AccessCARE DL-MDA

Professional-Grade AHA for Gentle Exfoliation, Acne Control, and Brightening

INCI Name: DL-Mandelic Acid

AccessCARE DL-MDA is a high-purity DL-Mandelic Acid, a versatile alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) prized for gentle yet effective exfoliation. Its larger molecular size allows for slower, more even penetration, making it ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. This multi-functional active helps regulate sebum, provides anti-bacterial benefits to clarify skin, and inhibits melanin production to reduce the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

Solubility Notes:

Soluble in water, alcohol, and propylene glycol. Add to the water phase and ensure complete dissolution. For optimal performance, maintain the final formulation pH between 3.5 and 4.5.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

Anti-Acne Serums & Spot Treatments

Leverages its anti-bacterial and sebum-regulating properties to help clear acne lesions and prevent future breakouts in targeted formulas.
Brightening & Tone-Correcting Lotions

Interferes with melanin production to fade dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun damage for a more even skin tone.
Exfoliating Toners & Peels

Provides gentle chemical exfoliation in daily toners or weekly treatments to improve texture, clarity, and radiance with minimal irritation.
Anti-Aging & Smoothing Creams

Supports collagen and elastin for improved firmness and reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Sebum-Control Moisturizers

Helps balance oil production in lightweight moisturizers for oily and combination skin, minimizing shine and helping prevent clogged pores.
Clarifying Facial Cleansers

Enhances the purifying action of rinse-off cleansers by helping dissolve dead skin cells and debris that can clog pores.

Performance & Formulation Insights for AccessCARE DL-MDA

How Mandelic Acid Works

AccessCARE DL-MDA is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from the hydrolysis of an extract of bitter almonds. Its action is threefold. First, as an exfoliant, it helps dissolve the bonds holding dead skin cells at the surface, encouraging faster cellular turnover for smoother, brighter skin. Owing to its larger molecular size versus smaller AHAs like glycolic acid, it penetrates more slowly and evenly for gentler performance and reduced irritation potential. Second, it offers inherent anti-bacterial benefits and helps regulate sebum, supporting clearer-looking skin and helping reduce the frequency of breakouts. Finally, it acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor to help prevent and diminish hyperpigmentation, including age spots and post-acne marks.

Formulation Guidelines

AccessCARE DL-MDA is a crystalline powder soluble in water, alcohol, and glycols. Incorporate into the water phase and ensure full dissolution before emulsification or adding other phases. For optimal efficacy and skin compatibility, maintain the final pH between 3.5 and 4.5; higher pH values will neutralize the acid and reduce exfoliating activity. Recommended usage for daily leave-on systems is 5% to 10%. It is compatible with many cosmetic actives, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and most antioxidants. When combining with other acids or potentially sensitizing actives such as retinoids, begin at lower concentrations to confirm skin tolerance.

Key Formulation Benefits

Gentle Efficacy: Provides effective exfoliation and renewal with a lower risk of irritation, suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Multi-Functional Acne Control: Exfoliates, helps regulate sebum, and offers anti-bacterial benefits to support clearer-looking skin.
Visible Hyperpigmentation Reduction: Helps fade dark spots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun damage for a more even tone.
Anti-Aging Support: Encourages a smoother look and supports collagen and elastin for improved firmness and fine-line reduction.
Suitable Across Skin Tones: Recognized as a gentle AHA option for tones prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Easy to Formulate: Water-soluble with clear pH and processing guidance for serums, toners, lotions, and creams.

Heading #1
Benefits	Acne Treatment, AHA/BHA/PHA Acids, Anti-Aging & Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Bacterial, Brightening & Skin Lightening, Collagen Boosting, Dark Spot Reduction, Exfoliants, Sebum Control
INCI Name	DL-Mandelic Acid
Usage Rate	5%-10%
Active Type	Acids (AHA/BHA/PHA)
Solubility	Water-Soluble
Application Area	Body, Face
Physical Form	Powder
Certifications	Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About AccessCARE DL-MDA

For daily leave-on products like serums, toners, and moisturizers, 5% to 10% is recommended to balance efficacy and gentleness.

Mandelic Acid has a larger molecular size than Glycolic Acid, leading to slower, less-deep penetration. This typically results in a gentler exfoliation profile with a lower potential for irritation, making it a strong choice for sensitive or reactive skin.

Maintain the final formulation pH between 3.5 and 4.5 to keep Mandelic Acid in its active free-acid form. Above pH 4.5, its exfoliating effectiveness diminishes as it becomes neutralized.

Yes. Due to its larger molecular structure and slower penetration, Mandelic Acid is among the most well-tolerated AHAs and is suitable for sensitive, redness-prone, and reactive skin types.

Gentle exfoliation, anti-bacterial and sebum-regulating support for acne-prone skin, reduction of dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and visible smoothing with support for collagen and elastin.

Yes. It pairs well with hydrating actives like Hyaluronic Acid and barrier-supporting Niacinamide to help offset potential dryness from exfoliation and provide complementary benefits.

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