Is Mandelic Acid safe in cosmetics?
Mandelic Acid has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Mandelic Acid
Also known as: Benzeneacetic acid, .alpha.-hydroxy-, Benzeneacetic acid, alpha-hydroxy-, EINECS 202-007-6, EINECS 210-277-1, Glycolic acid, phenyl- (+15 more)
INCI: MANDELIC ACID
Mandelic Acid (CAS 90-64-2) is a cosmetic active ingredient functioning as AHA exfoliant with highest MW among common AHAs (152 Da). Slower, more even. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data.
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Mandelic Acid is classified GHS Danger (H302, H315, H318, H335) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu status; Chemicals: ghs classifications.signal word/hazard statement code
Function
AHA exfoliant with highest MW among common AHAs (152 Da). Slower, more even skin penetration produces significantly less irritation than glycolic or lactic acid. Antibacterial activity against acne-causing organisms. Exfoliates without the aggressive brightening that can trigger rebound hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. Key component of triple-acid peels (mandelic + salicylic + citric acid) validated in Fitzpatrick IV–V patients for acne and PIH treatment.
Editorial assessment
GOOD
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted cosmetic ingredient under FD&C Act. Not GRAS classified for OTC drug use. FDA 2005 AHA labeling guidance applies: products must include sun protection advisory (daily SPF use recommended). CIR 1998 report (reaffirmed 2017) evaluated glycolic and lactic acids but not mandelic acid specifically; comparable AHA safety conditions suggested (≤10% consumer, pH ≥3.5, sun protection). Not subject to any FDA concentration restriction as a cosmetic.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Mandelic Acid.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Mandelic Acid, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
8-12%
Penetration Level
stratum-corneum
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum/epidermis
Molecular Weight
152.1 Da
Log P
0.59
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
5-10%
Safety Margin Factor
low
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: Dermatol Ther 2013
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
10 - 100 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Biocide
No specific technical function
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for Mandelic Acid — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Regulatory Flags
eu-unrestricted
no-cir-review
no-sccs-opinion
phototoxic
Known Synonyms
Benzeneacetic acid, .alpha.-hydroxy-
Benzeneacetic acid, alpha-hydroxy-
EINECS 202-007-6
EINECS 210-277-1
Glycolic acid, phenyl-
p-Mandelic acid
Racemic mandelic acid
alpha-Toluic acid, alpha-hydroxy-
2-Hydroy-2-phenylacetic acid
Kyselina 2-fenyl-2-hydroxyethanova
Kyselina mandlova
UNII-NH496X0UJX
(2S)-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid
(RS)-Mandelate
2-Hydroxy-2-phenylacetate
2-Hydroxy-2-phenylethanoate
2-Hydroxy-2-phenylethanoic acid
2-Phenyl-2-hydroxyacetate
2-Phenylglycolate
Amygdalate
Chemical Function
Biocide
No specific technical function
Regulatory Lists
Canada; pharmaceutical
pharmaceutical
Canada; pharmaceutical
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Compound
MANDELIC ACID
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL1609
Max Phase
-1
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mandelic Acid allowed in the EU?
Mandelic Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Mandelic Acid do in cosmetics?
Mandelic Acid functions as: AHA exfoliant with highest MW among common AHAs (152 Da). Slower, more even skin penetration produces significantly less irritation than glycolic or lactic acid. Antibacterial activity against acne-causing organisms. Exfoliates without the aggressive brightening that can trigger rebound hyperpigmentation in darker skin tones. Key component of triple-acid peels (mandelic + salicylic + citric acid) validated in Fitzpatrick IV–V patients for acne and PIH treatment.. It is classified as a Active Ingredient in our database. CAS number: 90-64-2.
Is Mandelic Acid used outside cosmetics?
Mandelic Acid also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Mandelic Acid have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Mandelic Acid is classified GHS Danger (H302, H315, H318, H335) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Compliance Tools
Check Mandelic Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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