The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA for dry sensitive skin

Mandelic Acid
Sodium Hyaluronate
Glycerin
Propanediol
Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract Fruit
Superior
- SuperiorDry Skin Fit
- HighEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best products for dry sensitive skin.
- Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry sensitive skin: flakiness, tightness, redness, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Excellent suitability for your dry and sensitive skin as mandelic acid effectively exfoliates while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer provide superior hydration and humectant benefits. Pentylene glycol further supports emollient action, ensuring comfort and preventing dryness.
- Tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract offers additional soothing properties, complementing the formula's hydrating and exfoliating functions for your dry or flaky skin.
- The product is safe for your skin, containing no harsh ingredients and featuring a blend of soothing agents that minimize irritation risk.
How to apply
- Use your exfoliant PM once a week to help with dryness. Start ⏳3 times a week only if your sensitive skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but always before your favorite moisturizer .
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and avoid any rubbing. Let it absorb ⏱ for a minute before layering.
- Since your skin is reactive and sensitive, apply the exfoliant on completely dry skin for better tolerance.
- Always do a patch test before your first use and avoid the delicate eye area .
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 1.5k+ reviewsThis serum is widely praised as an excellent entry-level exfoliant, particularly for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin who find other acids too harsh. Users consistently report a slow but steady improvement in skin texture and clarity, with a significant reduction in closed comedones and hormonal breakouts, though the oily consistency is a polarizing feature. Based on a very large amount of data, this should definitely be taken into account.
Highlights
Gentle exfoliant Mostly Mentioned
- “never had any reaction to it with my sensitive skin”
- “gentle enough for sensitive skin yet noticeably improves texture”
- “no stinging or burning sensation”
- “best non-irritating AHA for sensitive skin”
Improves acne Often Mentioned
- “completely clears closed comedones and acne”
- “skin is much softer and even”
- “less texture in the morning”
- “pimples and acne dry out quickly”
Oily residue Often Mentioned
- “sits on top of the skin and does not absorb”
- “feels oily for hours after applying”
- “ends up on my pillowcase”
- “texture is a bit too greasy for my liking”
Fades dark spots Sometimes Noted
- “dark scars are clearer within 2 weeks”
- “helped fade acne scars very well”
- “pigmentation memudar (faded)”
- “evened out my skin tone”
Hydrating effect Sometimes Noted
- “leaves my skin radiant and clear”
- “feels moisturizing, not stripping”
- “gives a nice glow to the skin”
- “didn't make my skin feel dry or tight”
Slow results Sometimes Noted
- “not a miracle worker overnight”
- “takes time to work”
- “results are slow and steady”
- “need to be consistent for weeks”
Initial purging Rarely Noted
- “woke up with a cluster of small bumps”
- “caused a bit of purging at first”
- “broke me out initially”
Unpleasant scent Rarely Noted
- “has a slight chemical smell”
- “smells a bit like vinegar”
- “scent is not the best”
Sources: lovi.care, theordinary.com, sephora.com, influenster.com, amazon.com, target.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA one of the best fits for dry sensitive skin?
This exfoliant is one of the best fits because mandelic acid gently lifts away dead cells while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate bring much-needed moisture to dry skin. Added soothing plant extracts help keep irritation at bay, ensuring your skin stays calm and comfortable.
Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for dry sensitive skin?
Mandelic acid makes this exfoliant a great fit because it gently removes dead skin cells while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate bring in deep hydration. Pentylene glycol and tasmannia lanceolata leaf extract help keep your dry sensitive skin calm, comfortable, and well protected against dryness.
What does Mandelic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?
Mandelic acid is very well tolerated by sensitive skin, and it helps smooth out rough patches and improves firmness without causing too much irritation.
What does Hyaluronic Acid do for dry sensitive skin?
Hyaluronic acid is a great fit for dry, sensitive skin because it brings a large boost in hydration, making the skin feel soft and smooth while improving barrier function. It helps calm tightness and dryness, and is unlikely to cause irritation.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011Dermatology and Therapy, 2021
Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for dry sensitive skin?
This exfoliant goes in your evening routine once a week to gently smooth your dry sensitive skin without causing irritation. You may carefully use it more often if your skin tolerates it well and shows good results.
Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this exfoliant in your evening routine, but it is best to avoid applying it on the exact same nights as your retinol to minimize irritation. Use mandelic acid on separate nights, making sure to follow up with a good moisturizer to keep your skin feeling soft and calm.
How often should I use this exfoliant?
Start by using this exfoliant once a week in your evening routine, and if your skin feels comfortable and tolerates it well, you may carefully use it more often. This gentle approach helps prevent dryness and irritation while still giving you smooth skin.
Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry sensitive skin?
This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores, and initial purging is low for dry sensitive skin. The formula includes soothing and hydrating ingredients that help keep your skin calm and comfortable.
Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017Topical application of 1,3-propanediol at various concentrations, alone or combined with butylene glycol and/or glycerol, increased skin hydration and reduced trans epidermal water loss in 30 healthy female subjects over an 8-hour period, with the 15% concentration and the addition of glycerol providing greater benefits.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2024Treatment with 45% mandelic acid peel showed nearly equal overall efficacy as 30% salicylic acid peel in patients with mild-to-moderate facial acne vulgaris, but with fewer adverse effects.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Chemical peels using 35% glycolic acid, 20% salicylic-10% mandelic acid, and phytic acid reduce acne scores by 70.55%, 74.14%, and 69.7% respectively, and significantly decline the postacne hyperpigmentation index in Asian patients with mild to moderate acne.
Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 2019Commonly used chemical peels showed no significant differences in effectiveness for acne vulgaris in most comparisons, though combined salicylic and mandelic acid peeling was superior to glycolic acid and glycolic acid was superior to placebo, based on twelve randomized controlled trials.
BMJ Open, 2018Topical application of 0.1% hyaluronic acid formulations of different molecular weights led to significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity, with low-molecular-weight formulations also significantly reducing wrinkle depth in seventy-six female subjects compared to a vehicle control.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2011Topical application of hyaluronic acid in conjunction with free gingival graft significantly reduced donor site postoperative pain until day 7 compared to normal saline, with no significant differences in graft dimensions or patient satisfaction.
Clinical Oral Investigations, 2022Treatment with a hyaluronic acid-containing mouth rinse or topical gel led to significant lesion reduction, pain relief, and normalization of lesion color in adult patients with minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis, with the gel formulation showing an earlier healing onset at 3 days.
BMC Oral Health, 2019The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012A mixture of propanediol, xylitol, and caprylic acid demonstrated in vitro antimicrobial activity against C. acnes and S. aureus, reduced 5-alpha reductase expression, and decreased skin oiliness, porphyrin, and inflammatory lesions in participants over 28 days.
Molecules, 2021Sustainable cosmetic products formulated with renewable PDO-based emulsifiers showed equivalent performance in sensory and moisturization evaluations compared to those formulated with petroleum-derived PEG-based emulsifiers.
Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2017Topical Tasmannia lanceolata extract reduced skin roughness, increased firmness, dermal density, and thickness of stabilized stretch marks compared to placebo in 29 women over 8 weeks, alongside increased pro-collagen I, elastin, and TGF-beta concentrations in ex vivo human skin explants.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021
Ingredients
Propanediol, Water, Mandelic Acid, Glycerin, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Tasmannia Lanceolata Leaf Extract Fruit, Pentylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, Ethylhexylglycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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