undefined 1
undefined 2
Mandelic Acid
AKA “dl-Mandelic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid, 90-64-2, Phenylglycolic acid, Paramandelic acid, Amygdalic acid, Uromaline, Racemic mandelic acid, Phenylhydroxyacetic acid”
Acid
Ingredient Facts
Mandelic acid
AKA: Dl-Mandelic acid, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid, 90-64-2, Phenylglycolic acid, Paramandelic acid, Amygdalic acid, Uromaline, Racemic mandelic acid, Phenylhydroxyacetic acid
Acid · Antimicrobial · EWG: 1
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
See origin →
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
EWG
1
CIR
Safe w/Qualifications
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-1
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR