Face Reality
Mandelic Serum
Mandelic Serum
Face Reality Mandelic Serum is a professional grade exfoliating treatment for acne-prone and congested skin. Combined with mandelic acid and lactic acid, this treatment gently clears buildup, smooths texture, and brightens dull skin without irritation.
Need help choosing your strength? See our Mandelic Serum Strength Guide!
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Key Benefits
Key Benefits
Fights acne-causing bacteria on the surface of the skin to clear and prevent breakouts. Gently exfoliates to smooth texture, fade post-acne marks, and improve overall clarity while supporting balanced hydration.
Best For
Best For
Acne prone, textured, or congested skin with discoloration. Clears buildup, smooths the surface, and brightens dark spots. Gentle enough for sensitive or dry skin types.
Usage & Application
Usage & Application
Use Mandelic Serum in the morning as part of your Face Reality home care routine. After cleansing, toning, and hydrating, apply one pump to the face or affected areas. Allow skin to dry completely, then follow with moisturizer and SPF. Avoid use on stripped or compromised skin.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Mandelic Acid (L), Alcohol, Lactic Acid (L), Butylene Glycol, PPG-3 Benzyl Ether Myristate, Alcohol Denat., Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Sodium Lactate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate (L), Urea, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate
Product Certifications & Standards
Product Certifications & Standards
Certified acne-safe, paraben-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and cruelty-free. Available only through Face Reality Certified Acne Experts.
Professional-grade skincare available exclusively through certified experts.
- clears dead skin + oil
- fights bacteria on the surface
- fades dark spots & smooths texture
Questions we hear most
What strength of Mandelic Serum should I use?
Read our full Mandelic Serum Strength Guide →
Can Mandelic Serum cause purging?
Yes, a temporary purge may occur as your skin adjusts. Mandelic increases cell turnover, bringing existing congestion to the surface. This phase is normal and typically settles within a few weeks as the skin clears and refines.
If the purge lasts longer or feels uncomfortable, consult a Clover Esthetician for guidance on adjusting your routine.
What’s the difference between Mandelic Serum and Glycolic Serum?
Mandelic acid is a larger molecule, making it a gentle exfoliant that works on the surface of the skin and is ideal for inflamed or sensitive acne.
Glycolic acid is a smaller molecule, making it a more intense exfoliant that penetrates deeper into the skin. Because of this, Glycolic Serum is designed for non-inflamed acne and helps smooth rough, uneven texture.
Both acids serve different purposes depending on the type of acne you have. Your Clover Esthetician can help you decide which is right for your skin.
Is mandelic acid pregnancy safe?
Yes, Mandelic Serum is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but every skin and pregnancy is different.
It’s always best to confirm with your healthcare provider before adding new active ingredients.
Why does Mandelic Serum have alcohol in it?
People often see the word “alcohol” on a skincare label and panic, assuming it will be harsh or drying. In many products that can be true, but in Face Reality's L Mandelic Serum, alcohol serves a completely different purpose. It helps active ingredients, like mandelic acid and lactic acid absorb evenly and reach deeper into the skin.
Because it contains hydrating ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, and urea, Mandelic Serum stays gentle and keeps the skin calm and moisturized. The small amount of alcohol actually helps the formula perform better without compromising skin health.
Does Mandelic acid lighten your skin?
No, mandelic acid won’t lighten your natural skin tone. It gently fades dark spots and post-acne marks, which helps create a brighter complexion over time.
Can you use mandelic acid and retinol together?
Yes and no. Both keep cell turnover moving, but together they can overdo it. The sweet spot? Mandelic acid in the morning, retinol at night. That way, you get the benefits of both without stressing your skin!