Can Mandelic Acid Be Combined With Other Active Ingredients?

If you have acne-prone skin, it is worthwhile to opt for a treatment containing mandelic acid and salicylic acid. Its advantage over other agents is its synergistic effect with other chemical exfoliants. While mandelic acid removes dead skin cells on the surface, salicylic acid helps to unclog pores deep down. These two active molecules work together to make your skin smooth, radiant and blemish-free.

Lipophilic and anti-inflammatory, these unique properties make salicylic acid a strong comedolytic agent. One study even found that the combination of mandelic acid and salicylic acid is better than glycolic acid peels in treating non-inflammatory acne breakouts.

Other AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid...) are also active ingredients that you can combine with mandelic acid. They will help to fight against imperfections, as well as against other unsightly marks that can affect the epidermis, such as brown spots or lack of radiance, thanks to their exfoliating effect that acts on different levels of the epidermis. However, the total concentration of AHAs in the care product must be taken into consideration: the higher the concentration of fruit acids, the greater the irritating potential of the care product. This combination of AHAs can be found in two of our products: the peeling mask with 10% AHA and 10% PHA, and the exfoliating night cream with 6% AHA.

It is possible to combine mandelic acid with vitamin C. Lightening, depigmenting... vitamin C will "support" the effects of mandelic acid. This combination of active ingredients smoothes your skin texture, restores radiance and evens out your complexion by fading the appearance of brown spots. However, make sure that it is pure vitamin C (INCI name: Ascorbic Acid). Indeed, these two active ingredients must be formulated in acid solution to act, which is not the case of its derivatives.

It is also possible to combine mandelic acid with retinol. It is known for its action against the signs of aging. If you wish to prevent the phenomenon of premature skin aging and preserve the suppleness of your epidermis, this combination is recommended. Indeed, mandelic acid is also beneficial for mature skin. It reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

To plump up the skin and restore volume, mandelic acid can be combined with moisturizing agents such as hyaluronic acid. By promoting the elimination of dead skin, mandelic acid helps to keep the skin hydrated. The addition of a moisturizing agent will accentuate the retention of water in the layers of the epidermis and give a plumping effect to the skin, in addition to helping to blur the fine lines of dehydration. It should also be noted that mandelic acid is an ideal active ingredient for people with dry skin, especially mature skin. One study found that it had the ability to stimulate sebum production.

The exfoliating effect of mandelic acid combined with the depigmenting action of arbutin acid, niacinamide or tranexamic acid would be interesting. In addition to promoting the elimination of dead skin and the distribution of melanin in the epidermis, the depigmenting active ingredients would also act on the melanogenesis process, in particular by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase. Thus, thanks to this combination, the skin would become uniform in color and texture.

• SAHU P. & al. Comparative study of efficacy and safety of 45% mandelic acid versus 30% salicylic acid peels in mild‐to‐moderate acne vulgaris. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2019).