Face Reality
11% Mandelic Serum
Face Reality's gold-standard mandelic acid serum for acne-prone skin
Face Reality 11% L-Mandelic Serum is the brand's gold-standard exfoliating serum and one of the most popular products in professional acne treatment. It delivers strong, even exfoliation to keep pores clear, calm breakouts, and smooth texture, with much less irritation than other acids at a similar strength.
Why mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) made from bitter almonds. Because its molecule is larger than glycolic acid, it absorbs slowly and evenly into the skin. The result is effective exfoliation without the harsh sting, making it ideal for acne-prone skin and safe for all skin tones. This serum combines the "chirally correct" forms of L-mandelic acid and L-lactic acid, which your skin uses most efficiently.
What it does
- Deeply exfoliates to unclog pores and help prevent new breakouts
- Helps control oil and the look of shine
- Smooths rough texture and refines the look of pores
- Brightens and helps fade the look of post-breakout marks
- Hydrates with L-lactic acid and helps fight acne-related bacteria and yeast
Who it's for
Oily and acne-prone skin, and anyone who has used a lower-strength mandelic serum comfortably and is ready to step up for stronger results.
Need a clear-skin plan?
The right products work best with the right plan. Learn about our Acne Boot Camp program with Licensed Advanced Aesthetician Mallori DuVall.
How to use
In the evening, apply 1 pump (new packaging) or 2 pumps (older packaging) all over clean, dry skin or to areas of concern. Follow with your moisturizer. When moving up from a lower strength, start every other night and build to nightly. A light tingle is normal.
Important: AHAs can increase sun sensitivity. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day while using this product.
Building your routine
A simple evening routine with this serum looks like this:
- Cleanse with an acne-safe cleanser like Acne Face and Body Wash, or Ultra Gentle Cleanser if your skin is feeling dry.
- Treat with 11% Mandelic Serum on clean, dry skin.
- Hydrate with a lightweight, non-clogging moisturizer such as Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel.
In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Mineral Matte SPF28, which is a nice fit for oily skin.
Esthetician tip
This is the strength many of our acne clients settle into long term. If your skin feels overly dry or tight, step back to every other night and add a barrier-supporting moisturizer.
How long until I see results?
Many people notice smoother skin and less oiliness within a few weeks. Clearer pores and fewer breakouts take steady nightly use over several weeks, since skin needs time to turn over and older clogs need time to work their way out.
Should I start with 11% if I've never used an acid?
Usually not. Most people do best starting with the 5% or 8% and moving up once their skin handles nightly use comfortably.
Can I use it with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid?
Many acne routines combine mandelic acid with benzoyl peroxide, but layering several strong actives at once can over-dry the skin. If you use a retinoid or another exfoliant, ask us how to schedule them so your skin stays comfortable.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Yes. Mandelic acid's slow, even absorption makes it a commonly recommended acid for melanin-rich skin, which can be more prone to dark marks after irritation.
When would I move up to 15%?
Only if your skin is very oily and resilient, tolerates the 11% nightly with no irritation, and still needs more help. Many clients never need to go higher.
Can I use it while pregnant or nursing?
Please check with your healthcare provider before starting any new active skincare during pregnancy or nursing.
Shipping
Orders ship within 5 business days of purchase, often sooner. You'll get an email with tracking as soon as your order is on its way. Free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
Returns
Unused, unopened products can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a refund to your original payment method, minus a 15% restocking fee.
Opened or used products can only be returned with our approval. Skin reacts differently to every product, so if something isn't working for you, reach out and we'll find a solution together.
How to start a return
Email info.beautyritualsskincare@gmail.com with your order number and the item you'd like to return. We'll reply with next steps.
Full details: Shipping Policy · Refund Policy
Prefer to shop in person? Visit our studio in Hilltop Plaza and our estheticians will help you choose the right products for your skin.
584 E. Main St., Unit 40, Canfield, OH 44406
330-540-8892
Hours: Mon 9–4 · Tue 9–6:30 · Wed 10–3 · Thu 9–6:30 · Fri 9–3 · Sat 10–2 · Sun Closed
Services by appointment.
Shipping
Orders ship within 5 business days of purchase, often sooner. You'll get an email with tracking as soon as your order is on its way. Free shipping on orders of $150 or more.
Returns
Unused, unopened products can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a refund to your original payment method, minus a 15% restocking fee.
Opened or used products can only be returned with our approval. Skin reacts differently to every product, so if something isn't working for you, reach out and we'll find a solution together.
How to start a return
Email info.beautyritualsskincare@gmail.com with your order number and the item you'd like to return. We'll reply with next steps.
Full details: Shipping Policy · Refund Policy