Ácido Mandélico
Ácido Mandélico
Product Description
Product overview
A lightweight brightening gel with 7% Mandelic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, and Allantoin that gently exfoliates, fades dark spots, controls acne, and evens skin tone — all without harsh irritation. Designed for nightly use on all skin types, including sensitive and oily skin.
Gentle AHA Exfoliation
Mandelic acid has the largest molecular size among AHAs, so it penetrates slowly and evenly — delivering effective exfoliation with minimal irritation even on sensitive skin.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGentle AHA Exfoliation
Mandelic acid has the largest molecular size among AHAs, so it penetrates slowly and evenly — delivering effective exfoliation with minimal irritation even on sensitive skin.
Brightening Alpha-Arbutin
Alpha-arbutin is a melanin-inhibiting active that works synergistically with mandelic acid to lighten dark spots, acne marks, melasma, and sun damage for a more even tone.
Soothing Allantoin
Allantoin hydrates the skin and prevents the dryness commonly caused by acid treatments. It calms redness and minimizes irritation during exfoliation.
Minimalist Formula
Only 9 ingredients — no fragrances, no parabens, no silicones, no oils. A clean, streamlined formula designed to minimize the risk of sensitivity and breakouts.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEMandelic acid is generally considered one of the safest AHAs during pregnancy due to its large molecular size and limited skin penetration. However, always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use, as expert opinions vary on AHA use during pregnancy.
This formula contains no ferments, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed malassezia yeast. Completely safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Comedogenic rating of 0/5. No pore-clogging ingredients detected. The oil-free gel formula is ideal for acne-prone and congested skin.
As an AHA, mandelic acid increases photosensitivity. Apply sunscreen daily (SPF 30+) while using this product and for one week after discontinuing.
Mandelic acid's larger molecular weight (152.1 daltons vs. glycolic acid's 76.0 daltons) means slower, gentler penetration — making it one of the most tolerable AHAs available.
Mandelic acid is derived from bitter almonds. If you have a severe tree nut allergy, consult your dermatologist before use, though topical application generally poses minimal risk.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSMandelic Acid 7%Proven
An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds with a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid. It exfoliates the skin surface gently, promoting cell turnover while offering antibacterial and antioxidant benefits that make it especially effective for acne-prone skin.
- Molecular Weight: 152.1 daltons — penetrates more slowly and evenly than glycolic acid (76.0 daltons), reducing irritation risk
- Clinical Evidence: Studies show mandelic acid effectively treats acne, hyperpigmentation, and melasma with fewer side effects than stronger AHAs
- Antibacterial: Unique among AHAs, mandelic acid has inherent antibacterial properties that help reduce acne-causing bacteria
Alpha-Arbutin ~1%Proven
A naturally derived brightening agent made from hydroquinone and glucose. It inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production, helping to fade dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma without the harsh side effects of hydroquinone.
- Mechanism: Blocks tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin synthesis at the cellular level
- Safety: Considered safer than hydroquinone with no known cytotoxic effects on melanocytes
- Synergy: Works best when combined with exfoliating acids like mandelic acid, which improve penetration and accelerate skin renewal
Allantoin Listed 3rdProven
A well-studied soothing and moisturizing compound commonly found in the comfrey plant. In this formula, it counteracts the drying and irritating effects of the acid, keeping skin calm, hydrated, and comfortable during chemical exfoliation.
- Soothing: Reduces redness and irritation caused by AHA exfoliation
- Hydrating: Promotes moisture retention, preventing the flakiness and dryness that can follow acid use
- Healing: Supports skin barrier repair and promotes cell proliferation for faster recovery
9 ingredients
Aqua, Mandelic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Allantoin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ammonium Hydroxide, Sodium Benzoate, Propylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse at night only. Apply after cleansing on dry skin. Follow with moisturizer. Always apply sunscreen the next morning.
How to use
HOW TO USECleanse & Dry
Wash your face with a gentle cleanser and pat completely dry. Apply to dry skin only — wet skin can increase acid penetration and cause stinging.
Dispense & Apply
Twist open the airless pump and dispense 1–2 pumps. Spread evenly over the face, neck, and décolleté if desired. Avoid the eye area, corners of the nose, and lips.
Leave On Overnight
This is a leave-on treatment — do not rinse off. A mild tingling sensation is normal during the first few applications and typically subsides over time.
Morning Routine
Wash your face in the morning and apply SPF 30+ sunscreen. AHAs increase sun sensitivity, so daily sun protection is essential.
Build Tolerance
Start by using every other night for the first 1–2 weeks. Once your skin shows no signs of irritation, gradually increase to nightly use.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have acne, breakouts, or post-acne dark marks
- You want to fade hyperpigmentation, melasma, or sun spots
- You have oily or combination skin with excess sebum
- You want a gentle AHA that won't irritate sensitive skin
- You prefer minimalist, fragrance-free formulas
- You are new to chemical exfoliation and want to start gently
- You need a fungal acne-safe exfoliating treatment
Consider alternatives if:
- You need deep anti-aging exfoliation (consider glycolic acid instead)
- You have very dry skin and need a hydrating formula with added emollients
- You are already using strong retinoids — combining with AHAs can over-exfoliate
- You want a larger product size (this is only 30ml)
- You are looking for a wash-off exfoliant rather than a leave-on treatment
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESOil-free gel formula absorbs instantly without adding shine. Mandelic acid helps regulate sebum production and unclog pores effectively.
Allantoin provides some hydration, but dry skin types will need a richer moisturizer on top. May cause flakiness if skin is very dehydrated.
Balances well across different facial zones — controls oiliness in the T-zone while the lightweight gel doesn't overdry cheeks.
One of the gentlest AHAs available thanks to its large molecular size. Fragrance-free and minimalist formula. Start every other night and patch test first.
Non-comedogenic (0/5), fungal acne safe, antibacterial, and oil-controlling. Addresses both active acne and the dark marks it leaves behind.
Results timeline
MONTH 3+Smoother Texture
Skin begins to feel smoother as dead cells are gently exfoliated from the surface. A mild tingling sensation is normal during the first few applications. Some users may experience initial purging (small breakouts) as congestion clears.
70% noticed smoother textureReduced Oiliness & Fewer Breakouts
Sebum production begins to normalize. Active breakouts decrease as the antibacterial properties of mandelic acid take effect. Skin tone starts looking more even and less dull.
65% noticed fewer breakoutsVisible Brightening & Fading
Post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation visibly lighten thanks to the combined action of mandelic acid exfoliation and alpha-arbutin's melanin-inhibiting properties. Overall skin clarity improves significantly.
75% noticed brighter skinSignificant Improvement in Dark Spots & Tone
With consistent use, dark spots, melasma patches, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation show significant improvement. Skin texture is refined and pores appear minimized. Cumulative anti-aging benefits become visible.
80% reported visibly even skin toneRatings by platform
6K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Ultra-minimalist formula with only 9 ingredients — low irritation risk
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin and AHA beginners
- Effective at fading acne marks and hyperpigmentation
- Controls oiliness and helps prevent new breakouts
- Fungal acne safe — no comedogenic or malassezia-feeding ingredients
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free
- Airless pump packaging preserves formula integrity
- Fast-absorbing, non-greasy lightweight gel texture
Criticized
- Small 30ml size — may run out within 4–6 weeks with daily use
- Initial tingling or mild burning during first applications
- Limited availability outside of Brazil
- Lower mandelic acid concentration (7%) compared to some competitors (10%+)
- No additional hydrating agents like hyaluronic acid
- May not be strong enough for deep wrinkles or severe hyperpigmentation
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPES
Higher mandelic acid concentration (10% vs 7%) plus hyaluronic acid for hydration. Lacks alpha-arbutin for brightening. More widely available worldwide. Includes polysorbate 20 so not fungal acne safe.
Contains 10% mandelic acid plus PHAs and hyaluronic acid for a more hydrating formula. No alpha-arbutin. Better suited for those wanting multi-acid exfoliation with added moisture. Vegan and cruelty-free.
Lower concentration (5%) in a toner format (120ml). Enriched with centella asiatica, panthenol, and licorice root for extra soothing. Different product type — use as an exfoliating toner rather than leave-on treatment. K-Beauty origin.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Mandelic acid is light-sensitive — opaque packaging helps, but avoid leaving it in bright areas or humid bathrooms.
Twist-to-open airless pump — protects formula from air contamination and oxidation, ensuring consistent potency from first to last pump.
Yes — 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on limit. Compact airless pump design prevents leaks.
Frequently asked questions
FAQMandelic acid is generally considered one of the safest AHAs for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its large molecular size and limited penetration depth. Many dermatologists recommend it as a pregnancy-friendly alternative to stronger acids. However, there is no definitive consensus — some brands and practitioners advise against all AHAs during pregnancy as a precaution. Always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before adding any acid treatment to your routine during pregnancy or while nursing.
Yes. This formula contains no ferments, fatty acids (like oleic or lauric acid), fatty acid esters, polysorbates, oils, or any other ingredients known to feed malassezia yeast. With only 9 simple ingredients, it is one of the cleanest and safest options for fungal acne-prone skin. Independent ingredient analyzers such as SkinSort and SkinSignal confirm it is free from fungal acne-triggering components.
Use caution when layering with other actives. Avoid using retinol or retinoids on the same night as this product — combining them can over-exfoliate and cause significant irritation, dryness, and barrier damage. You can alternate nights (mandelic acid one night, retinol the next). Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can be used in your morning routine while this product is used at night. Do not layer other AHAs or BHAs on top of this product in the same routine, as this can cause excessive exfoliation.
This product is ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. It excels at controlling excess sebum, fighting acne-causing bacteria, and fading post-acne dark spots. It also works well for sensitive skin thanks to mandelic acid's gentle nature, though very dry skin types may need to pair it with a richer moisturizer. It is suitable for all skin tones, including darker complexions prone to hyperpigmentation.
Most users notice smoother skin texture within 1–2 weeks. Reduced oiliness and fewer breakouts typically appear by weeks 3–4. Visible brightening and fading of dark spots usually becomes noticeable around weeks 5–8 with consistent nightly use. For significant improvement in hyperpigmentation and melasma, expect to use the product for at least 2–3 months. Consistency is key — mandelic acid works gradually but steadily.
Use it at night after cleansing and toning, on dry skin. Apply 1–2 pumps as step 3 in your routine (after cleanser and toner, before serums and moisturizer). It is a leave-on treatment — do not rinse off. Follow with a moisturizer to seal in hydration. In the morning, cleanse and apply SPF 30+ sunscreen. Do not use this product during the day without sun protection.
No. This product has a comedogenic rating of 0/5. It contains no oils, silicones, fatty acids, or any ingredients known to clog pores. The lightweight gel formula is completely oil-free and is actually designed to help unclog pores through gentle chemical exfoliation. It is also confirmed free from pore-clogging components by independent ingredient analysis databases.
The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. The airless pump packaging helps maintain formula stability by preventing air and bacteria from entering the container. For best results, store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Mandelic acid can degrade when exposed to light, so the opaque packaging is essential — avoid transferring to clear containers. The 30ml bottle typically lasts 4–6 weeks with nightly use (1–2 pumps per application).
Verdict: Creamy Ácido Mandélico is a standout minimalist exfoliating treatment from Brazil that combines the gentleness of mandelic acid with the brightening power of alpha-arbutin — all in a clean, 9-ingredient formula. It is especially well-suited for oily, acne-prone, and sensitive skin types seeking effective exfoliation without the harshness of glycolic acid or retinoids. The fungal acne-safe, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula makes it a versatile and trustworthy choice. The main downsides are its small 30ml size and limited global availability. If you want a gentle, no-fuss AHA treatment that also targets dark spots and acne, this Brazilian gem delivers impressive results at a fair price.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Mandelic Acid
Antimicrobial
|
Brightening
Anti-Aging
|
|
| 1 |
Alpha-Arbutin
Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning, Bleaching
|
Brightening
Dark Spots
|
|
| 1 |
Allantoin
Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|
|
| 0 |
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Emulsion Stabilising, Stabilising
|
|