Can I Use Glycolic Acid and Mandelic Acid Together? A Complete Guide
If you’re exploring chemical exfoliants, it’s easy to feel like a skincare mad scientist. Mixing and matching acids can be confusing, especially when each one promises unique benefits.
Without a clear understanding, you might misuse them or cause irritation. Even if products say they are mild, they’re still acids that require careful handling and sun protection.
So, can you use glycolic acid and mandelic acid together? Let’s find out.
What Are Chemical Exfoliants?
Chemical exfoliants are acids that help remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Unlike physical exfoliants, they dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells together without scrubbing. This makes them effective, gentle, and suitable for many skin types when used correctly.
Two popular types of chemical exfoliants are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). AHAs, like glycolic and mandelic acid, are water-soluble and work mainly on the skin’s surface. BHAs, like salicylic acid, penetrate deeper into pores and are oil-soluble.
What Is Glycolic Acid?
Glycolic acid is a well-known AHA derived from sugar cane. It’s one of the most popular acids in skincare and found in many toners, serums, and moisturizers.
Glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size among AHAs.
Its small molecules allow it to penetrate deeply into the skin.
It works inside pores to clear excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, and impurities.
By exfoliating dead skin cells, it helps prevent blackheads, acne, and blemishes.
It also smooths fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a youthful, plump complexion.
Because glycolic acid removes dead skin cells, it increases skin absorption of other actives.
However, glycolic acid can be irritating for sensitive skin due to its deep penetration.
It’s generally best for skin types that are not overly dry or sensitive.
Once your skin builds tolerance, you can use glycolic acid up to twice daily.
It works well alone or combined with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
What Is Mandelic Acid?
Mandelic acid is another AHA but less commonly discussed. It’s derived from bitter almonds and is used in both medical peels and over-the-counter skincare.
Mandelic acid molecules are larger than glycolic acid’s.
This means it penetrates more slowly and gently into the skin.
It’s considered one of the mildest AHAs, suitable for all skin types.
Mandelic acid exfoliates the skin’s surface, improving texture and tone.
It unclogs pores and reduces breakouts without irritation.
It’s especially effective at fading dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and acne scars.
Like glycolic acid, it helps your skin absorb other ingredients better.
Though gentle, it’s best to introduce mandelic acid gradually to avoid irritation.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid and Mandelic Acid
Both acids offer exfoliation and skin-renewal benefits, but they suit different needs:
Glycolic acid penetrates deeper, making it ideal for aging skin, uneven texture, and stubborn breakouts.
Mandelic acid works on the surface, great for sensitive skin and discoloration.
Both improve skin radiance, smoothness, and clarity.
They boost collagen production, helping to reduce fine lines.
Both can be layered with hydrating ingredients to keep skin balanced.
Can You Use Glycolic Acid and Mandelic Acid Together?
The short answer: yes, but not simultaneously.
Using both acids at the same time can overstimulate your skin, leading to:
Redness, Itching, Dryness, Flaking, Swelling
Increased sensitivity to sunlight
These effects result from over-exfoliation and can damage your skin barrier.
How to Use Both Acids Safely
Option 1: Alternate Days
Use glycolic acid one day, mandelic acid the next. This prevents irritation and allows your skin to recover between treatments. Many people prefer applying acids at night to avoid daytime UV exposure.
Option 2: Morning and Evening Split
Once your skin builds tolerance, you can use one acid in the morning and the other in the evening. Always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 50 or higher to protect against UV damage.
Supporting Your Skin Barrier
When using exfoliating acids, hydration and protection are essential:
Use ingredients like hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturized.
Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and reduces inflammation.
Avoid combining acids with harsh ingredients like retinoids or vitamin C initially.
Always apply sunscreen daily; acids make skin more prone to sun damage.
If irritation occurs, reduce frequency or pause acid use.
Is Mandelic Acid Stronger Than Glycolic Acid?
Technically, glycolic acid is stronger due to its smaller molecule size and deeper skin penetration.
Glycolic acid works deeper into the dermis.
Mandelic acid mainly affects the skin surface.
Mandelic acid is more gentle and better tolerated by sensitive skin.
The concentration of acid in a product also affects strength.
Look at ingredient lists: if an acid is near the top, it means a higher concentration.
A lower percentage of glycolic acid may be milder than a higher percentage of mandelic acid.
When to Avoid Using Glycolic or Mandelic Acid
Certain skin conditions or circumstances mean you should be cautious or avoid these acids:
Active eczema or dermatitis
Open wounds or sunburn
Very sensitive or reactive skin
During pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider
If you’re using strong prescription medications (retinoids, antibiotics)
Always do a patch test before adding new acids to your routine.
Signs Your Skin Loves These Acids
When used correctly, glycolic and mandelic acid can transform your skin:
Smoother texture and softer skin
Reduced breakouts and clearer pores
Brighter, more even skin tone
Fading dark spots and scars
Minimized fine lines and wrinkles
Better absorption of other skincare products
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I mix glycolic acid and mandelic acid in the same product?
A: Usually no. Most products use one acid to avoid irritation. Layering two acids is not recommended without expert guidance.
Q: How long does it take to see results?
A: Typically, 4-6 weeks of consistent use show visible improvements.
Q: Can I use acids daily?
A: Start slowly, 2-3 times a week. Increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance.
Q: What should I do if I experience irritation?
A: Stop using the acids, moisturize, and consult a dermatologist if irritation persists.
Final Words
Glycolic acid and mandelic acid are powerful exfoliants that can elevate your skincare routine. Using them together is possible, but only with care.
Alternate their use or separate them by AM and PM routines to avoid irritation.
Support your skin barrier with hydrating and soothing ingredients and always protect yourself from the sun. With patience and consistency, these acids can give you smoother, brighter, and healthier skin.
If you want more personalized advice, reach out to us on Instagram or your trusted skincare professional. Happy exfoliating!
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
