Can you use bakuchiol with mandelic acid?
The chemistry
Mandelic acid is a larger AHA that penetrates more slowly, which makes it gentler than glycolic acid; it is used for acne and pigmentation (Dayal 2020; Garg 2009). Bakuchiol is a retinol alternative with good tolerability (Dhaliwal 2019; Chaudhuri 2014). There is no known chemical conflict. The main risk is cumulative irritation on sensitive skin. Mandelic acid a few nights a week, bakuchiol on other nights or mornings, is a safe starting point.
Gentle pair
Both tolerated by many sensitive skins.
Spacing
Mandelic acid 2 to 4 nights a week.
SPF
AHAs increase sun sensitivity.
Common mistakes
People who chose bakuchiol to avoid irritation sometimes add many acids. Mandelic acid is gentle but still an AHA. If you see redness or stinging, reduce frequency. This combination appeals to people with acne-prone, sensitive or darker skin who want texture and tone improvement without retinol or glycolic acid. Mandelic acid's slower penetration means less stinging, and Garg 2009 found mandelic peels effective in acne with fewer side effects than some alternatives, although that was a peel, not a home serum. Bakuchiol's trial ran 12 weeks, so give the routine three months. Keep bakuchiol off the lips and eye corners. If you want to layer on the same night, apply mandelic acid, wait 20 minutes, then bakuchiol and moisturizer, but only after weeks of tolerating each alone. A fragrance-free moisturizer is a useful buffer on both nights. Mandelic acid, like all AHAs, warrants extra sun protection for a week after use.
Your routine
Morning
- Cleanser
- Bakuchiol
- SPF 30+
Evening
- Mandelic nights: mandelic acid, moisturizer
- Other nights: bakuchiol, moisturizer
Sample week
Mandelic acid on three nights, bakuchiol on the nights between, one rest night.
Go slower if
Raw or shiny skin means stop the mandelic acid for a week. Data on bakuchiol in pregnancy are limited, so ask your doctor.
Evidence strength
Moderate for mandelic acid (Dayal 2020; Garg 2009) and bakuchiol (Dhaliwal 2019; Chaudhuri 2014). Untested together.
Products with mandelic acid
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA
Picked for mandelic acid
Mandelic acid with glycerin and hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, fragrance-free.
Buy on Amazon (opens in a new tab)FAQ
Can I layer them?
Better on separate nights.
Is mandelic acid good for acne?
Evidence supports it as a peel agent.
Is bakuchiol stable with acids?
No known problem.
Which first?
Start one, add the other later.
Do I need sunscreen?
Yes.
Is this combination good for acne?
Mandelic acid may help; bakuchiol has limited acne data.
What strength of mandelic acid at home?
Leave-on products are usually 5 to 10 percent; higher strengths are peels.
Can I use both in the morning?
Mandelic acid is better at night; bakuchiol works under sunscreen.
Is mandelic acid good for large pores?
It may make pores look smaller by clearing debris, but it cannot change their size.
Related combinations
- RetinolYes, with care
- RetinolYes, with timing
- Vitamin CYes
- Vitamin CYes, with timing
- NiacinamideYes
- NiacinamideYes
- TretinoinYes, with care
- TretinoinYes, with timing
Sources
- Dayal S, Kalra KD, Sahu P. Comparative study of efficacy and safety of 45% mandelic acid versus 30% salicylic acid peels in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(2):393-399.
- Garg VK, Sinha S, Sarkar R. Glycolic acid peels versus salicylic-mandelic acid peels in active acne vulgaris and post-acne scarring and hyperpigmentation: a comparative study. Dermatol Surg. 2009;35(1):59-65.
- Dhaliwal S, et al. Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing. Br J Dermatol. 2019;180(2):289-296.
- Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014;36(3):221-230.