The best mandelic acid serums stand apart from the other most commonly known alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs). This unique ingredient gently exfoliates and brightens skin by removing dead skin cells, and even has antibacterial properties that make it great for acne-prone skin. “Because the mandelic acid molecule is larger than other AHAs, it penetrates more slowly, which significantly reduces irritation and makes it an excellent choice for treating hyperpigmentation in sensitive complexions and melanated skin tones,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey.
To find the very best formulas, we tapped Glamour contributors for their favorites, and asked dermatologists what serums they recommend to their patients the most. Our top overall pick is derm-approved The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Serum because it’s gentle and helps clarify acne marks, dullness, and dark spots over the span of a few weeksWe also found soothing options for redness-prone skin, ones particularly great for calming active acne, and more.
The best mandelic acid serums, at a glance
Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum
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Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum
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Irene Forte Apricot Penta-Acid Polish With PHA and Quadruple AHA Complex
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We tested mandelic acid serums by evaluating texture (watery liquids, gels, and oils), how well they incorporated into our routines, and overall efficacy. The best ones had gentle, lightweight textures that quickly absorbed into skin and played well with other products. Our testers evaluated whether they minimized discoloration, dark spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation without drying out or stripping the skin. The best ones gently exfoliated for brighter skin, calmed active breakout areas, and smoothed skin texture.
Best Overall: The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid
“This is a classic, accessible leave-on serum. It has a 10% concentration of mandelic acid which gives it real exfoliating power, but the hyaluronic acid in the formula helps keep skin hydrated, so the formula isn’t too aggressive,” says Hope Mitchell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology. Dr. Rambhia particularly recommends this if you deal with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, as it helps minimize dark spots and acne scars, and is gentle on reactive skin types.
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Pros: Very lightweight and gentle; absorbs quickly;doesn’t leave residue behind; affordable at under $10
- Cons: May cause pilling when mixed with other skincare products
Testing notes from Glamour commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary
“I was a big fan of this serum the minute I tried it,” says Glamour commerce writer, Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “It’s really lightweight and non-greasy. It felt like I put nothing on my skin—that’s how quickly it absorbed. I like that it’s suspended in hyaluronic acid, simply because it kept my skin very moisturized, plump and soft.I didn’t feel any irritation or burning in the slightest, which can happen when my skin is feeling really dry after using an exfoliating serum. Instead, it was gentle, and I noticed an improvement in the acne scars on my chin and around my nose after using this for a couple of weeks.”
Best for Dark Spots: Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%
Original video of Falak Khoja testing the Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%
If you struggle with dark spots, mandelic acid can help minimize the appearance of uneven skin tone, too. This potent formula combines 12% mandelic acid, niacinamide, and fruit acids to exfoliate skin and keep it looking radiant and clarified. It’s suitable for all skin types, including dry and sensitive, and doesn’t strip skin after application.
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, niacinamide, fruit acids
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Pros: Clarifies skin tone; provides gentle exfoliation; brightens skin
- Cons: Not listed if the formula is non-comedogenic
Testing notes from Glamour designer, Falak Khoja
“This serum does have a slightly strong scent like most acids do but it’s actually very gentle on the skin which makes it easy to use. I also found that it absorbs into the skin very quickly and it almost feels like there’s nothing there. I like this, because it adds a soft finish to the skin while visibly making it look brighter,” says Glamour designer, Falak Khoja.
Best for Deep Skin Tones: Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Exfoliant
Original video of Miah Hardy testing the Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Exfoliant
“This liquid exfoliant toner combines gentle mandelic with lactic acid. It’s great for smoothing texture and refining skin tone without being overly harsh,” says Dr. Mitchell. Dr. Rambhia also sings praises of this formula because it’s great at resurfacing the skin without causing irritation or redness. It sinks right into skin and improves bumpy texture and overall radiance.
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, lactic acid
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Pros: Smooths surface; suitable for all skin types, especially oily
- Cons: The bottle is very small
Testing notes from Glamour contributor, Miah Hardy
“I’m a huge fan of Paula’s Choice, so when I heard about this Skin Perfecting Toner, I knew I had to try it. Unlike other liquid exfoliants I’ve used in the past, this formula doesn’t burn or dry out my skin, making it a great option for sensitive skin. It leaves my complexion noticeably smoother with a healthy glow after each use and it’s officially a staple in my everyday routine,” says Glamour contributor, Miah Hardy.
Best for Sensitive Skin: The Inkey List Mandelic Acid Treatment
Original video from Audrey Harper testing Inkey List Mandelic Acid Treatment
Dr. Rambhia is a fan of this very affordable mandelic acid treatment because the yellow-based formula color-corrects by minimizing redness. “This formula offers a cosmetically elegant way to spot-treat dark spots, all while remaining gentle,” she says. It also contains retinol to gently fade post-acne marks and uneven texture. Wrap that all up with glycerin as its final ingredient, and it’s a force to be reckoned with.
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, retinol, glycerin
- Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
- Pros: Fragrance-free; gentle on skin; affordable; helps eliminate clogged pores
- Cons: Doesn’t work with every skin tone
Testing notes from Glamour contributor, Audrey Harper
“This mandelic acid treatment is super gentle and easy to work into my routine, especially when I’m dealing with stubborn pimple scars that just won’t fade. It made my skin feel super soft and smooth post-application, and I’m obsessed,” says Glamour contributor, Audrey Harper.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Acid Exfoliating & Clearing Serum
If you deal with uneven skin texture and acne (particularly the big, cystic type), Tara Adashev, APRN, a head nurse and injectables specialist at Neinstein Plastic Surgery recommends this mandelic acid clearing serum. It blends AHAs with hyaluronic acid panthenol for major exfoliation in a gentle form. The potent ingredients help increase cell turnover, while the hydrating ingredients work to calm and nourish the skin to prevent irritation and dryness.
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid
- Size: 0.95 fl oz
- Pros: Helps clear active acne and redness; non-comedogenic
- Cons: Pricey for the size
Testing notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary
“I deal with hormonal, non-stop acne on my chin most of the time, so I’m always looking for something to keep it calm and minimal. I really liked this gentle serum because the consistency is smooth to the touch, and makes skin feel soft and more-even textured over time. It’s done a great job at minimizing the oiliness in my chin area and helps stop pimples from growing to momentous sizes—a huge plus,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Night Serum: Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum
A mandelic acid night serum can help correct discoloration and soothe pimples overnight. This hardworking serum blends bakuchiol (a gentler, plant-based alternative to retinol), niacinamide (to improve hyperpigmentation), and salicylic and mandelic acid (to exfoliate) for an overnight treatment that helps you wake up with brighter, more clarified skin.
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic, lactic, salicylic acid
- Size: 1 fl. oz.
- Pros: Sinks into skin quickly; reveals brighter, more even-toned skin in the morning
- Cons: Expensive
Testing notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary
“This serum felt a lot gentler on the skin than it sounds because of its potent combo of mandelic, lactic and salicylic acid. As someone with acne-prone skin, I was excited to try it out on my most troublesome areas, including my chin and around my nose. I wasn’t disappointed, either, as I woke up to a reduction of redness and size for a few breakouts I had, and my skin, overall, looked fresh and bright,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Physical Exfoliator: Irene Forte Apricot Penta-Acid Polish With PHA and Quadruple AHA Complex
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Irene Forte Apricot Penta-Acid Polish With PHA and Quadruple AHA Complex
If you like the feeling of a physical exfoliator, we recommend trying this luxurious scrub by Irene Forte. It blends mandelic acid with PHAs, and apricot. You can use this as a gentle face scrub or mask—either way, the exfoliators and antioxidants in the formula help refine skin and leave it smoother and brighter.
- Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, PHAs
- Size: 1.69 fl. oz
- Pros: Gives skin a deep clean; minimizes acne and blackheads; offers a luxurious, spa-like experience
- Cons: Expensive
Testing notes from Glamour’s Kilkeary
“Sometimes my skin is in need of just a plain old deep clean, and when this is the case, I like to reach for an exfoliating scrub. This pick is ultra-luxurious, helps stimulate blood flow when I gently rub it on and leaves my skin baby-soft like the marble of a Renaissance statue,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Frequently asked questions
What is mandelic acid and does it really work?
According to Dr. Rambhia, mandelic acid is a gentle exfoliating acid derived from bitter almonds. It’s an effective exfoliator and brightening ingredient that evens out skin tone, eliminates dead skin cells and helps reduce bacteria that can cause acne. It can give you a brighter complexion with less risk of irritation and redness, like other skin care ingredients (like other BHA, AHAs, or retinol) may cause.
What percentage of mandelic acid is best?
If you’re just starting out with mandelic acid, Dr. Mitchell recommends opting for a formula that’s between 5% and 10% concentration. “Five percent is ideal for beginners or sensitive skin, while 8–10% offers more noticeable resurfacing and pigment-fading benefits with minimal irritation,” she says.
Is 10% mandelic acid too high?
10% mandelic acid is not necessarily too high, and is in fact quite common and tolerated by many skin types. “If your skin is reactive, start slowly, but for most people, 10% delivers great results without being overly harsh,” Dr. Mitchell adds. It’s important to note that in-office chemical treatments with mandelic acid may be between 20% and 45%, which may be irritating to sensitive skin types, so it’s best to check with your board-certified dermatologist before committing to a professional treatment.
What are the disadvantages of mandelic acid?
While mandelic acid is gentler on skin, it can dry skin out if it’s used multiple times a week or daily, says Dr. Rambhia. It’s best to start with the ingredient one to two times a week, and build up tolerance to application every other night. She also says that mandelic acid takes its time—and often gives more gradual results than other exfoliating ingredients. “As with all exfoliants, mandelic acid also increases sun sensitivity, making daily sunscreen use especially important,” she says.
What cannot be mixed with mandelic acid?
You should not mix other exfoliating acids with mandelic acid, as well as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids, as this can compromise the skin barrier. “Mandelic acid is best used alone on exfoliation nights, alternating with other actives to minimize irritation,” says Dr. Rambhia.
How long does it take for mandelic acid to fade dark spots?
According to Dr. Mitchell, most people start seeing brighter, more even skin in about 2 to 4 weeks when using mandelic acid. “To see a noticeable improvement in dark spots, it usually takes 6 to 12 weeks of consistent use, along with strict sun protection,” she says.
Is mandelic acid good for dark skin tones?
Both dermatologists say that mandelic acid is great for deeper skin tones due to its ability to fade PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), which is most common on melanated skin types. “I recommend it for dark skin tones who want exfoliation with a lower risk of irritation,” says Dr. Mitchell. “For best results, pair mandelic acid with a gentle cleanser, hydrating moisturizer and daily sunscreen—and give it time to work. Consistency truly makes all the difference.”
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