Description: A serum used for exfoliation of dead skin cells. It has been specially formulated with Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid and Niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3 that helps to protect the skin. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and leaves skin feeling smooth and soft.

 

Texture: Liquid

 

Size: 1.0 FL OZ (30 mL)

 

Concerns: 

• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
• Problematic skin
• Inflamed Breakouts
• Blackheads
• Rosacea

 

Benefits:

• Increase cell-turnover
• Prevent new breakouts
• Antibacterial
• Anti-microbial
• Reduce fine lines + wrinkles
• Even skin tone
• Brighten skin
• Reduce + prevent blackheads 
• Reduce inflammation
• Reduce breakouts
• Reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Moderately exfoliating 

 

Skin Type + Condition 

• Inflamed Acne 
• Comedogenic Skin
• Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
• Rosacea
• Aging 
• Fungal Folliculitis

 

Key Ingredients:

 

• L-Mandelic Acid (5%): an alpha hydroxy acid derived from almonds with reported benefit in treating acne and hyperpigmentation.  This chirally-correct, L-Mandelic Acid, has a larger molecular weight than other AHA’s which allows for a slower epidermal penetration, resulting in a more even exfoliation with less irritation
• Lactic Acid: An Alpha Hydroxy Acid that helps reduce acne breakouts and signs of aging, like wrinkles. It helps lighten and brighten the skin for those with any skin discolorations, and is commonly used to exfoliate the skin by encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells. Lactic acid formulations are derived from beets.
• Sodium Hyaluronate: holds 1000x its weight in water and naturally occurs in the dermis as a glycosaminoglycan component.  Controls the physical & biochemical aspect of the epidermal cells. Regulates water content, elasticity, suppleness and distribution of nutrients.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): a water-soluble conditioning agent that is a derivative of niacin. It's used as a skin stimulant and skin smoother.  Also known to help with the recovery of rough, dry, or flaky skin. By increasing the ceramides found in our skin, vitamin B3 improves the skin's suppleness. Naturally derived from non-GMO brown rice.
• Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract: Witch hazel extract is distilled from the twigs and bark of the small, deciduous Witch Hazel tree native to eastern North America. Native Americans first recognized that this odorless, clear liquid has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties. The extract can help shrink swollen tissue and tighten pores, making this ingredient ideal to gently heal acne and blemishes.
• Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract: Derived from the glycyrrhiza glabra plant, licorice has long been prized in Japan due to its medicinal properties and health benefits. Scientists more recently discovered that licorice root extract is an emulsifier, which allows both water and oil-based ingredients to mix effectively. Licorice root extract is a natural tyrosinase inhibitor. It has a component called glabridin that plays a vital role in inhibiting tyrosinase activity and therefore provides skin brightening effects. It can also reduce pigmentation induced by UVB, brighten the skin, calm inflammation, and soften the skin.
• Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: Green tea extract is derived from the leaves of a wild herbaceous shrub grown in East Asia. The tinted green liquid is full of antioxidants that help to detoxify the skin to rid the body of free radicals. This makes the ingredient highly effective at reducing signs of aging, wrinkles, and sagging skin. The catechins found in green tea extract act as a very strong antioxidant that can even help lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.

 

Suggested Use: Shake well. Skin should always be clean and free of irritation before applying. After cleansing and toning, apply as directed by your skin care professional. For day use, always follow the application with sunscreen. 

 

Percentage Recommendation: 

Mandelic 5%: used as a starting point for overly sensitive skin and for neck and chest. 

Mandelic 8%: used as a starting point for most skin types or as a second step to Mandelic 5%. 

Mandelic 11%: used for a stronger acne-clearing effect.  Should not be used as a first step; meant to be used as a second step to Mandelic 11%.  

Mandelic 15%: used as the strongest percentage for thicker, tougher areas like the back and shoulders. 

 

Full Ingredients: 

Purified Water, 11% L-Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Niacinamide, Sodium PCA, Sodium Lactate, Glycerin, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Xanthan Gum, Fragrance (Green Tea Extract)

 

Complimentary Products: HydraBoost, Mandelic Face & Body Wash, Balancing Lotion

 

Contraindications: Skin cancer or compromised skin. For external use only. **product is safe for almond allergies.

 

FAQ’s: 

1. Is Mandelic acid safe for all skin tones?  
   1. It is particularly great for all skin types because of its gentle action. It won’t cause irritation that can trigger hyperpigmentation. It is also great for both men and women.  Even has an added benefit that helps eliminate razor bumps and prevent ingrown hairs without stinging.
2. What percentage should I use? 
   1. For mild issues, or when you are using mandelic acid for the first time, go with the lower percentage. This allows your skin to acclimate. When you feel your skin has reached a maintenance plateau and you’d like to push your results farther, move up to the next percentage.  Please refer to our Percentage Recommendation above for more detailed information. 
3. Is Mandelic Acid a spot treatment or full-face application? 
   1. Mandelic Acid is a full-face treatment.  It is not recommended 
4. Is Mandelic Acid safe to use during pregnancy? 
   1. Mandelic acid is safe for use during pregnancy to treat melasma, acne, and photo-aging.

 

 Resources:

• Natural Organic Skincare. Kari Thomas.: https://www.naturalorganicskincare.com/collections/spin-trap
• Inside Ingredients: Cosmetic and Toiletries: Rachel Grabenhofer and Katie Anderson:  https://www.cosmeticsandtoiletries.com/cosmetic-ingredients/actives/article/21835594/inside-ingredients-spin-trap
• LIQUID GOLD: Meet L-Mandelic Acid: ASCP: https://www.ascpskincare.com/updates/blog-posts/liquid-gold-meet-l-mandelic-acid
• Byrdie: Meet Mandelic Acid, an AHA Suited for Sensitive Skin: Audrey Noble
• PubMed: Effects of Topical Mandelic Acid Treatment on Facial Skin Viscoelasticity: Stanley W Jacobs 1, Eric J Culbertson: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30513536/
• The JBeauty Collection: 5 Skincare benefits of licorice root extract (glycyrrhizinate): https://thejbeautycollection.com/blogs/news/5-skincare-benefits-of-licorice-root-extract-glycyrrhizinate#:~:text=Licorice%20is%20said%20to%20have,like%20atopic%20dermatitis%20and%20eczema.

The Skin Library: Licorice Root Skin Benefits: By Claudia Christin: https://skinlibrary.co.uk/blogs/librarian-edits/licorice-root-skin-benefits