8% Mandelic Acid Serum
1 OZ

1 OZ
$84.00
MADE IN THE USA

A clarifying serum best for breakout-prone, uneven-looking skin, visible discoloration, excess oil and congestion.

 

Unlike traditional exfoliating acids that can leave skin looking stripped or irritated, Mandelic Acid’s larger molecular structure allows for gradual exfoliation while supporting skin balance and visible clarity.  Developed by Dr. James E. Fulton, Vivant’s Clinical Mandelic Acid technology was created specifically for skin prone to visible congestion, discoloration, and uneven texture. The formula is designed to work within Vivant’s protocol-based system, where each step enhances the performance of the next.

Active

Skin Types: Normal, Combination, Oily
Skin Tones: All
Ideal For: Oily and Acne-Prone skin with Uneven Tone.

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WHAT YOU’LL SEE
Firmer, brighter, more even skin tone and texture. Gentle exfoliation helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and blemishes. 

WHAT YOU’LL FEEL 
Micro-exfoliation is normal. If excessive drying occurs, skip a few days and restart every other day.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Mandelic Acid is the gentlest AHA. Excellent alternative to glycolic acid for dark skin tones.

  • Helps reduce the appearance of blemishes
  • Clarifies and helps minimize the look of pores
  • Brightens skin tone
  • Softens the look of fine lines and refines skin texture
  • Reduces the appearance of post-acne marks
  • Alcohol-free formula
  • Formulated by a renowned dermatologist and PhD biochemist
  • Over 25  years of clinical use
  • Non-comedogenic formula 
  • 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:

  • Use a Vivant Toner prior to application of 8% Mandelic Acid Serum to enhance your product absorption.
  • Avoid sun exposure. If exposed to the sun, wear a hat and repeat sunscreen application every 2 hours.
  • Excellent alternative to Benzoyl Peroxide for breakout-prone, delicate, or unevenly toned skin.

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

Ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Clinical Mandelic Acid, Niacinamide, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Glycine, Fructose, Urea, 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.
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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
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum
8% Mandelic Acid Serum

Q: Who is this serum for?
A:
8% Mandelic Acid Serum is the perfect starting point if you’re new to Mandelic Acid. It’s gentle, effective, and suitable for all skin types and tones—especially darker skin tones prone to uneven tone. It helps to soften the look of dark spots, smooth texture, and refresh your complexion.

Q: How does it help with the appearance of dark spots?
A:
8% Mandelic Acid Serum’s gentle exfoliation supports natural skin renewal without extra irritation. Over time, it helps visibly reduce the look of dark spots and helps prevent the new appearance of uneven tone for a brighter, more even-looking complexion.  

Q: Can I use it with retinoids?
A:
Yes. Mandelic Acid helps prep the skin, supporting better absorption of Retinoids,  and together they help improve the appearance of skin texture and radiance. Use 8% Mandelic Acid in the morning and your Retinoid at night for the best balance.

Q: Can I use 8% Mandelic Acid with Vitamin C?
A:
Yes. Together, they support brightness and clarity. If your skin is resilient, layer them in the same routine. For skin that tends to be easily irritated, alternate days to keep things comfortable.

Q: Is Mandelic Acid good for blemish-prone skin?
A:
Yes. Mandelic Acid helps keep pores clear of oil and debris, supporting a balanced, clearer-looking complexion—without the harshness of stronger acids.

Q: When will I see results?
A:
Most people notice smoother, fresher-looking skin in 2–4 weeks, with results building over time.

Q: When should I move up to 15%?
A:
Once you’ve used 8% consistently for 6–12 weeks without tingling or peeling, and want stronger results, the 15% formula is the next step. If you’re happy with 8%, there’s no need to switch.

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

VIRTUAL CONSULTATION

Customer Reviews

Based on 121 reviews
96%
(116)
2%
(3)
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C
Christa N. (Macon, US)
Satisfaction: Great
What is your concern?: Anti-aging
Age: 45-54
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: Georgia

Love this product. I used it a year or so ago but stopped to try another brand. Big mistake.

Dear Christa,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We are so glad you decided to return to Vivant and give our 8% Mandelic Acid Serum another try. We appreciate you recognizing the quality of our ingredients and the superior results they provide. We are happy to hear that the serum is helping improve the clarity of your skin. Whether your concerns are acne, aging, or hyperpigmentation, this is the product for you! Thank you for being a loyal customer!

The Vivant Team

R
Rosio R. (Fresno, US)
Satisfaction: Great
What is your concern?: Acne, Hyperpigmentation, Anti-aging, Preventive care
Age: 25-34
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: CA
Finally!!

I’ve been using this face serum for a month now and my skin has not looking this good in so long! My acne scars are clearing up and it also helps minimize any new breakouts that emerge. I really only have been using tower 28 face spray, this serum, and à la roche pose face moisturizer. It has been a game changer!

Dear Rosio,

We're so glad to hear that our 8% Mandelic Acid Serum has been a game changer for your skin. It's great to know that it's helping with your acne scars and preventing new breakouts. Our serum is a gentle yet effective water-based formula, safe for all skin tones and types, that targets acne-causing bacteria and hyperpigmentation while also boosting collagen production. Thank you for sharing your experience with us! Keep glowing!

The Vivant Team

K
Kate N. (Fullerton, US)
Satisfaction: Great
What is your concern?: Acne
Age: 18-24
What is your skin tone?: White, Fair - usually burns, tans
Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend to a friend
Location: CA
Actually It works!

"I have tried several products with the same ingredients but 100% different quality. Vivant gives me the best result. Do not be fooled by the cheap options; not every 'Mandelic Acid' is the same."

Dear Kate,

Thank you so much for your amazing review! We are happy to learn that you love the 8% Mandelic Acid Serum. Yes, our Mandelic is USP, meets quality and purity of the standards set by the US. Dr. Fulton, Vivant's Founder, always used USP in his clinics and we have maintained the same high standards set by him.

Thank you for choosing Vivant and we appreciate your support and loyalty!

The Vivant Team

A
Annmarie G. (Indianapolis, US)
Satisfaction: Great
What is your concern?: Acne, Hyperpigmentation, Anti-aging
Age: 55-64
What is your skin tone?: White, Fair - usually burns, tans
Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend to a friend
Location: IN
Love Love Love

I’ve been using this mandelic acid for about 8 years. I will use it the rest of my life. I break out without it and I’m 58! Keeps wrinkles at bay and my skin looking youthful.

Dear Annmarie,

We are thrilled to learn that you love the 8% Mandelic Acid Serum and that you have been using for some many years. With the 8% Mandelic Acid Serum you can expect a reduction in signs of aging, firmer, brighter, more even skin tone and textue, refinement of pores. Mandelic is also great for acne as it is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and promotes collagen and elastin.

Thank you so much for choosing Vivant and we hope to continue providing you with great results.

The Vivant Team!

C
Cassie G. (Saint Augustine, US)
Satisfaction: Great
What is your concern?: Acne
Age: 35-44
What is your skin tone?: White, Fair - usually burns, tans
Recommendation: Yes, I would recommend to a friend
Location: Fl
Great so far!

I have hormonal acne with cysts appearing on my neck and chin area. I recently started using this and have seen a huge decrease in my inflammation and the occurrence of chin acne. My skin also appears more even

Dear Cassie,

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for our 8% Mandelic Acid Serum. We are thrilled to hear that it has helped decrease inflammation and acne on your chin and neck area. Our serum is specifically formulated to target hormonal acne and we are glad to see it is working for you.

We would like to suggest adding a retinoid to your skincare regimen for even better results. Our team would be more than happy to assist you in creating a complete regimen tailored to your specific skin concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out to us for any assistance.

Thank you again for choosing our 8% Mandelic Acid Serum and we hope to continue providing you with great results.

Best,
The Vivant Team