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! Works for my skin & allergic reactions! 😊
Yayyyyy, thank you for sharing this!
Not having any allergic reactions to a product is such a blessing.
Let us know how things go after a couple of months.
I find this product to be very beneficial for my aging skin as well.
Markey
I finally got around to using this. I decided that it did not meld well with the collective butters and oils I used. I ended up adding rose and mimosa wax to cover it up!
Rae Lynn,
We are sorry this happened. • ᴖ •
The name is deceiving. Although it is genuinely from the carnation flower, it doesn't
smell like a carnation. It has lovely properties, though.
We do hope the final formula has worked for you.
Your team from GoW.
I got this to harden a lotion bar recipe. It did the trick. I may have used a bit too much, though! I think I will back off to 1 oz next time.
Hi Rae Lynn
Good for you! I can't even share the length of time it took to create skin care products, or how hard those waxes were to work with. They still are at times.
Please keep in touch if you have any questions.
We are always here to help.
Markey
I finally got around to using this. It smells good.
Rae Lynn
Thank you for your positive feedback on our Cocoa Butter!
We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the lovely aroma of cocoa. ˙ᵕ˙
We hope it brings a pleasant experience to your skincare routine.
Thank you for selecting Garden of Wisdom!
We know there are a lot of companies out there, and we are truly
honored that you chose us. ☺️
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.
Revitalize Your Skin Serum w/Neurophroline
Cynthia Wells
Keeps my skin from getting dry
Keeps my skin from getting dry. Love it!
After Bath Body Conditioning Oil
M W
Magic in a bottle!
This product has become a required staple in my skincare routine. I use it everyday on my very sensitive skin that is prone to redness and dryness. Not only is it extremely calming and soothing, but it also makes my skin look more plump and moisturized. I never want to be without this product; it has shot to the top of my "best skincare products of all time" list, next to the gentle cleansing gel. I highly recommend trying this if you have sensitive or aging skin that needs a boost of rejuvenation.
Repair and Recovery Facial Mist – Botanical Relief for Stressed, Sensitive Skin
Amanda
Great to have on hand if you use a lot of actives!
Sometimes, you just need a great soothing moisturizer, and this one is my new favorite! I recently graduated from using retinol to tretinoin and whoaaaaa boy. All my other creams had actives that were only making the tret burn worse. This was perfect for helping soothe my skin, and now I use it to buffer the tret!
Classic Chamomile Face Cream with Emu Oil
Cheryl Linville
Great have used it for years and the only products I use
Great have used it for years and the only products I use. I have had Doctors even compliment my skin
Aging with Wisdom Conditioning Oil Blend
Anonymous
Calming and refreshing
Calming and refreshing. I love spritzing this hydrosol after my cleansing routine or midday. My skin loves both this and the rose hydrosol. The scents are also very lovely.
Cornflower Hydrosol Organic
Elayne Keith Feller
My Favorite!
I love this ReNew Cream!
It has been my favorite go to for years. It is one of the few products that doesn't irritate my skin. It hydrates and makes my skin feel so much better. I can't wait for it to be in stock again!
Thank you to all of the amazing people at GOW!
ReNew Cream with Renovage
Anne G.
Lavender Spritz
I adore a good lavender scented product! A natural botanical even more! I use this spritzer as a bottom layer to smooth and evenly distribute some of my other outstanding GOW products. It’s a great starter and makes me smile in the mornings.
Lavender Blossom Hydrosol Organic
Nicole Kruszka
Love everything!
Every single product is top tier with clean ingredients! Definitely my favorite skincare company right now!