Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds. It’s an AHA that’s been mostly studied for use with acne.

AHAs are natural and synthetic ingredients that provide skin care benefits ranging from exfoliation to increasing hydration and firmness.

Other types of AHAs found in skin care lines include glycolic acid and citric acid.

Benefits of mandelic acid
Gentle on the skin
One main benefit of mandelic acid is that it may be more gentle on the skin compared to other AHAs. This makes it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin.

This gentleness seems to be due to mandelic acid being one of the largest AHAs, and as a result, it penetrates the skin at a slower rate. This makes it less irritating on the skin.

Accelerates cell turnover
Mandelic acid accelerates cell turnover and functions as a powerful exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. For this reason, mandelic acid is found in some chemical peels.

Promotes collagen production
Mandelic acid also improves skin appearance because it promotes collagen production, which is the main protein found in skin and connective tissue.

Results from using mandelic acid vary from person to person, but some people anecdotally notice a difference in their complexion and appearance after a couple of weeks.