Mandelic Acid
Korean INCI: 만델릭애씨드 · Also written as: 만델산
Limited evidence
What it is
AHA exfoliant (may irritate at high %)
How it affects the score
Some studies or notifications exist, but evidence is limited. Scores +6 top/mid, +3 tail.
How to read it on the label
Don't choose a product on this ingredient alone — look for evidence-backed actives alongside it.
Ingredients are listed by descending concentration. Anything after the ~1% anchors (EDTA, hexanediol, preservatives) is effectively trace.
Check your own shampoo
Paste your full ingredient list to see this ingredient's position and the overall score.
Related ingredients
Glycolic Acid · Limited evidence
Lactobionic Acid · Supportive
Salicylic Acid · Evidence-backed
Azelaic Acid · Supportive
※ For reference only, based on public ingredient data — not medical advice.