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 this cleanser. Gentle and seems to hydrate and leave my skin with a little glow.
Majik Azulene Cleanser
Anonymous
Great
Great
Cellular Eye Complex - Age Defying Hydration for Delicate Skin
Anonymous
So clean and pure
So clean and pure. That’s all we need. No chemicals! Thank you GOW!
Clearly Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum (Leucidal SF)
Shannon Loe
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE. SO FAR I AM LIKING THE SERUM
Collagen Renewal Serum
Anonymous
Never disappoints and good price
Never disappoints and good price. Thank you GOW!
Fruit Acid Exfo Pads 10% pH 2.85
Marie Donald
The Banana Healing Serum is wonderful for sensitive reactive skin
The Banana Healing Serum is wonderful for sensitive reactive skin. Whenever my skin gets red and inflamed, this along with the calendula cream are the only products that calm my skin.
Banana Healing Serum
Margie Levy
Even better!
Thank you for reformulating this already wonderful product! I’ve always loved it, but I really love that. It doesn’t separate now.
PhytoEstrogen Cream - New Formula!
Grace
Incredible
Waited until I used the whole bottle to review... My rosacea has improved so much using this emulsion!!! I'm in love with the fact that it's a moisturizer with no oils or butters, for I have very dry but easily clogged skin. The oat smell was not a problem for me and became comforting in a strange way LOL! Thank you for making such great products!! <3
Decadent Oat Enriched Emulsion (No Essential Oils)
Nicole B
The BEST Azelaic Acid Product I've Tried
I've been using azelaic acid for a couple of years for my pustular rosacea. It is the one thing that helps my skin stay clear the most. I've tried so many different brands, and most contain ingredients that clog my pores or my skin can't tolerate (like silicones, glycols, and other acids). This product has been AMAZING--it smooths my skin and bumps, it isn't harsh, and gives me a nice glow without being oily or sticky. Also I've noticed azelaic acid works better for me than other derivatives. The slightly grainy texture of this product doesn't bother me and doesn't linger on my skin. Please don't stop making this version!!!
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Sheryl Paradis
Refreshing and calming
Refreshing and calming. So many skin benefits but even if there wasn’t any benefits I’d use it for the smell alone!
Love this cleanser. Gentle and seems to hydrate and leave my skin with a little glow.
Sara
Thank you! so much for sharing this. We love hearing that the Majik Azulene Cleanser feels gentle on your skin and leaves it looking fresh and glowing. Azulene is such a beautiful ingredient for calm, comfortable skin, and we're so happy it’s working well for you. This cleanser contains copious amounts of one of our favorite creams, and this is why it is so gentle.
Markey and the GoW Team
Garden of Wisdom
Hi there
Thank You ❣️ so much for this review.
I personally love this serum. It is full of beautiful and rich ingredients. I am very proud of this one. 😊
Enjoy every drop. It is very concentrated and will last a long time.
Markey
So clean and pure. That’s all we need. No chemicals! Thank you GOW!
Hi there
YES, YES, YES ⭐
This is exactly what we do and have always strived for. You said it perfectly.
Clean, pure, and no chemicals.
We all appreciate that you took the time to send this review in.
Markey and Your GoW Team
I tend to hate the feeling of greasy, heavy creams and was pleasantly surprised by how this is neither of those! The unscented version still has a very light, pleasant, and quickly dissipated smell.
Hi Andy, Thank You 😊
This makes us smile. We worked hard to create a cream (the Flirty Mango Butter Cream) that feels nourishing without ever feeling heavy or greasy, so we love hearing that it felt just right for you. Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.
Markey
Garden of Wisdom ͙֒
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE
COLLAGEN RENEWAL SERUM GOES ON SMOOTH AND I HAVE NOTICED A MORE EVEN SKIN TONE. SO FAR I AM LIKING THE SERUM
Hi Shannon ❤️
Thank you for taking the time to leave this note. Hearing that it applies beautifully and is helping your skin look more even is wonderful feedback.
We truly appreciate you sharing your experience.
With gratitude,
Markey
