The OrdinaryserumTreat step

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Gentle Facial Exfoliating Serum for Hydration

This serum uses mandelic acid, a larger AHA molecule, to gently exfoliate the skin's surface. It's formulated with hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture, making it a good choice for those who want exfoliation without the dryness often associated with other AHAs.

Sephora price

$7.80

Price matters most when you are trying to learn whether this lane belongs in your routine without turning the test into a luxury gamble.

Sephora reviews

4.4 / 5

About 533 reviews on the current Sephora source, so there is real volume behind the reputation.

Shoppers keep mentioning

Without Sulfates SLS & SLESGluten FreeWithout ParabensVeganAcne/BlemishesUneven TextureDullness and Uneven TextureFine Lines and WrinklesAcne and Blemishes

These are the shopper themes that keep showing up around this listing and shape why people open it in the first place.

Glass take

4.4 / 5 overall fit

A gentle, hydrating exfoliant that works well for most skin types, especially those concerned with texture and dullness.

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA Gentle Facial Exfoliating Serum for Hydration

Sephora snapshot refreshed April 23, 2026

Price, rating, review count, and source status come from Sephora. Glass adds the routine fit, overlap risk, and what to compare next.

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What Sephora says

What this product is supposed to do

A 10 percent mandelic acid formulation that offers gentle exfoliation.

NormalDryCombinationOilyDullness and Uneven TextureFine Lines and WrinklesAcne and Blemishes

Apply 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.

What Glass adds

What actually matters before you buy it

A solid choice for gentle exfoliation and hydration. It's particularly good for those new to AHAs or with sensitive skin who want to address texture and dullness.

Gentle yet effective

Users appreciate that this serum exfoliates without causing irritation or dryness, making it suitable for daily use.

Best for

When this is a smart buy

Dry, normal, combination, and oily skin
Those seeking gentle exfoliation
Individuals concerned with dullness, uneven texture, fine lines, and blemishes

Skip if

When this is the wrong lane

You are already using multiple strong exfoliants
You have extremely sensitive skin that reacts to all acids

Routine fit

Where this fits in your routine

Apply this serum after cleansing and before your moisturizer in the evening. If you're new to AHAs, start by using it a few times a week or dilute it with another treatment to build tolerance. Always follow with sunscreen during the day.

Why it works

Where it earns the slot and where it does not

The useful question is not whether this product is good in a vacuum. It is whether it makes your routine easier to run or just adds one more bottle with a familiar ingredient on it.

What it actually does well

Gentle exfoliation
Hydrating formula
Addresses multiple concerns (texture, dullness, fine lines, blemishes)
Good value

Where it starts to feel redundant

May not be potent enough for severe texture or acne concerns
Requires consistent use for best results

Routine fit

Where it belongs in the stack

Morning or night

This serum is best used in the evening (PM) routine to allow the active ingredients to work overnight. Using it in the morning is possible, but requires diligent sunscreen application due to increased sun sensitivity.

Glass rating

How this formula scores in real life

4.4/ 5 overall

A gentle, hydrating exfoliant that works well for most skin types, especially those concerned with texture and dullness.

Routine fit

4.5 / 5

Fits easily into a PM routine, and can be mixed with other treatments to build tolerance.

Full ingredient breakdown

Every ingredient, what it does, and whether I care

Solvent

Propanediol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A solvent that can also enhance skin hydration.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Solvent

Water

Badness

0.0 / 10

The base of the formula.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

None.

Active

Mandelic Acid

Badness

2.0 / 10

A gentle AHA that exfoliates the skin's surface, helping to improve texture, tone, and clarity.

Usually helps with

Exfoliation, uneven texture, dullness, blemishes

Watch for

Can cause mild stinging or redness, especially when first introduced.

Humectant

Glycerin

Badness

1.0 / 10

A common humectant that draws moisture to the skin, supporting hydration.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Solvent

Dimethyl Isosorbide

Badness

2.0 / 10

A solvent that can help improve the penetration of other ingredients.

Usually helps with

Enhancing active ingredient performance

Watch for

Can sometimes cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Humectant

Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer

Badness

1.0 / 10

A cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid that provides surface hydration and helps to plump the skin.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Antioxidant

Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract

Badness

3.0 / 10

A botanical extract with potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Usually helps with

Soothing, antioxidant support

Watch for

Potential for allergic reactions in very sensitive individuals.

Humectant

Pentylene Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A humectant that also acts as a preservative booster.

Usually helps with

Hydration

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Emulsifier

Polysorbate 20

Badness

3.0 / 10

An emulsifier used to blend oil and water ingredients. Can be a source of irritation for some.

Usually helps with

Formula stability

Watch for

Potential for irritation or breakouts in sensitive or acne-prone skin.

pH Adjuster

Sodium Hydroxide

Badness

2.0 / 10

Used to adjust the pH of the formula to ensure optimal efficacy and stability of the active ingredients.

Usually helps with

Formula balance

Watch for

Can be irritating if the pH is not properly adjusted.

Preservative

Ethylhexylglycerin

Badness

2.0 / 10

A preservative that also has skin-conditioning properties.

Usually helps with

Preservation

Watch for

Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.

Humectant

1,2-Hexanediol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A humectant and preservative booster that can also improve skin texture.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Humectant

Caprylyl Glycol

Badness

1.0 / 10

A humectant that can also act as a preservative booster and improve skin feel.

Usually helps with

Hydration, preservation

Watch for

Generally well-tolerated.

Compare before you buy

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FAQ

The fast answers people actually need

Is this serum good for sensitive skin?

Yes, mandelic acid is known for being a gentler AHA. However, always patch-test first and consider diluting it if your skin is very reactive.

Can I use this with other exfoliants?

It's generally not recommended to layer multiple strong exfoliants on the same night. If you use other AHAs or BHAs, alternate their use or use this one on nights you don't use others.

How often should I use this serum?

Start by using it once a day, preferably in the evening. You can adjust frequency based on your skin's tolerance. Some users may find daily use too much, while others can tolerate it.

See If This Is Compatible With My Skin