Garden of Wisdom's Mandelic Acid 5% Serum is a proprietary blend of antioxidants, skin hydrators, alpha-hydroxy acids, skin conditioners and a 5% strength of Mandelic Acid. Mandelic acid lightens skin (especially when paired with our Light n' Bright serum), reduces pore size, improves complexion, evens out skin tone and helps to lighten skin irregularities and hyperpigmentation. Our Mandelic Acid is best to be used by those who have oily to very oily skin, mild acne, blemishes, or with normal skin.
Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that helps clear away dead skin cells that have built up on the skin's surface, and because of its smaller molecule size it can also work within the pore as well. Unlike glycolic acid, it cannot penetrate the skin's layers to enable deeper exfoliation, but it can help to refine pores. Mandelic acid has antibacterial properties.
Method of Application If you are new to acids, use every three days. In total, exfoliate no more than 3 to 4 times per week.
Use on clean skin (skin can be dampened with hydrosol, toner or fruit mists, or it can be dry). Apply a few drops with clean fingertips, then wait 20 minutes before using any other products. The acid will self neutralize and then you can continue with your routine.
The exception to the 20 minute wait rule is if the acids are very uncomfortable. If so, then rinse immediately and build up a resistance to the acids over about a month's time, increasing the length of time every few days. Acids, however, are not meant to be comfortable as they are a remodeling tool.
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please Keep Your Products Out of Humidity, Heat, Direct Light and in a Dark Cabinet When Possible
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it to a separate, sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take the oil out, warm it up at room temperature, and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. Some oils, like coconut cream and jojoba oil, have a super long shelf life.
Refrigeration of The Following Ingredients is Not Necessary, But it Won't hurt
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs All herbs <i>(whole or ground)</i> should be kept in a dark, cool, and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts are created using grain alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herb, root, trunk, leaf, and flower. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be stored in the refrigerator or a dark, dry place. Other Raw Ingredients - such as Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc., will all have different shelf lives.
Since I started using this serum I've noticed an improvement in my skin for the better. I really works.
Thank you, Lara
I'm glad you choose the lower percentage as this will typically smooth the skin without a harsh, undesired result.
Be good to yourself, always.
Markey
A
Alli
HOLY GRAIL
it is so good!! I just bought it and nothing EVER got rid of my forehead acne besides this. I hope u guys never discontinue this product. My face is acne-prone, sensitive, combination skin. I also have fungal (malassezia) acne and have hormonal acne.This stuff actually WORKS!!
Thank you so much for taking the time to send a review about this product! We're so happy that this is working well for you!! Appreciate you :)
M
Mary
Gentle and Effective
I have sensitive skin and a bit of texture I’d like to smoothen out. after some research, I decided to try mandelic acid to address my skin concerns. I really like the formulation of this particular product since it’s got quite a few hydrating ingredients which balance out the dryness that comes with exfoliation.
I could feel my skin become slightly smoother after the first use of this serum, which is awesome considering it’s such a gentle formula and it usually takes some time to see results. I personally only use the serum once a week because my skin is pretty thin. it stings just a tiny bit for about a minute (completely expected) and that’s it. will definitely be buying it again!
We appreciate the time you took to review this product!
E
Ellery
Great starter acid
I did some research on acids before trying this formula from Garden of Wisdom. I have fairly sensitive, reactive, acne prone, combination skin and this acid has done wonders! It's helped reduce the appearance of my pores, prevent acne, and is improving the texture and tone of my skin. My old acne scarring is less dark and visible after using this in combination with my other skincare products. Because of the low %, I haven't had any issues with dryness or irritation. I use this product 3x weekly during my nighttime skincare routine, after washing and toning and before a nighttime retinol oil. I love it and recommend it to everyone!
Thank you for the review! So glad this is working for you!
Love it for my neck. Will try on my face at some point. I have Rosacea so I have to be careful with my face. Love Bakuchiol for the body too.
Bakuchiol (Sytenol®A) Botanic Facial Oil Booster
Michelle Castro
Winter Skin MUST HAVE
I love the other GOW hydrating mists but has not tried this one yet. My skin is on the struggle bus this Fall. Due to weather plus perimenopause I felt like I couldn’t get enough hydration no matter what! Purchased the 1oz size of this mist to try and it’s a game changer!! I just ordered the 4oz size during a sale. Never want to be without this during Fall and Winter.
Customer Created Deep Hydrating Mist
Jamie Lyn Ross
Another WIN from Garden of Wisdom
I've never not loved Garden of Wisdom products 100%, and this is no exception... I alternate the C3 Elixir with other GoW products (the C3 does great on off-days that I don't use peptides), and it's been a great addition to my skin's arsenal. Some products can be drying or irritating to my skin but this isn't, at all!
I have to say... Markey and the entire team at Garden of Wisdom is a blessing. They do what they do out of a passion for helping people, and crafting high-quality, clean and safe products, at an affordable price - along with the utmost customer service (and I love the little hand-written notes I get with each order :)
Thank you, Markey, Leah, Jen, and the rest of your awesome team. xo
C³ Lipid Elixir
Erika Davies
I love popping this serum on to plump my fine lines
I love popping this serum on to plump my fine lines. It leaves my skin looking and feeling more supple :)
This Hair Oil is very nourishing and lightweight. I use it as a finishing touch to add shine and condition. Thank you!
Rockin Moroccan Goddess Hair Oil
Terri Froman
The Yarrow Blossom Healing Mist & Hydrating Mist is a staple in my daily upkeep!
I keep coming back to the Yarrow Blossom Healing mist. It's a staple!
Yarrow Blossom Healing and Hydrating Mist
Mike
Finally a Azelic acid product with the perfect ingredients
I have extremely reactive rosacea + POD + seb derm and have never been able to tolerate other azelaic products (Finacea, The Ordinary, Cos De Baha, etc.). They all left me flushed, burning, slick-oily and “raw” the next morning – even at low %.
Wisdom’s azelaic serum is the complete opposite. The base is incredibly gentle: no sting, no burn, no delayed flare. I can apply it at night after just a water rinse, my skin might flush for a minute (vascular rosacea doing its thing), then it calms right down. I wake up with skin that looks calm, not cooked – still a bit oily (normal for me), but far less than before and without that angry, inflamed look.
It’s the first azelaic that actually works with my barrier instead of fighting it. If you have super sensitive, rosacea-prone, seb-derm-ish skin and thought azelaic just “isn’t for you,” this formula is honestly worth a try.
Please can you consult with your customers if you ever want to discontinue this product? will happily stock up if that ever happens.
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Anonymous
FirmAge
Love this! Works for my skin & allergic reactions! 😊
FirmAge 5% DMAE Gel w/Lavender - Sagging Skin Support Tightening and Firming
Marie Donald
This cream is so healing to my skin
This cream is so healing to my skin. I have a sensitivity to citrus products and get a terrible rash and my face will itch. This is the only product that calms my skin.I apply this and within a few hours the rash has diminished and the itchiness is gone. The Calendula Blossom Cream has saved my skin.
Calendula Blossom Cream
Anonymous
Love it!
I love this product & so does my skin! For me, that is a huge blessing.
Where would I be without this serum? It keeps me clear and doesn’t cause any irritation to my eczema-prone skin. This is a must-have.
Jessica
Thank you for your positive feedback!
PS- your lead in line is fantastic We absolutely love to hear that the Salicylic Acid 2% Serum has been a game-changer for your skin. We always strive to provide effective and gentle products for our customers, and we're glad to know it has helped with your eczema.
Thank you for making us a must-have in your skincare routine!
Your GoW Team
Love it for my neck. Will try on my face at some point. I have Rosacea so I have to be careful with my face. Love Bakuchiol for the body too.
Hi Cynthia 😊
Thank you for taking the time give us a review.
It's so exciting to know the Bakuchiol p;roducts work so well with your sensitive, Rosacea skin profile.
Have a wonderful week.
Markey ❤️
I love the simplicity of this formula. This makes a great nourishing and healing serum. I have to be careful with hyaluronic acid (all molecular weights) and retinol/al(s), all which tend to dehydrate my skin. Oat beta glucans bring it back to life!
Alyssa
⋆.˚✮ ✮˚.⋆ for leaving a review for our Oat Beta Glucans. We use this ingredient in a lot of our formulas as it is extremely healing and soothing to the skin. Actually, years ago there was a customer who did a study on this ingredient and found so many favorable reviews and testimonials from people with extreme burns and it fascinated us. Kudos to the dear lady! We're so glad to hear that it has been nourishing and healing for your skin. It's great to know that it's a helpful alternative for those who may have sensitivities to other ingredients like hyaluronic acid and retinol.
We’re so grateful you took the time to write us.
Wishing your skin continued comfort and balance during this journey.♡
I love the other GOW hydrating mists but has not tried this one yet. My skin is on the struggle bus this Fall. Due to weather plus perimenopause I felt like I couldn’t get enough hydration no matter what! Purchased the 1oz size of this mist to try and it’s a game changer!! I just ordered the 4oz size during a sale. Never want to be without this during Fall and Winter.
Hi Michelle
Thank you for sharing your positive experience with our Deep Hydrating Mist! Your enthusiasm is so cool and we really appreciate it! One of our customers in the UK gave us the idea so all the credit truly goes to her. We're so happy to hear that it's been a game changer for your winter skin struggles.
We hope it continues to provide the hydration you need during this season.
Thank you for your continued support and we're glad you took advantage of our sale to stock up on the larger size.
Have a great day and a beautiful weekend.
I've never not loved Garden of Wisdom products 100%, and this is no exception... I alternate the C3 Elixir with other GoW products (the C3 does great on off-days that I don't use peptides), and it's been a great addition to my skin's arsenal. Some products can be drying or irritating to my skin but this isn't, at all!
I have to say... Markey and the entire team at Garden of Wisdom is a blessing. They do what they do out of a passion for helping people, and crafting high-quality, clean and safe products, at an affordable price - along with the utmost customer service (and I love the little hand-written notes I get with each order :)
Thank you, Markey, Leah, Jen, and the rest of your awesome team. xo
Jamie •ᴗ•
Thank you so much for sharing this. It means more than you know. We pour so much care into every formula, and hearing that the C³ Lipid Elixir is fitting so comfortably into your routine truly warms our hearts. We’re always mindful of creating products that feel gentle, effective, and trustworthy on the skin, and feedback like yours reminds our whole team why we do what we do.
Your kind words about our little notes and our customer service touched us deeply. From all of us here at Garden of Wisdom, thank you for being part of our community and for letting us support you on your skincare journey.
Your Team @ Garden of Wisdom
