Mandelic Acid 10%+ HA

If you love the idea of exfoliating with alpha hydroxy acids but have sensitive, easily offended skin, this is the formulation you’ve been waiting for. Ingredients such as glycolic acid offer incredible resurfacing powers, dissolving the bonds that bind dead, dulling cells to your skin to uncover the smooth, even radiance beneath. However, this can cause irritation – enter, mandelic acid. A gentler ‘peeling’ member of the alpha hydroxy acid family, it penetrates the skin more slowly, making it milder and better suited to sensitive complexions.
Alpha hydroxy acids are a well-established skin care hero. Ingredients such a glycolic, lactic and malic acid are renowned for their ability to dissolve the skin’s dulling ‘stratum corneum’ (the oldest, thinnest, top layer of skin) and reveal the younger, more radiant cells beneath. However, these potent acids can irritate skin, especially sensitive complexions – and that’s where The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid 10% + HA comes in. This innovative formulation offers superficial dermal peeling (that’s exfoliation to you and me) that is gentler than other alpha hydroxy acid formulations. How is it gentler, you ask? Simple – the molecular weight of mandelic acid is larger than that of other alpha hydroxy acids and this larger size means that it penetrates the skin more slowly. This makes for a milder exfoliating experience that will suit even the most sensitive complexions, leaving skin smoother, more even and gorgeously glowing. The Ordinary’s (characteristically ingenious) formulation also includes hyaluronic acid, to hydrate and comfort skin while plumping away the look of fine lines. A must-have for sensitive, reactive skin types. 
HOW TO USEApply once per day, ideally in the PM. Can be diluted with other treatments to reduce strength until skin develops tolerance. Avoid contact with eyes. If irritation persists, discontinue use and consult a physician. Use only as directed. Contact of the product with the skin must be of limited frequency or duration.
Sunburn Alert: This product contains an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.