Everything You Need to Know About Mandelic Acid — And The Best Ones in Singapore

As we age, it becomes more and more important to exfoliate our skin regularly to get rid of dead skin cells and reveal the healthy skin underneath. Unfortunately, exfoliation can be quite harsh even for people with normal skin types, so you can imagine what it’s like for people with sensitive skin. If you’ve exhausted every chemical peel and exfoliant on the market to find one gentle enough for your skin, let our Insiders introduce you to mandelic acid — the skincare hero you’ve been waiting for. Mandelic acid does not irritate sensitive skin, as found by Gentili et al. (2022), but what are its effects on the skin? Keep reading to find out, along with all the best mandelic acid skincare products in Singapore.

What is Mandelic Acid and What Are Its Benefits?

Mandelic acid is sourced from bitter almonds. Unlike its more aggressive AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) counterparts, mandelic acid boasts a larger molecular size, making it a top pick for sensitive souls and those who need a little extra TLC. With its slow absorption rate, it’s the skincare equivalent of a leisurely stroll through a botanical garden – soothing, effective, and truly relaxing for your skin. Who said exfoliating has to be a painful affair?

Mandelic acid is suitable for all skin types and offers a wide range of benefits to the skin including:

• Gently exfoliate all skin types without leaving the skin feeling raw and tender

• Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of ageing

• It helps manage acne and clogged pores

• Reduces hyperpigmentation and discoloration, leaving the skin looking brighter and evenly textured

The Best Mandelic Acid Skincare Products In Singapore

1. Peter Thomas Roth Pre-Treatment Exfoliating Cleanser

This exfoliating cleanser from Peter Thomas Roth features a potent Triple Acid Complex of salicylic, glycolic, and mandelic acids. This dynamic trio chemically exfoliates the skin, working wonders in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone while effectively removing makeup, impurities, and excess oil as every good cleanser does. Formulated with calming ingredients like SyriCalm™ CLR, Allantoin, Vitamin E, and Bisabolol, this cleanser does not leave the skin feeling stripped and raw, as it helps soothe and minimise the risk of irritation.

Why we love it:

• Exfoliates while cleansing
• Triple Acid Complex (salicylic, glycolic, and mandelic)
• Contains calming ingredients to soothe the skin

Cons

• A little pricey

Price: $62.00

Where to buy: Sephora

2. The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

The Ordinary is known for their no-frills approach to skincare — what you see on the bottle’s label is what you get. With their concentrated Mandelic Acid 10% + HA exfoliating leave-on serum, you can expect to experience the full gamut of mandelic acid’s benefits to the skin. Enriched with moisture-attracting sodium hyaluronate, glycerin, and Tasmanian pepperberry, this innovative formula provides vital nourishment while gently exfoliating the skin, ensuring a radiant complexion with minimal risk of irritation.

Why we love it:

• The cap doubles as a dropper
• Fragrance free
• Watery texture that absorbs quickly

Cons:

• Might be unsuitable for anyone trying mandelic acid for the first time due to its high concentration

Price: $17.00

Where to buy: Sephora

3. Purposeful Skincare by Allies (PSA) Heroine Mandelic & Licorice Superfood Glow Toner

Looking for a mandelic acid toner? The Heroine Mandelic & Licorice Superfood Glow Toner from PSA combines 6% mandelic and lactic acids with niacinamide and licorice root extract to target hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. Say goodbye to those pesky dark spots! This mandelic acid toner is also enhanced with kombucha (yes, the fermented drink) extract which provides additional antioxidant protection against free radicals and a generous dose of hydration for parched pores.

Why we love it:

• Brightens and leaves your skin glowing
• Alcohol and peptides free
• Suitable for daily use

Cons:

• This product is often sold out

Price: $52.00

Where to buy: Sephora

4. By Wishtrend Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water

By Wishtrend’s Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water is a low-irritant solution designed to renew and rejuvenate the skin. Infused with 5% mandelic acid, this exfoliator unclogs pores and improves skin texture without causing irritation. It also contains nourishing ingredients such as Panthenol, Centella Asiatica Extract, and Beta-Glucan which replenishe moisture levels post-peeling and help regulate sebum production. If you want to get rid of your acne, enlarged pores, dullness, or inflammation, this mandelic acid skincare product is for you.

Why we love it:

• Provides effective cell turnover
• Soothes inflamed skin
• Has an ideal  pH of 5.0 ± 1.0

Cons:

• A stand-alone product — another skincare step to add to your routine

Price: $21.70

Where to buy: Lazada

5. Dr. Wu Mandelik Intensive Renewal Serum

If there’s one person you can trust when it comes to your skin, it’s renowned dermatologist Dr. Ying-Chun Wu. His Mandelik Intensive Renewal Serum with 18% mandelic acid solution has gone through numerous performance tests to ensure the best results. Tailored for oily and combination skin types, this serum delves deep into pores, effectively reducing common skin concerns such as enlarged pores, blackheads, pimples, and acne scars. The macromolecule hyaluronic acid and β-glucan it contains also provide essential moisture and alleviate dryness associated with skin renewal, while its whitening and repairing essence brightens the skin from within.

Why we love it:

• Clinically proven to provide results
• Suitable for oily and combination skin
• Addresses 8 common skin conditions

Cons:

• Only 30ml in a single product

Price: $73.43

Where to buy: Watsons

6. Neogence Mandelic Acid Acne Treatment

Remember how we said that mandelic acid also helps to manage acne? Neogence’s Mandelic Acid Acne Treatment goes the extra mile when it comes to getting rid of blemishes. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid, this product eliminates dead skin cells, improves acne, and promotes skin repair. It’s also enriched with natural complex plant extracts like chamomile and licorice, which nurture and calm skin discomfort. The willow orchid extract aids in sebum control, balancing moisture levels and refining pores to reduce blemishes and prevent acne formation.

Why we love it:

• Gently softens blemishes
• Helps repair skin
• Contains natural plant extracts

Cons:

• Only 20ml in a single product

Price: $22.68

Where to buy: Lazada

Let us know if you’ve tried any of these best mandelic acid skincare products in Singapore. For more content like this, be sure to follow Beauty Insider on Facebook and Instagram!