Mandelic Acid
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Dl-Mandelic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid, 90-64-2, Phenylglycolic acid, Paramandelic acid, Amygdalic acid, Uromaline, Racemic mandelic acid, Phenylhydroxyacetic acid
Synthetic
Preservative
Chemical Exfoliant
Acid
Clean
Benzeneacetic acid, .alpha.-hydroxy-
Formula
C8H8O3
Mol. Weight
152.15
CAS #
90-64-2
Form
Liquid
State
Pellets or Large Crystals; Liquid
Functions
Antimicrobial
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Supports cell turnover
Evens pigmentation
Smooths skin texture
Traditional Use
Derived from bitter almonds, mandelic acid was first isolated in the 19th century. Used historically as a gentler alternative to other hydroxy acids, gaining popularity in modern skincare in the 1990s-2000s for its exfoliating and antibacterial properties, particularly for sensitive skin.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Hyperpigmentation
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
The New Tendency Complete Set
Nécessaire
The New Tendency Duo
Nécessaire
Chemistry Deodorant
Kosas
The Deodorant | Mandelic Acid
Nécessaire
The Body Brush
Nécessaire
The Body Essentials
Nécessaire
The Body Lotion 450 ml | Multi-Peptide
Nécessaire
The Body Tool
Nécessaire
The Body Wash 100 ml | Multi-Acid | Hinoki
Nécessaire
The Body Essentials
Nécessaire
The Body Essentials Mini
Nécessaire
The Body Tool
Nécessaire
The Body Treatment Duo
Nécessaire
The Body Wash Discovery Collection
Nécessaire
The Deodorant Gel | Mandelic Acid
Nécessaire
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR