Vinay Kumar Singh.
Head-Formulation
Kumar Organic Products Research Centre Pvt. Ltd.,
Bengaluru
Email : formulation_krc@kopresearchcentre.net
Mandelic acid was discovered in 1831 by the German pharmacist Ferdinand Ludwig Winckler (1801–1868) while heating amygdalin, an extract of bitter almonds, with diluted hydrochloric acid. The name is derived from the German "Mandel" for "almond".
Mandelic acid Market Size was valued at USD 0.25 Billion in 2022. The mandelic acid industry is projected to grow from USD 0.28 Billion in 2023 to USD 0.80 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.80% during the forecast period (2023 - 2032).
Mandelic acid is a type of gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It may help reduce acne, fine lines, and wrinkles and improve the appearance of uneven skin. As a person ages, skin renewal slows down, causing the skin to lose elasticity, discolour, and develop fine lines and wrinkles.
It may be suitable for people with sensitive skin or those who find other chemical exfoliants too strong for their skin.In comparison with other AHAs, mandelic acid is a large molecule, about twice the size of glycolic acid. Mandelic acid also penetrates the skin much more slowly. This slow absorption may mean that it feels less irritating to the skin than other AHAs.
Mandelic acid is also one of the best acid selections for those with darker complexions because it isn't melanotoxic, In other words, it doesn't kill melanocytes and won't exacerbate discoloration. Instead, it will decrease the appearance of dark spots due to acne, sun exposure. Mandelic acid peels are considered well-tolerated in patients of color with less risk of hyperpigmentation, photosensitivity, and scarring compared to other AHAs, like glycolic acid.
Mandelic acid's powerful antibacterial properties with its gentle exfoliating, cell-turnover-activating abilities team up to defeat acne, dull skin, uneven texture, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines and wrinkles. It does the later by boosting collagen production, too.
Benefits of mandelic acid :
Mandelic acid offers a wide range of benefits for the skin.
Gentle on all skin types
Mandelic acid may be gentler than other AHAs and suitable for use by people of all skin types, especially those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Accelerates cell turnover
Mandelic acid accelerates cell turnover and functions as a powerful exfoliate to remove dead skin cells. For this reason, mandelic acid is found in some chemical peels.
Promotes collagen production
Mandelic acid also improves skin appearance because it promotes collagen production, which is the main protein found in skin and connective tissue.
Exfoliates all skin types
Like other AHAs, mandelic acid loosens the bonds that adhere the dead or old skin cells to the skin surface. This helps shed old, dryer skin cells to reveal new smoother skin cells.
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
In the process of chemical exfoliation, mandelic skin eliminates damaged and older skin cells and replaces them with newer, firmer skin cells. It may help the skin appear firmer and more elastic, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Helps manage acne and clogged pores
Mandelic acid may help unclog pores, dissolve blackheads and comedones, and control sebum production.
Mandelic acid has antibacterial properties and may help remove acne-causing bacteria in the skin. It may also reduce inflammation and redness, which helps reduce the occurrence of breakouts, including cystic acne breakouts.
A 2019 study compared the effectiveness of 30% salicylic acid and 45% mandelic acid peels in treating mild to moderate acne vulgaris. It concluded that the acids were equally effective. However, the mandelic peel was safer and more tolerable than the salicylic acid peel.
The study also suggested that mandelic acid peels had fewer side effects and were more effective in treating inflammatory lesions.
Reduced hyperpigmentation and discoloration
Mandelic acid may help prevent different types of hyperpigmentation, including melasma.
A 2016 study compared glycolic acid and salicylic-mandelic acid to treat Indian people with melasma. It found that both types of acid are equally effective.
Uses of mandelic acid
Mandelic acid can improve various skin care concerns, such as:
1. Acne
Skin oils, bacteria, dead skin cells, and inflammation can trigger acne. Using skin care products containing mandelic acid help regulate sebum production, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. This can result in fewer acne breakouts.
A study also found that mandelic acid may have an edge over salicylic acid when treating inflammatory acne (papules and pustules), and mandelic acid may also have fewer adverse effects.
2. Skin texture
The exfoliating action of mandelic acid removes dead skin cells, which may leave your skin firmer and smoother.
3. Hyperpigmentation
Mandelic acid may also have some lightening properties for dark spots, such as those seen in melasma.
Earlier research shows that mandelic acid may reduce hyperpigmentation in melasma by as much as 50 percent in about 4 weeks.
4. Wrinkles and fine lines
According to a 2013 study Trusted Source, chemical peels with mandelic acid may help stimulate collagen production, which tends to decrease with age. This can help soften the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in a more vibrant, youthful appearance.
Mandelic acid is derived from almonds, and forms part of the Alpha Hydroxy Acid family. Other members include lactic, citric & glycolic acid. Mandelic acid is the big brother of the AHA group & has the largest molecule size. This enables the acid to penetrate slowly & hence may give less side effects & is gentler on the skin compared to other AHAs.
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