Face Reality
15% Mandelic Serum
Maximum-strength mandelic acid serum for oily, stubborn breakouts
Face Reality 15% L-Mandelic Serum is the strongest serum in Face Reality's mandelic acid line. It's designed for oily, resilient skin with persistent congestion and breakouts that needs a more powerful exfoliating treatment, while keeping the gentle, even action mandelic acid is known for.
Why mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) made from bitter almonds. Its large molecule absorbs slowly and evenly, so even at higher strengths it exfoliates with less irritation than other acids. It's a trusted choice for acne-prone skin and all skin tones. This serum combines the "chirally correct" forms of L-mandelic acid and L-lactic acid, the versions your skin uses most efficiently.
What it does
- Delivers intensive exfoliation to clear stubborn clogged pores
- Helps reduce oil and the look of shine
- Smooths uneven, bumpy texture
- Brightens and helps fade the look of lingering post-breakout marks
- Hydrates with L-lactic acid and helps fight acne-related bacteria and yeast
Who it's for
Very oily, resilient skin with ongoing congestion or breakouts, and experienced acid users who have comfortably used the 11% strength. This strength is best used under the guidance of your esthetician.
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. Start every other night when moving up from a lower strength. A tingle is normal, but if you notice lasting redness, peeling, or burning, scale back.
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.
- Treat with 15% Mandelic Serum on clean, dry skin.
- Hydrate with an oil-free, non-clogging moisturizer such as Hydrabalance Hydrating Gel.
In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen like Mineral Matte SPF28. On nights your skin feels sensitized, swap in a gentler option like 11% Mandelic Serum or simply skip the acid and moisturize.
Esthetician tip
Higher strength isn't always better. If you're unsure whether your skin is ready for 15%, ask us. We'll check your skin and recommend the right step.
How long until I see results?
Oily skin often feels clearer and less shiny within a few weeks. Stubborn congestion takes longer, usually several weeks of consistent use, because deeper clogs need time to loosen and work their way out.
Can I jump straight to 15%?
We don't recommend it. Skin does best when it builds tolerance step by step through the lower strengths. Starting too strong is one of the most common reasons people end up red, flaky, and frustrated.
Is some peeling normal?
A light tingle is expected. Ongoing peeling, burning, or redness is a sign to scale back to every other night or a lower strength and focus on hydration for a while.
Can I use it with benzoyl peroxide or a retinoid?
Some acne routines combine these, but stacking strong actives can over-dry the skin quickly at this strength. Please check with us before layering so we can set up a schedule that works.
Is it safe for darker skin tones?
Mandelic acid is a commonly recommended acid for melanin-rich skin. At higher strengths it's especially important to avoid over-exfoliating, since irritation can lead to dark marks.
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