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Ingredients

Ingredient Dictionary

MANDELIC ACID

Mandelic acid is a 2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid in which two of the methyl hydrogens are substituted by phenyl and hydroxyl groups.

Clinical evidence
  • Blemishes B
  • Dark spots C
  • Oiliness C
Amount studies used
5–10%
When
evening
Irritation
moderate — start every other day

Grades were set by reading this ingredient’s studies. They describe the ingredient, not every product that contains it.

Molecular structure

How much products actually contain

5 products state the amountmedian 0.001%0% at or above the amount studies used (5–10%)

  • under 0.01% 3
  • 0.01–0.1% 1
  • 0.1–1% 0
  • 1% or more 1

Amounts are mostly stated by products named after the ingredient, so they may lean towards token amounts.

Of the products containing it, 47 list it before the 1% line and 34 after it (usually 1% or less).

Where no amount is stated, a product listing it early reaches the study amount about 41% of the time, one listing it late about 4%.

Clinical evidence grade by skin concern

Products using this ingredient

12 of 81 confirmed · likeliest to carry enough first · See all 81

Definition

Mandelic acid is a 2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid that is acetic acid in which two of the methyl hydrogens are substituted by phenyl and hydroxyl groups. It has a role as an antibacterial agent and a human xenobiotic metabolite. It is a member of benzenes and a 2-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid. It is functionally related to an acetic acid. It is a conjugate acid of a mandelate.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII NH496X0UJX · registered name MANDELIC ACID · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Inhibits microbial growthANTIMICROBIAL

Safety & regulatory references

Canada

  • Conditions of Use by product type : (a) Products for use on the skin for consumer use. Manufacturer or importer to provide pH levels. (b) Products for use on the skin for professional use: Manufacturer must provide Health Canada with evidence of safety including: 1. pH levels 2. AHA concentrations 3. Directions for use 4. Clinical studies demonstrating minimal skin irritation (c) Products intended to be diluted in bath water may contain levels of AHAs exceeding 10% (d) Other cosmetics (e) Any cosmetics
  • Maximum Concentration Permitted : (a) Between 3% and 18% total mono-AHA equivalents with a pH equal to or greater than 3.5 (b) Between 18% and 30% total mono-AHA equivalents and/or a pH between 3.0 to 3.5 (d) Between 3% and 30% total mono-AHA equivalents with a pH equal to or greater than 3.0 (e) 3%
  • Warnings and Cautionary Statements: (to the effect of) : (a) and (b) : "Use only as directed", "Avoid contact with the eyes", "If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a physician", "It is recommended that prior to exposure to the sun, users cover areas where AHAs have been applied with sunscreen" Product labels should contain appropriate directions regarding frequency and/or duration of use. (b only) "For professional use only" (d) "Use only as directed", "Avoid contact with eyes", "Discontinue use if rash or irritation occurs"

Taiwan

  • Maximum concentration : pH≧3.5;
  • pH≥3.5;

Source: MFDS (Korea) cosmetic regulatory information

Not classified under Korea’s toxic-substance GHS list · existing chemical substance

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Official labels & definitions

JCIA labelling name マンデル酸: 本品は、次の化学式で表される有機酸である。

Source: JCIA labelling names (Japan)

Names & identifiers

MANDELIC ACIDINCI만델릭애씨드Korean label name (MFDS standard)Benzeneacetic acid, .alpha.-hydroxy-Synonymマンデル酸Japanese labelling name
CAS No.chemical registry number
17199-29-0
CAS No.chemical registry number
90-64-2
EC No.EU chemical inventory number
202-007-6
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID
DTXSID6023234
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID
DTXCID203234
IUPAC
Hydroxy(phenyl)acetic acid
Molecular formula
C8H8O3
Molecular weight
152.149 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance
Liquid · Solid, Darkens and decomposes after prolonged light exposure, [Merck Index] White crystalline powder with a faint sweet odor, [Fisher Scientific MSDS]
Boiling point
320 °C @760 [mm Hg]
Melting point
119 °C
Density
1.3 @25 °C
Colour
white
Melting/freezing point
119 ℃
Vapour pressure
0.0000164 ㎜Hg (at 25 ℃,est.)
Water solubility
181000 ㎎/ℓ (at 25 ℃)
Vapour density
5.25
Relative density
1.30
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow)
0.62
Molecular weight
152.15

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 5 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

  • Biocide2
  • Processing aids not otherwise specified1
  • Intermediate1
  • No specific technical function1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

2 skin studies and 0 eye studies are on record.

Classed as low2

The study conclusions largely agree (100%). These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 2 studies
  • Studies Indicate No Significant Irritation
    skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion) according to
  • Not likely to be sensitizing
    skin sensitisation: in vivo (LLNA) · Screening · according to OECD Guideline 429 (Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay) according to EU Method B.42 (Skin Sensitisation: Local Lymph Node Assay)

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Related literature

Linked databases 22