Mandelic acid

Mandelic acid suppliers and sourcing guide

Mandelic acid is 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid, an aromatic alpha hydroxy acid. It is made synthetically, classically by forming mandelonitrile from benzaldehyde and hydrolyzing it, and is sold as a white crystalline powder. The racemic DL form is the usual cosmetic grade, while single enantiomers are made mainly as pharmaceutical intermediates. It is more soluble in water than many aromatic acids and darkens on long exposure to light.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Cosmetic actives
Also known as: 2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid · alpha-hydroxyphenylacetic acid · DL-mandelic acid · CAS 90-64-2
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of mandelic acid

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

DL-mandelic acid powder
Racemic crystalline powder, the standard cosmetic grade, sold by purity.
R- or S-mandelic acid
Single-enantiomer grades made for pharmaceutical synthesis, priced higher and rarely needed for cosmetics.
Pre-dissolved solutions
Mandelic acid supplied dissolved in water or glycol at a stated percentage for easier handling.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Assay (titration or HPLC): Purity by acid-base titration or HPLC on a dried basis.
Identity and melting point: IR spectrum against a reference and melting range, which also flags racemic versus single-isomer material.
Related substances: Benzaldehyde, benzoic acid and other synthesis residues by HPLC or GC.
Loss on drying: Moisture content, which affects flow and weighing.
Heavy metals: Lead and other metals by ICP-MS against the supplier limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Keep mandelic acid tightly closed in an opaque container in a cool, dry place, because it slowly discolors in light and absorbs moisture. Shelf life is set by the supplier; check color and assay before using older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the assay, isomer form and color for each lot. Rotate stock oldest first and reject lots that have yellowed noticeably.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist lists mandelic acid under alpha-hydroxy acids, limited in consumer skin products to 3% to 18% total mono-AHA equivalents at a pH of 3.5 or higher, with required label warnings.
Source: canada.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Mandelic acid suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking mandelic acid suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of mandelic acid can brands buy?

Common forms include dL-mandelic acid powder, r- or S-mandelic acid and pre-dissolved solutions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for mandelic acid include?

Expect assay (titration or HPLC), identity and melting point, related substances, loss on drying and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should mandelic acid be stored?

What is the regulatory status of mandelic acid?

Health Canada's Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist lists mandelic acid under alpha-hydroxy acids, limited in consumer skin products to 3% to 18% total mono-AHA equivalents at a pH of 3.5 or higher, with required label warnings.

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