Both Are AHAs — But They're Not the Same

Glycolic acid and mandelic acid are both alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that exfoliate the skin's surface, improve texture, and brighten tone. But they work differently, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in how your skin responds.

As a licensed aesthetician, I use both regularly — but I recommend them for very different skin types and concerns. Here's how to tell which one belongs in your routine.

Glycolic Acid: The Powerhouse Exfoliant

Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size of all AHAs, which means it penetrates the skin quickly and deeply. This makes it one of the most effective exfoliants available — great for:

• Smoothing rough or uneven texture
• Fading post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation
• Improving the appearance of fine lines
• Brightening dull, congested skin

Because it works fast and deep, glycolic acid can be more irritating — especially for sensitive or darker skin tones, where it may trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if overused.

Best for: Normal, oily, or resilient skin types looking for visible exfoliation results.

Try our 10% Glycolic Serum for a professional-strength option, or start with our 5% Glycolic Serum if you're newer to AHAs.

Mandelic Acid: The Gentle Giant

Mandelic acid has a much larger molecular size than glycolic, so it absorbs more slowly and works more gently. This makes it an excellent choice for:

• Sensitive or reactive skin
• Darker skin tones prone to hyperpigmentation
• Acne-prone skin (it has mild antibacterial properties)
• Rosacea-prone skin that can't tolerate stronger acids

Don't let "gentle" fool you — mandelic acid is still highly effective. It just gets there without the irritation risk.

Best for: Sensitive, acne-prone, or melanin-rich skin types.

Our 8% L-Mandelic Serum is a great starting point, while the 11% L-Mandelic Serum offers a step up for those ready for more exfoliation.

Can You Use Both?

Yes — but not at the same time. Alternating them on different nights (glycolic one night, mandelic the next) can give you the benefits of both without over-exfoliating. Always listen to your skin and scale back if you notice redness, tightness, or sensitivity.

The Bottom Line

If your skin is resilient and you want fast, visible results — go glycolic. If your skin is sensitive, acne-prone, or you're concerned about hyperpigmentation — mandelic is your match. And if you're not sure? Start with mandelic. It's the safer introduction to AHA exfoliation for almost every skin type.

Have questions about which is right for you? Feel free to reach out — we're here to help you build a routine that actually works for your skin.