Mandelic Cleanser

Mandelic Cleanser is an exfoliating daily cleanser that combines gentle cleansing with low-level mandelic acid exfoliation — giving skin a head start on clearing congestion and refining texture with every wash, without the intensity of a leave-on treatment.

Mandelic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) with a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and causes significantly less irritation. In a cleanser format, mandelic acid delivers a mild exfoliating effect — loosening the bonds that hold dead skin cells together and helping keep pores clearer over time — while being gentle enough for daily use on most skin types.

This is the right cleanser for anyone managing persistent congestion, rough texture, or mild acne who wants their cleansing step to do a bit more work. It's also an excellent introduction to mandelic acid for people who are new to active skincare.

What it does:
- Cleanses skin while providing a gentle daily exfoliating effect
- Helps prevent pore congestion and reduce blackhead formation over time
- Smooths skin texture with consistent use
- Preps skin for better penetration of treatment serums
- Gentle enough for daily use on combination and acne-prone skin

Who it's for:
Best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types dealing with congestion, bumpy texture, or mild breakouts. Not recommended for very dry or highly sensitive skin as a daily wash — use Balance Wash on active-rest days if your skin needs recovery time. Not suitable for active rosacea.

How to use:
Use in the PM as your primary cleanser on nights you are not applying a leave-on exfoliating serum (Reset, Refine, or Relief). Apply to damp skin, massage gently for 60 seconds, and rinse with lukewarm water. In the AM, Balance Wash is typically sufficient. Avoid combining with other strong acid treatments on the same application.

Pairs well with:
Mandelic Cleanser (PM) → Calming Mist → Fonte or Repair → Resurfacer (on alternate nights only)

Frequently asked questions:

*Can I use Mandelic Cleanser every day?
For most oily and combination skin types, yes. For sensitive or dry-combination skin, alternate with Balance Wash to avoid over-exfoliation.

*Can I use Mandelic Cleanser and Reset (Mandelic Serum) in the same routine?
Not in the same evening — that's layering two acid exfoliants and will likely cause irritation. Use Mandelic Cleanser on nights you're not applying Reset, or use Balance Wash when using leave-on acid treatments.