Mixi Mandelic Serums Your Go-To Exfoliating Serum for Closed Comedones, Acne, Texture, Pores & Pigmentation If you're struggling with tiny bumps, closed comedones, clogged pores, uneven texture, or stubborn pigmentation—but your skin isn't quite ready for a retinoid—this is one of my favorite places to start. Mixi Mandelic Serums are powered by L-Mandelic Acid, a multifunctional alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates while helping improve the appearance of acne, redness, uneven texture, enlarged-looking pores, melasma, and sun-related pigmentation. Available in 5%, 8%, 11%, and 15% strengths, this collection allows you to start where your skin is today and gradually progress as your skin builds tolerance. I love mandelic acid because it addresses so many concerns in one simple step while typically being gentler and easier to introduce than many other exfoliating acids. Why I Recommend It This is one of my favorite ingredients for closed comedonal acne—those stubborn little bumps underneath the skin that can make your complexion feel rough and congested. Mandelic acid helps gently exfoliate surface buildup, refine texture, and keep pores feeling clearer while simultaneously supporting a brighter, more even-looking complexion. I especially love it for: Closed comedones Acne-prone skin Congested pores Uneven or rough texture Enlarged-looking pores Redness-prone skin Post-acne marks Melasma Sun-related pigmentation Clients who aren't ready for a retinoid It's also a beautiful active to consider when building a pregnancy-conscious skincare routine, with approval from your healthcare provider. The Science Behind L-Mandelic Acid L-Mandelic Acid is a multifunctional alpha hydroxy acid known for providing effective yet gentle exfoliation. Because mandelic acid has a larger molecular size than some other AHAs, it penetrates the skin more gradually, making it an excellent option for clients who want the benefits of exfoliation without immediately jumping into more aggressive active ingredients. Mandelic acid helps improve the appearance of congestion, acne, uneven texture, and pigmentation while supporting smoother, clearer, more radiant-looking skin. It also has activity related to 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme involved in converting testosterone to DHT. Because DHT can influence sebaceous gland activity and oil production, mandelic acid is an especially interesting ingredient for oily and acne-prone skin. Key Benefits Helps improve closed comedonal acne Gently exfoliates dead skin buildup Helps reduce the appearance of congestion Refines uneven and rough texture Improves the appearance of enlarged pores Supports clearer-looking skin Helps improve post-acne discoloration Brightens uneven skin tone Helps improve the appearance of melasma and sun-related pigmentation Supports smoother, more radiant skin Which Mandelic Strength Is Right for You? Mixi Mandelic Serums are available in 5%, 8%, 11%, and 15% strengths, allowing you to gradually increase the intensity of your routine as your skin builds tolerance. You don't need to start with the strongest percentage to get beautiful results. I always prefer to start conservatively and allow your skin to adjust before moving up. 5% Mandelic Serum — Start Here This is my favorite place to begin if you're new to mandelic acid, have more sensitive skin, or are just beginning to introduce exfoliating acids into your routine. I especially love this strength for clients who want to start addressing mild congestion, uneven texture, and clogged pores without overwhelming their skin. 8% Mandelic Serum — The Next Step If you've been consistently using 5% and your skin is responding beautifully, 8% can be a great next step. This is a beautiful option for clients working on more persistent congestion, closed comedones, texture, and post-acne discoloration who are ready for additional support. 11% Mandelic Serum — Advanced Clarifying Designed for skin that is already accustomed to regular mandelic acid use. I love this strength for more stubborn congestion, uneven texture, acne-prone skin, and pigmentation concerns when lower percentages are no longer giving you the same level of results. 15% Mandelic Serum — Experienced Users This is the highest strength in the collection and is best suited for experienced mandelic acid users whose skin has gradually built tolerance. If you're working on stubborn congestion, texture, or pigmentation and have already progressed through the lower strengths, this may be your next step. Remember: the goal isn't to reach 15%. Your skin may thrive at 5% or 8% and never need a higher concentration. The right strength is the one that gives you results while keeping your skin healthy, balanced, and comfortable. Ideal For Closed comedonal acne Acne-prone skin Congested skin Enlarged-looking pores Uneven texture Post-acne marks Melasma Sun-related pigmentation Clients not yet ready for a retinoid Pregnancy-conscious skincare routines, with healthcare provider approval How to Use I recommend introducing your Mixi Mandelic Serum gradually. Start by applying it once daily in the evening after cleansing. As your skin builds tolerance, you may gradually increase to morning and evening use if appropriate for your skin. If you're using Plated®, always apply Plated first to clean, completely dry skin and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before continuing with your routine. I like to apply Mixi Mandelic Serum as one of my first lightweight treatment serums, before thicker treatment products such as Even Tone Intensive Correcting Serum. Always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen during the day when using exfoliating acids. I recommend skipping your Mandelic Serum when you're heading to the beach, pool, or spending significant time in direct sun. On those days, simplify your routine and prioritize sun protection. Katarina's Honest Take If you have those stubborn little bumps underneath your skin that never seem to go away, this is one of the first products I want you to try. I absolutely love mandelic acid for closed comedones, congestion, texture, and pores. It's also one of my favorite stepping-stone ingredients if your skin isn't quite ready for a retinoid. Start here, build consistency, support your skin, and then we can eventually introduce a retinoid when your skin is ready. I also love having mandelic acid as an option for clients who are pregnant and need to adjust their normal active skincare routine. Always confirm your skincare products with your healthcare provider during pregnancy or nursing. Katarina's Pro Tip Please don't start at 15% just because you think stronger means faster results. With active skincare, more isn't always better. Think of your Mandelic Serum as something you can gradually progress with over time: 5% → 8% → 11% → 15% You may find that your skin thrives at 5% or 8% and never needs to move higher—and that's completely okay. The goal is not to use the strongest product possible. The goal is to find the strength your skin can use consistently while maintaining a healthy skin barrier. The best active isn't always the strongest one. It's the one your skin can use consistently. Your Honest Glow Recommended Routine Morning Cleanse Mixi Mandelic Serum, if tolerated Treatment serums Moisturizer Broad-spectrum SPF Evening Cleanse Plated® Serum, if using Wait 5 minutes Mixi Mandelic Serum Even Tone Intensive Correcting Serum, if using Moisturizer If your skin isn't ready for a retinoid, you don't have to rush it. Mandelic acid is a beautiful way to start working on congestion, closed comedones, texture, pores, and pigmentation while building a routine your skin can stay consistent with. Clearer skin isn't about attacking acne. It's about creating an environment where healthy skin can thrive.
