Mandelic Acid

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Categories: Alpha Hydroxy Acid

Type: Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA, Amygdalic Acid)
Name: Mandelic Acid
RDA: None Listed
Importance-to Body:
Anti-Aging, Accelerates Cell Turnover, Sloughs Dead Skin Cells, Strengthens Collagen, Reduces appearance of Melasma, Antibacterial, Beneficial for Dry Skin
Distribution-in Body:
As an antibacterial Mandelic Acid penetrates the skin’s surface and helps to regulate sebum production by keeping pores clear of clogging oils and dead skin cells that lead to breakouts and oily skin. It also works by dissolving the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin.
Excess Effects:
Caution is advised when using chemical peels with higher acid concentrations. While this type of treatment mainly interacts with surface layer skin cells, it does stimulate tissue remodeling and collagen fiber production. People with darker complexions or sensitive skin are therefore at higher risk of discoloration and scarring, two side effects that are common to all chemical peels. Immediately after applying Mandelic Acid, the skin will feel sensitive. It may also become dry, a little flaky and take on a pinkish color. It typically takes two to three days for the skin to fully heal. During this time, it’s especially important to avoid sun exposure, scrubs, and strong cleaning agents. Using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended.
Deficiency Effects:
Dry Skin
Food Sources:
Bitter Almonds
Environmental/Geographic Sources:
Serums, Exfoliants, Peels, Gels, Cleansers
Supplemental Information:
Apply Mandelic Acid as part of your evening skincare routine, after cleansing and before moisturizing. Deliver it to the skin in small amounts using light patting motions that press the product into your skin. Allow it to absorb properly before applying moisturizer. Mandelic Acid works to accelerate cell turnover by dissolving the tiny bonds that hold skin cells together, helping to remove dead skin on the surface of the skin that can lead to dull complexions as well as fine lines. It is also used in treating common skin problems such as photo-ageing, irregular pigmentation and acne.

Mandelic Acid (Wikipedia)
Mandelic acid
Structural formula of mandelic acid
Ball-and-stick model of the mandelic acid molecule
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
Hydroxy(phenyl)acetic acid
Other names
2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid
Mandelic acid
Phenylglycolic acid
α-Hydroxyphenylacetic acid
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEBI
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.001.825
EC Number 202-007-6
RTECS number OO6300000
UNII
Properties
C8H8O3
Molar mass 152.149 g·mol−1
Appearance White crystalline powder
Density 1.30 g/cm3
Melting point 119 °C (246 °F; 392 K) optically pure: 132 to 135 °C (270 to 275 °F; 405 to 408 K)
Boiling point 321.8 °C (611.2 °F; 595.0 K)
15.87 g/100 mL
Solubility soluble in diethyl ether, ethanol, isopropanol
Acidity (pKa) 3.41
1.5204
Thermochemistry
0.1761 kJ/g
Pharmacology
B05CA06 (WHO) J01XX06 (WHO)
Hazards
Flash point 162.6 °C (324.7 °F; 435.8 K)
Related compounds
Related compounds
mandelonitrile, phenylacetic acid, vanillylmandelic acid
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Infobox references

Mandelic acid is an aromatic alpha hydroxy acid with the molecular formula C6H5CH(OH)CO2H. It is a white crystalline solid that is soluble in water and polar organic solvents. It is a useful precursor to various drugs. The molecule is chiral. The racemic mixture is known as paramandelic acid.

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