCA: A component of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor that helps maintain hydration and protect skin’s moisture barrier against environmental stressors.

Niacinamide: A form of Vitamin B3 that helps even skin tone, soothes skin, and aids in the appearance of firmness.

Inositol: Part of the Vitamin B family, it helps retain moisture, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the look of uneven tone. It’s valued in advanced formulas for visible skin renewal.

Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., Water, Propylene Glycol, Clinical Mandelic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Glycine, Fructose, Urea, Niacinamide, Inositol, Sodium Benzoate, Lactic Acid

In line with Vivant’s commitment to innovation and regulatory compliance, website ingredient lists may vary slightly from the product packaging.  For the most accurate ingredients, refer to your product packaging.

KEY INGREDIENTS

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KEY INGREDIENT: Developed by Dr. James E. Fulton Learn More

Clinical Mandelic Acid

A uniquely profiled alpha-hydroxy acid pioneered by Dr. Fulton to address multiple visible concerns in all skin tones. Provides gentle exfoliation and helps clarify the look of breakout-prone and congested skin, supporting a smoother, more refined, and even-toned appearance.
Image Placeholder

Lactic Acid

A gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps exfoliate the skin’s surface, promoting a refined texture. It acts as a humectant to attract and retain moisture, supporting hydrated, soft, and smoother-looking skin.
Image Placeholder

Urea

A naturally occurring humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping maintain optimal hydration.
Image Placeholder

Sodium PCA

A component of the skin’s natural moisturizing factor that helps maintain hydration and support skin’s moisture barrier against environmental stressors.
Image Placeholder

Niacinamide

A form of vitamin B3 that helps even skin tone, soothes skin, and aids in the appearance of firmness.
Image Placeholder

Inositol

Part of the Vitamin B family. Helps retain moisture, helps improve skin elasticity, and reduces the appearance of uneven tone. It’s valued in advanced formulas for visible skin renewal.

Before & Afters
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)
15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II)

Q: Who is this serum for?
A
:15% Mandelic Acid Serum is for skin already acclimated to the 8% formula. It’s ideal for oily or resistant skin types and for darker skin tones that are more prone to discoloration.

Q: When should I move up from 8% to 15%?
A
: Once you’ve used 8% consistently for 6–12 weeks without tingling, peeling, or other signs of irritation, and you’d like to intensify your results, you can switch to the 15% formula. 

Q: How does it help with dark spots?
A
: The higher concentration provides more intensive exfoliation, helping fade the look of existing dark spots and minimize new discoloration. Over time, skin looks brighter and more even.

Q: Can it help blemish-prone skin?
A
: Yes. Its gentle exfoliation helps clear surface buildup that can clog pores, supports a more balanced complexion, and helps reduce the look of post-blemish marks.

Q: What about signs of aging?
A
: Regular use helps soften the look of fine lines, refine skin texture, and revive dullness for smoother, more radiant-looking skin.

Q: Is it good for skin that tends to be sensitive or dark skin tones?
A
: Mandelic Acid absorbs slowly, which helps reduce the chance of irritation, making it a smart option for skin that tends to be easily irritated and darker skin tones that can be prone to discoloration.

Q: How is it different from other exfoliating acids?
A
: Mandelic Acid has a larger molecule than Glycolic Acid, so it penetrates more slowly and is less likely to irritate. Plus, this formula includes Niacinamide, Lactic Acid, and urea for extra hydration, barrier support, and texture refinement.

VIRTUAL CONSULTATION

Finding the right skincare routine can sometimes be overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure things out alone. Vivant’s complimentary online consultations connect you with a licensed aesthetician who understands the science of skin and can help target your specific concerns and build a regimen that’s right for you.

No fees, no pressure, no minimum purchase — just professional insight to help you achieve your skincare goals.

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VIRTUAL CONSULTATION

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Customer Reviews

Based on 79 reviews
92%
(73)
8%
(6)
0%
(0)
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(0)
C
CHARMIE P. (Philadelphia, US)
Satisfaction: Great
What is your concern?: Hyperpigmentation, Anti-aging
Age: 55-64
What is your skin tone?: Medium, White to Olive - sometimes mild burn, gradually tans to olive
Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend to a friend
Location: Maryland

amazing

Dear Charmie,

Thank you for leaving us such a positive review! We are glad to hear that you are loving our 15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II). This alcohol based serum is perfect for those with oily and resistant skin. We hope you continue seeing improvement in your skin's texture and tone!

The Vivant Team

C
Catherine C. (Mexico City, MX)
Satisfaction: Great
What is your concern?: Acne, Hyperpigmentation
Age: 45-54
What is your skin tone?: Olive, Moderate Brown - rarely burns, tans with ease to a moderate brown
Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend to a friend
Location: New York
No issues

So far so good no irritation I haven’t seen a difference but little break outs. Hopefully it works

Dear Catherine,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for our 15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II). We are so glad to hear that you haven't experienced any irritation and that it's working well for you. This serum is perfect for correcting resistant oily skin, and we hope it continues to work for you.

To see optimal results, we recommend using this serum in the morning and incorporating a Vitamin A corrector in the evening. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to hearing about your progress.

The Vivant Team

D
Dorothy L. (Richmond, US)
Satisfaction: Great
What is your concern?: Acne
Age: 18-24
What is your skin tone?: Medium, White to Olive - sometimes mild burn, gradually tans to olive
Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend to a friend
Location: Virginia
Excellent

Wonderful product for clearing pimples

Dear Dorothy,
Thank you so much for your kind words about our 15% Mandelic Acid Serum (Level II). We're thrilled to hear that it's been helping with clearing your pimples. That's exactly what we designed it for! In fact, Mandelic Acid helps treats not only acne, but hyperPigmentation and aging as well! Thank you for choosing Vivant and we hope to continue exceeding your expectations.

The Vivant Team

D
Deja V. (Natick, US)
Satisfaction: Great
What is your concern?: Acne, Hyperpigmentation, Preventive care
Age: 18-24
What is your skin tone?: Light, Pale White - always burns, never tans
Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend to a friend
Location: MA
Best AHA in the market

Never wrote reviews in my life. However, this serum changed my skincare routine and my skin. If you struggle with acne, closed comedones, dark spots, etc. This will help a lot. It is not irritating at all like other exfoliation in the market and you can see results quickly within weeks. You should hydrate the skin carefully as you go as well.

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review for our 15% Mandelic Acid Serum. We are thrilled to hear that it has made such a positive impact on your skincare routine and helped with issues such as acne, closed comedones, and dark spots. Mandelic is a very gentle AHA so it tends to be less harsh on the skin, all while being extremely effective. We appreciate your support and hope to continue providing you with effective products.

The Vivant Team

P
Perri P. (Salisbury, US)
Satisfaction: Great
What is your concern?: Hyperpigmentation
Age: 35-44
What is your skin tone?: Brown, Dark Brown - very rarely burns, tans very easily
Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend to a friend
Definitely works for hyperpigmentation

I became acclimated to Mandelic 8% and noticed my hyperpigmentation was getting worse. I tried the 15% acid and it quickly changed my pigmentation after 1 week. I did go through a purge and the hyperpigmentation darkened greatly. After about 5 days, I began to peel. Once the peeling subsided, lighter skin was revealed with satisfying improvement. FYI it is a very spicy serum even with full acclimation to the 8% concentration. Beware of massive tingling.

Dear Perri,

We are very happy to learn that you love the 15% Mandelic Acid Serum. Yes, the 15% mandelic Acid Serum is stronger, so we recommended for oily or resistant skin. Ideal for skin acclimated to the 8% mandelic Acid serum and skin sensisitve to Benzoyl Peroxide.

The 15% Mandelic Acid Serum generates new collagesm and it is an antibacterial. Is an advanced formula trifecta, targeting acne, aging and irregular skin pgmentation. Exfoliates, clarifies, refines and retextures skin without the harsh irritation or post inflammatory hyperigmentation associated with other AHA.

We hope that you continue enjoying the Serum and other Vivant Products.

The Vivant Team