Which is better, mandelic acid or salicylic acid?

Mandelic acid and salicylic acid are both common raw materials in skin care products. Mandelic acid has a good oil control effect, can also remove acne marks, treat closed comedones, and mandelic acid is relatively mild. Salicylic acid is a great exfoliant and can also deep cleanse the skin when added to a facial cleanser. However, everyone's physique is different, and some people may have allergic reactions to varying degrees. When using it, you should also decide which one is better based on your own skin.

1. Mandelic acid, also known as mandelic acid, α-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, phenylglycolic acid, etc. Colorless transparent crystals, easily soluble in hot water, ether and isopropanol, insoluble in ethanol. Excessive exposure can cause discoloration and decomposition. It can be used as a pharmaceutical antibacterial agent, in organic synthesis, and as a reagent for determining zirconium. In medicine, it is the urinary tract antiseptic methenamine mandelate.

Mandelic acid can be used during the day, but it is recommended to apply sunscreen, as this needs to be protected from light. The method is to drop it directly on the face, 4-5 drops for the whole face and 1-2 drops for each part. 6% can be used every day, morning and evening. For 18%, it is recommended to use it 1 time on and rest 1 time off, and apply it at night. It is recommended to apply it locally.

Use order (pre-water essence):

After cleaning → Mandelic acid essence → Toner → Other essences → Lotion → or cream → Sunscreen (Note that you must moisturize, moisturize, moisturize)

2. Salicylic Acid: It can remove the accumulation of aging keratin and improve skin texture; it can penetrate hair follicles and effectively dry the purulent areas of acne. Many acne-fighting products contain salicylic acid. Compared to glycolic acid, salicylic acid is less irritating to the skin.

Do not use salicylic acid on sensitive skin because it may cause allergies and has anti-acne and whitening effects on the skin.

However, salicylic acid can only work on the stratum corneum. Although it helps the metabolism of epidermal melanin and brightens the skin tone, its effect is not as good as that of fruit acid. As for the acne scar problem in the dermis, there is nothing we can do about it. The salicylic acid concentration in commercially available skin care products is regulated at 2%. Long-term use of high concentrations of salicylic acid can cause poisoning. It should not be used by patients with renal or liver dysfunction and children under 3 years old.

① If we compare the effects of improving blackheads/acne, because the emphasis is on the metabolic capacity of keratin, the order would be: salicylic acid > mandelic acid > glycolic acid.

② The order of intensity of skin irritation is: fruit acid > salicylic acid > mandelic acid

③If you do not have oily skin, then salicylic acid or mandelic acid, which are fat-soluble and less irritating, would be more suitable for you.