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!
There's something about coconut vinegar that just hits right...
I LOVE to close my eyes and spray all of the Coco tonics on my face after washing it. It smells amazing and makes it so less is more as you move forward with serums and creams. It's like self-care in a spritzer.
Gianna, you should be a writer; your description is absolutely spot on!😊
You painted such a beautiful visual, and we’re so grateful for this fantastic review.
Thank you!
Markey 😊❣️
It is the most DIVINE of all the serums I've tried at GoW, not only due to it's efficacy, but the scent takes you straight into a rose garden on a mild spring day. Lovely feeling on my skin and to my senses.
Gianna,
What a beautiful way to describe the Rose Stem Cell & Peptide Serum, “a scent to rival all scent-sations”! We’re thrilled you’re loving the Rose Stem Cell Serum, both for its feel and how it transports you.
Thank you for this lovely review!
Markey
This serum is amazing!! I cannot stress enough how I've truly tried so many different products on my face, and GoW is the only company that has me returning every time wondering why I tried anything else. This eye serum is exceptional. It is not tacky - dried clear - and totally refreshes my eyes in a way no other serum has even come close to. I've used it for a few years now and cannot go without it.
Gianna,
This is my favorite eye product (Beautiful Eyes Serum w/ReguAge). When I apply this to my upper orbital bone (eye) and gently press and push up while holding for several seconds, majikal things happen. This is assuming
you have developed hooded upper eyelids. If not, preemptive strike.
Your GoW Team wishes you the very best in your incredible skincare journey
I’ve been using this oil for years. As someone in their 40s and living in the desert, this oil gives a gentle hydration, supporting perimenopause skin, without being greasy or heavy on my sensitive skin type.
Hi Sharon
Thank you for such a thoughtful review and for sharing the results you experienced over time.
It’s the kind of feedback that genuinely helps others feel confident in trying this oil blend!
Markey and the GoW Crew
Hi Ashley
Hopefully, this means you liked the oil? I love the richness and complexity of this oil’s composition.
This being said, thank you!
Markey and the GOW Team
Skin is like smooth glass... non-invasive... simple and easy.... affordable... great stuff
What can I say? Garden of Wisdom's products are always lovely. This is one of the light, exfoliating products that gives an immediate glow with a finish like smooth glass, without any over-drying (or even any drying) effects).
Even my dentist and hygienist complimented my skin a few weeks ago.
I've been a GoW customer since my late 20s and I'm now 57. My skincare needs have, obviously, changed. However, as my skincare (and haircare) needs change, GoW always gives me what i need, based on what my skin needs.
I cannot do without Markey and Garden of Wisdom. No one will give you the personalized and individualized treatment services, clean products, clean raw ingredients, and custom formulations... Especially at a very affordable cost and fast shipping.
Perfect Pumpkin Exfo 15% Serum
Federika Ten Hoopen
Love the progeline peptide repair serum
I love this serum! I’ve tried many things over the years but this takes the cake!
I am falling in love with the texture of GOW products. This is lightweight and GENTLE formula for mild acne and redness, I am still in the works of finalizing my routine but this is HERE to STAY! Honestly it's impossible to even find a similar product with this good of formulation without the excess ingrinets that can be sneaky and cause problems.
Azelaic Acid 8% Serum
Erika Davies
Great Overnight Jumpstart To Hairgrowth
I enjoy using this as an overnight scalp jumpstart to hair growth. It smells lovely and even though a little more heavy than other follicle stimulators, as it is intended to be rinsed out after overnight, it contains high end ingredients of competitor brands plus even better ingredients not found on the market. My scalp feels rejuvinated each use :)
Follicle Stimulator Serum (Peptides for Your Hair)
Gianna
There's something about coconut vinegar that just hits right...
I LOVE to close my eyes and spray all of the Coco tonics on my face after washing it. It smells amazing and makes it so less is more as you move forward with serums and creams. It's like self-care in a spritzer.
