The Ordinary MANDELIC ACID 10% + HA 30ML

Values: 100% Genuine (Adilsons policy) · Fragrance-Free (confirmed via INCI) · Vegan-Friendly* · Halal-Friendly*.

Pros: genuinely gentler AHA option for sensitive or AHA-reactive skin, dual texture-smoothing and dark-spot benefit, budget entry point. Caveats: still an exfoliating acid requiring a rest-day schedule, exactly 10% concentration is not to be layered with other acids or retinoids the same night, and this exact SKU is currently out of stock at Adilsons.

YELLOW — 14+ with guidance. This is a genuine chemical exfoliant at a meaningful 10% concentration; while mandelic acid is comparatively gentle, exfoliating acids in general are for skin dealing with actual texture/dullness/PIH concerns, not a preventative step for younger, unaffected skin.

Bedside-compatible: yes, no rinsing required. On a genuinely low-energy day, skip this step rather than rush it — an acid applied carelessly (too close to the eyes, over broken skin) is one of the few genuine risks in a minimalist routine.

Step 1 (When): PM, 2-3 nights per week to start. Step 2 (How much): 2-3 drops. Step 3 (How): pat onto dry or lightly damp skin, avoiding the eye area; wait 10-20 minutes before moisturizer if you want the acid to fully act.

Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

1. Cleanser. 2. Toner. 3. Mandelic Acid 10% + HA (only if not used the night before) — 2-3 drops. 4. Moisturizer. 5. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++, non-negotiable.

SPF mandate: AHAs measurably increase sun sensitivity — using this AM without strict SPF significantly raises the risk of new sun damage and PIH, undermining the exact texture/tone benefit you're using it for.

1. Double cleanse if wearing SPF/makeup. 2. Toner. 3. Mandelic Acid 10% + HA — 2-3 drops, wait 10-20 minutes. 4. Moisturizer.

Skin cycling placement: in a 4-night cycle, this occupies the Exfoliation night (Night 1), followed by a Retinoid night, then two Recovery nights with no actives.

Technique: pat, don't rub — friction plus an active acid is a fast way to over-irritate. Skin state: dry or lightly damp is fine. Wait time: 10-20 minutes is the pH-dependent window the brand's own acid-layering guidance recommends before applying anything else.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global rules: viscosity ladder thinnest-to-thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serums 30-60s, pH-dependent acids 10-20 minutes. Amount defaults: serum 2-3 drops, moisturizer 1-2 peas, sunscreen the two-finger rule. If a routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers, never increase them.

AM Maximum Stack: cleanse → toner → essence → antioxidant lane → pigment-support lane → hydration lane → moisturizer → SPF50+ non-negotiable. This exfoliant, if used AM at all, sits in place of the pigment/exfoliation slot, and SPF becomes even more critical that day.

PM Maximum Stack: cleanse → toner → soothing serum → anchor active (this product, on its scheduled night) → moisturizer → occlusive if needed. Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep one lane per night. One-lane rule: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine — barrier and hydration can always accompany.

Rest days required: at least 2-3 non-acid nights per week to let the skin barrier recover. Overuse warning: exceeding 3-4 uses per week does NOT produce faster texture improvement — it produces barrier damage, redness, and paradoxically worse texture.

Purging vs. reaction: purging shows up as small breakouts in your usual breakout zones and resolves within 4-6 weeks; a reaction shows up in new areas, involves burning or hives, and worsens rather than improves — stop immediately if it's the latter.

Before starting, your routine must already include a daily SPF habit and a working moisturizer — exfoliating acids without both cause more harm than benefit.

Barrier index gate: if your skin stings on moisturizer or feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, your barrier is below threshold — start with a barrier-repair routine first, such as Anua Birch Moisture Boosting Cream, before introducing this acid.

Texture and dullness: mandelic acid loosens the bonds between dead skin cells (corneodesmosomes) at the surface, revealing smoother, more even skin without penetrating as deep as smaller AHAs. Secondary benefit: can support fading of mild PIH over time as surface turnover improves.

What this product cannot do: it cannot physically shrink pores or treat PIE (red marks) — pore appearance is a texture/oil effect, not a size that shrinks.

Sunscreen (mandatory): primary pick Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+. Alternatives: SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum, Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream, MIXSOON Cica Hyal Sunstick.

Barrier-support moisturizer: primary pick Anua Birch Moisture Boosting Cream. Alternatives: Anua Peach 77% Niacin Conditioning Milk, Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum.

Non-conflicting brightening (AM only, different lane): primary pick The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Alternatives: Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4%, AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Serum.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

× Retinoids: never the same night. Instead, use skin cycling (exfoliation night → retinoid night → 2 recovery nights) or alternate nights entirely.

× Other separate strong acids (BHA, another AHA): avoid stacking two separate exfoliating products — pick one per session; alternate days if you want both a BHA and this AHA in your week.

× L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C: if layering, apply Vitamin C first, wait 15-20 minutes, then this acid — safer to simply split AM Vitamin C / PM acid.

× Physical scrubs/exfoliating tools: don't combine same day — the combination of chemical and mechanical exfoliation over-strips the skin.

Close rule: do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep one lane per night. If unsure, default to the safest lane — barrier and hydration.

Pre-period breakouts happen because progesterone causes the pore lining to physically swell, narrowing the opening and trapping sebum beneath — a mild exfoliant like this can help keep pores clear through that window, but reduce frequency if skin is unusually reactive.

MYTH: "Higher percentage always means better/faster results." REALITY: mandelic acid's benefit is its larger, slower-penetrating molecule — at 10% it is already working at a meaningful strength without the same irritation risk as smaller-molecule acids at similar percentages.

MYTH: "If it doesn't tingle, it's not working." REALITY: a well-tolerated exfoliant can work with minimal sensation — tingling is not a reliable marker of efficacy and can just mean the barrier is compromised.

Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region; if your cleanser leaves a tight, filmy feel before you even apply this serum, a pH-balancing toner beforehand helps counteract hard-water residue.

Free Acid Value: community-reported pH of approximately 4.0. Mandelic acid's pKa is higher than glycolic acid's, and combined with its larger molecular size, this makes it a gentler exfoliant in practice than its 10% label percentage alone would suggest.

Full INCI: Aqua (Water), Mandelic Acid, Glycerin, Propanediol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Polysorbate 20, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin. [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] Polysorbate 20, Isoceteth-20, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Preservative system: Phenoxyethanol and Chlorphenesin, broad-spectrum cosmetic preservatives.

Fragrance status: Fragrance-Free, confirmed via INCI. Scent: effectively none. EU 26 allergen screen: none detected. Alcohol disclosure: Alcohol-Free.

Halal: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

Vegan: *Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected — note that "mandelic acid" is a chemically synthesized acid, not derived from whole almonds in this formulation. This is NOT a formal vegan certification by The Vegan Society or equivalent body.

Cruelty-Free: *Brand-stated policy. Not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or equivalent third-party audit in this research pass. *The Ordinary's parent company entered Mainland China retail (Sephora China) in February 2025, where post-market animal testing may apply by law; cross-border e-commerce sales may be exempt.

Microplastic status: Microplastic-Free — no synthetic film-forming polymers detected in the declared INCI.

MFDS Classification: Not applicable — Canadian brand, not MFDS-registered. Clinical evidence: mandelic acid's slower-penetration, lower-irritation profile relative to glycolic acid is well-documented in cosmetic chemistry literature; no brand-published in-vivo trial specific to this exact SKU was found. Evidence confidence: Medium.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Safe based on the declared INCI (no common FA-feeding esters or fatty-acid emulsifiers identified beyond a low-risk Polysorbate 20).

Assessment: Low. Thin, fast-absorbing formula; pilling risk mainly comes from layering under a thick cream too soon.

Mitigation: wait the full 10-20 minutes before moisturizer if possible; pat, don't rub.

Fresh formula is clear; discoloration or an off smell signals it should be discarded.

Storage: keep away from direct heat and sunlight; Mauritius bathroom humidity accelerates degradation of most cosmetic preservative systems over time.

Patch test: inner forearm 24 hours, then behind the ear 24 hours, before full-face use.

72-hour barrier reset (if reaction occurs): stop all actives. For 72 hours, use only a gentle cleanser and plain moisturizer plus mineral SPF — no acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential oils. Reintroduce one product per 14 days after.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care.

Pregnancy note: AHAs including mandelic acid are generally considered among the pregnancy-compatible acids by mainstream guidance (unlike retinoids, high-dose salicylic acid, or hydroquinone), but always confirm with your own treating clinician before using any active during pregnancy or while nursing.

1. Using it every night instead of 2-3x/week. 2. Layering it with a retinoid or another acid the same night. 3. Skipping SPF the next morning. 4. Combining it with a physical scrub the same day. 5. Judging it as "not strong enough" after one use and increasing frequency too fast.

Overuse threshold: more than 3-4 uses per week does not accelerate results — it accelerates barrier damage.

At 2-3 drops per use, 3x per week, a 30ml bottle lasts roughly 3-4 months.

Using it more frequently than recommended does not speed up texture improvement and simply shortens the bottle's usable life while raising irritation risk. Reorder about two weeks before you expect to run out.

This exfoliant's job is narrow: loosen surface dead-cell buildup on a scheduled 2-3x/week cadence, never nightly. It occupies the Exfoliation lane and should never share a night with a retinoid or another strong acid.

AM (only on non-PM-acid days): cleanser → this serum → moisturizer → SPF50+. PM (scheduled nights): cleanser → this serum → wait 10-20 min → moisturizer.

If your skin is barrier-compromised right now, pause this product entirely and repair the barrier first — an acid on damaged skin worsens things, it doesn't speed recovery. If you're already using a retinoid most nights, reserve this acid for the retinoid's off-nights per the skin-cycling schedule above.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth. The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with Mandelic Acid 10% + HA, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

If you want a gentler, lower-percentage combined AHA+BHA leave-on toner instead of a dedicated 10% AHA serum, Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA is a genuine, milder alternative. Alternatives: COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum.

Choose Mandelic Acid 10% + HA over the Beauty of Joseon toner if you need: a single, higher-percentage AHA with a well-documented gentler-molecule mechanism, rather than a lower-dose combined AHA+BHA blend.

Upgrade triggers: if you've tolerated this well for 8+ weeks and want to add pore-clearing BHA benefit too, that's the signal to consider the combined toner or alternate nights with a BHA product — not to increase this serum's frequency. If your barrier is currently compromised, do not upgrade to anything stronger; repair first.

Don't upgrade if: you're new to acids, your barrier isn't fully settled, or you can't commit to daily SPF. Consistency beats complexity.

For users who have used this 10% mandelic acid consistently for months without irritation and want an occasional deeper treatment, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a real, same-brand step up — used only as an occasional 10-minute peel, never nightly, and never on the same night as this serum.

This product's primary function is: gentle AHA exfoliation for texture and mild dark-spot support. You do not need this if you already own another open AHA exfoliant with the same job — finish that one first, and never run two separate exfoliating acids in the same routine.

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Community reviews (Beautiful With Brains, Skinsort aggregation) describe it as a "beloved soothing exfoliant for closed comedones," with several users specifically noting it as the first exfoliating acid that didn't trigger a reaction after other AHAs/BHAs did. Reviewers consistently describe a watery, non-greasy texture with no added scent.

A specific Reddit thread for this exact SKU was not found in this research pass — say so plainly rather than inventing one.

Quick version: Week 1-2 — introduce alone, 2x/week, monitor for irritation. Week 3-4 — increase to 3x/week if stable. Week 5+ — you may add a non-competing support product, but never another acid or a retinoid on the same night. If irritation occurs at any point, use the 72-Hour Barrier Reset rather than pushing through.

Rule of One: this product must be introduced as the ONLY new product. Wait 14 days before adding anything else.

Can I use this every night? No — 2-4 nights per week with rest days in between is the recommended schedule; nightly use raises irritation risk without added benefit.

Is mandelic acid gentler than glycolic acid? Yes, generally — its larger molecule penetrates more slowly, which is why it's often recommended for sensitive or AHA-reactive skin.

Can I use this with my Vitamin C serum? Yes, but split them (Vitamin C AM, this PM) or wait 15-20 minutes if layering the same routine.

Will this help with acne scarring? It can help with surface texture and mild post-acne marks over time, but it does not treat active acne or deep atrophic scarring.

Is it safe during pregnancy? AHAs are generally considered among the pregnancy-compatible acids, but confirm with your own clinician before starting any active during pregnancy.

AHA

Alpha hydroxy acid — a water-soluble acid that exfoliates the skin surface.

Mandelic Acid

A larger-molecule AHA known for gentler, slower penetration than glycolic acid.

Corneodesmosomes

The protein "glue" that holds dead skin cells together; AHAs loosen these bonds.

pKa

A measure of an acid's strength; relevant to how much of an acid is in its active, free form at a given pH.

Skin Cycling

A rotating schedule that alternates exfoliation, retinoid, and recovery nights to avoid over-treating skin.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: anyone who wants real AHA exfoliation but has reacted badly to glycolic or salicylic acid in the past, and who already has a moisturizer and SPF habit in place.

Key benefits: genuinely gentler AHA mechanism, real texture and dullness improvement, low irritation risk relative to strength.

Keep in mind: it is still a real acid requiring a rest-day schedule and never sharing a night with a retinoid or another acid, and this exact SKU is currently out of stock.

Assessment: Consult Oncologist. This is an active chemical exfoliant, and treatment-sensitized skin is often more reactive to acids than usual — check with your oncology care team before introducing it during active treatment.

Consult your oncology care team before introducing any new skincare products during treatment.