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!
This serum has really reduced my redness! It's especially helpful any time my skin is freaking out - it seems to reduce the time it takes for breakouts to heal. The hydration and consistency are exactly what I needed as an extra step between my hydrating toner and moisturizer. Also, a friend I was catching up with actually commented on my "glow" - I thought that was only something that happened to people with naturally good skin.
Hi Katie,
What a wonderful review, thank you! We love hearing how you’re using the Calming Moisture Serum between toner and moisturizer, and even more that it’s helping calm redness and speed up healing when your skin acts up.
That “glow” compliment from your friend is the best feedback of all. Proof your skin is really happy.
Warmly,
The Garden of Wisdom Team ❤️
This cream is really helping to balance my combination dehydrated skin. I'm using the lighter version. It doesn't seem to be clogging my pores or causing any breakouts, which I can't say for many other moisturizers. It's a strong contender for a permanent spot in my routine.
Thank You, Katie 😊❣️
So glad the Chamomile Cream is keeping your skin balanced and breakout-free, that’s the best outcome we could hope for!
Your GoW Team
I have very red and easily irritated skin. This product annihilates the redness overnight. I had been really struggling to find something that helped and this was the only thing that did. It didn't irritate my skin in any way when applied. If there's a moisturizer to match in the future, I volunteer as the guinea pig lol. Thank you for a wonderful product.
Hi Jen!
Thank you for taking the time to write this review. The Tepezcohuite Calming & Brightening Complex has become popular, and for the same reasons, it has helped your skin. We are so happy for you!
Markey ˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆͙⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖ ִֶָ
I have very sensitive acne prone skin so I dont often try new things, especially masks that can be harsh. This left my skin soft and hydrated, it tingled slightly but left no redness.
Hi Jenn
Thank you for sharing your experience with our Sulfur Clearing Mask. We are pleased to hear that it worked well for your sensitive skin and left it feeling soft and hydrated. We understand the importance of using gentle products for acne-prone skin and we're glad to know this mask did not cause any redness. Thank you for giving our product a chance and we hope it continues to meet your expectations.
Have a beautiful day,
Markey
Smells divine and glides across the skin! Delicious!
Ann,
What a perfect way to describe this product.
Keep us updated with your results? It's always nice to know when products do and even when they don't give the expected results.
Markey
I have never been able to use vitamin C of any kind on my face. Not sure what the difference is here but this one works great and doesn't bother me at all! I think it's helping even out my skin tone but I've only been using it maybe a month so far and in my experience you have to give things at least three months to really see results. But so far so good!
C³ Lipid Elixir
Florence
Seeing Results!
I got the 10 ml. size to sample the product and see if it does what it claims. My skin seems to like products with niacinamide in them so I thought it couldn't hurt to try TXA+Z. I'm happy to say that I'm beginning to see results regarding fading of stubborn after-blemish hyperpigmentation on my face and, while I use other products for this purpose as well, I think the TXA+Z is doing most of the heavy lifting at this point. I like the feel of this serum and have been using it in the morning. I'm back to get the 1 oz. size before I run out.
This product is amazing. My skin looks and feels better after only a couple of weeks. I am pleased. Thank you Mother Earth for the gifts Garden of Wisdom uses from you. Thank you Garden of Wisdom for using these gifts for our benefit. Blessings to all of you
Tepezcohuite Calming & Brightening Complex
Margie
Love the feel!
This feels great upon application. Really looking forward to seeing how it affects my skin.
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Margie
I need this!
As I’ve hit my 60s, the bags under my eyes are really getting bad. So so happy to have this incredible serum to help. I’m definitely noticing a difference.
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