Why is Mandelic Acid gentler than other AHAs like glycolic acid?

Mandelic Acid has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and gently — making it effective for exfoliation while being better tolerated by sensitive, reactive, and darker skin tones prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

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Circadia Cleansing Gel with Mandelic

Name: Circadia Cleansing Gel with Mandelic Acid
Brand: Circadia
Availability: InStock

$16.00

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2 oz

6.7 oz

16 oz

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Circadia Cleansing Gel with Mandelic

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Circadia · AHA Exfoliating Cleanser · AM & PM

Cleansing Gel with Mandelic Acid

4% Mandelic Acid + Green Tea + Botanical Extracts — active exfoliation that brightens, clears, and refines with every cleanse.

An exfoliating gel cleanser that brightens, refines texture, and clears congestion for smoother and clearer-looking skin. Powered by 4% Mandelic Acid with natural antibacterial properties. Available in 2 oz and 6.7 oz.

Mandelic Acid 4%Green Tea ExtractCaffeineFoaming Gel2 oz & 6.7 ozNot Pregnancy Safe

4%Mandelic Acid

AM/PMDaily Use

2Sizes Available

AHA+ Antibacterial

AHA Exfoliating Gel Cleanser

Active Exfoliation That Brightens,
Clears, and Refines Every Day.

Cleansing Gel with Mandelic Acid is Circadia's active foaming cleanser designed to deliver meaningful exfoliation, pore-clearing, and brightening results with every wash. Mandelic Acid at 4% is a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid derived from bitter almonds with a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid — meaning it penetrates the skin more slowly for effective exfoliation that is better tolerated by sensitive and darker skin tones. It exfoliates dead skin cells, unclogs pores, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fades blemishes and dark spots, and has natural antibacterial properties that make it especially powerful for acne-prone and congested skin. Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) contains free radical scavengers that protect against environmental damage and soothe irritation triggered by the exfoliation process. Caffeine provides additional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support. A botanical blend of Lemon, Lavender, Bergamot, Rosemary, Sage, Apple, and Vanilla extracts brightens, soothes, and calms the skin with every use. Panthenol (Provitamin B5) maintains hydration and comfort throughout the active cleanse.

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Mandelic Acid 4%

Gentle AHA — exfoliates, unclogs & brightens

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Green Tea Extract

Antioxidant — free radical defense & soothing

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Botanical Blend

Lemon, Lavender, Bergamot — brightens & calms

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Panthenol B5

Regenerative humectant — maintains hydration

Key Actives

The Science Behind the Gel

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid 4%

Mandelic Acid

A gentle AHA derived from bitter almonds. Exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Effective in reducing blemishes and dark spots. Natural antibacterial properties benefit acne-prone skin. Larger molecule size than glycolic acid — gentler and better tolerated.

Antioxidant

Green Tea Extract

Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract — contains free radical scavengers that protect against environmental damage. Soothes irritation caused by exfoliation and supports skin health throughout daily active cleansing.

Antioxidant

Caffeine

A potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that supports the formula's environmental defense and helps reduce puffiness and sensitivity associated with active exfoliation.

Brightening Botanicals

Lemon, Apple & Vanilla

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Extract, and Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract brighten uneven tone and provide antioxidant support for a more radiant complexion.

Soothing Botanicals

Lavender, Bergamot & Rosemary

Lavandula Angustifolia, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot), and Rosmarinus Officinalis calm and soothe the skin, balancing the active exfoliation for a comfortable, refreshed after-feel.

Soothing Humectant

Panthenol

Provitamin B5 — regenerative and soothing. Maintains hydration during and after active cleansing, reduces irritation, and supports a comfortable, healthy skin barrier.

Benefits

What It Does

Exfoliation

4% Mandelic Acid gently resurfaces skin, refines texture, and boosts radiance with every cleanse.

Pore Clearing

Unclogs pores and reduces congestion — especially effective for acne-prone skin thanks to Mandelic Acid's antibacterial properties.

Brightening

Fades dark spots and discoloration while Green Tea and botanical extracts protect and soothe with antioxidant support.

Directions

How to Use

Morning and evening. Not for use in children under 3 years.

1

Dampen Skin

Wet face with lukewarm water. Applying to damp skin activates the foam and allows the Mandelic Acid to work evenly across the skin surface.

2

Lather & Massage

Dispense a small amount (about almond-sized) onto fingertips and apply to damp skin. Lather and massage in circular motions. Avoid contact with eyes.

3

Rinse & Pat Dry

Rinse well with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel. Follow with your Circadia serum and moisturizer. Always apply SPF in the morning — AHA use increases photosensitivity.

Formulation

Ingredients

Key Actives

Mandelic Acid 4% — gentle AHA; exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and dark spots; natural antibacterial properties.
Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) — free radical scavengers; antioxidant protection against environmental damage; soothes irritation.
Caffeine — antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.
Panthenol (Provitamin B5) — regenerative and soothing; maintains hydration during active cleansing.
Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract — brightening and antioxidant.
Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Extract — antioxidant and brightening support.
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract — soothing and calming.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil — soothing aromatic botanical.
Salvia Sclarea (Clary Sage) Oil — Note: Contains Clary Sage Oil. Not for use during pregnancy.

Full Ingredient List

Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Mandelic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Panthenol, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Maltodextrin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Caffeine, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Salvia Officinalis (Sage) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Hybrida Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide.

Specifications

Product Details

Brand	Circadia by Dr. Pugliese
Sizes Available	2 oz / 60 mL (travel) · 6.7 oz (full size)
AHA Concentration	Mandelic Acid 4%
Texture	Foaming exfoliating gel
Use	Morning and evening; apply to damp skin, lather, rinse well, pat dry
Skin Types	Acne-Prone · Aging · Congested/Oily · Pigmented
Pregnancy Safe	No — contains Clary Sage Oil (Salvia Sclarea). Consult physician before use.
Age Restriction	Not for use in children under 3 years

FAQ

Common Questions

Everything you need to know about Cleansing Gel with Mandelic Acid.

What is Circadia Cleansing Gel with Mandelic Acid?

An active foaming exfoliating gel cleanser powered by 4% Mandelic Acid. It brightens, refines texture, clears congestion, and fades pigmentation. Green Tea Extract provides antioxidant protection. Suitable for acne-prone, congested, oily, aging, and pigmented skin.

What does 4% Mandelic Acid do in this cleanser?

Mandelic Acid is a gentle AHA that exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It fades blemishes and dark spots and has natural antibacterial properties that make it especially effective for acne-prone and congested skin.

Why is Mandelic Acid gentler than glycolic acid?

Mandelic Acid has a larger molecular structure than glycolic acid, meaning it penetrates the skin more slowly and gently — delivering effective exfoliation while being better tolerated by sensitive, reactive, and darker skin tones prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

What does Green Tea Extract do in this formula?

Green Tea Extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) contains free radical scavengers that protect against environmental damage. It also soothes irritation caused by exfoliation, making this a more comfortable active cleanser for daily use.

Is this cleanser pregnancy safe?

No — this cleanser contains Clary Sage Oil (Salvia Sclarea), which can induce contractions in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant.

How do I use Circadia Cleansing Gel with Mandelic Acid?

Dispense a small amount onto fingertips and apply to damp skin. Lather and massage in circular motions, then rinse well with lukewarm water and pat dry. Use morning and evening. Avoid contact with eyes. Always follow with SPF in the morning — AHA use increases photosensitivity.

What sizes does it come in?

Available in 2 oz (60 mL) travel size and 6.7 oz full size.

Ideal For

Who Is This For?

Acne-Prone SkinCongested SkinOily SkinAging SkinPigmented SkinHyperpigmentationUneven TextureDaily AHA Exfoliation

For external use only. Apply to damp skin and rinse thoroughly. Avoid contact with eyes. Not for use in children under 3 years. Not recommended during pregnancy — contains Clary Sage Oil (Salvia Sclarea) which can induce contractions. Consult your physician before use if pregnant. AHA use increases photosensitivity — always apply a broad-spectrum SPF the following morning. If irritation occurs, discontinue use. Keep out of reach of children. Circadia products are developed for professional skincare use. Sold exclusively through authorized Circadia retailers. Auréa Beauty (myaurea.beauty) is an authorized Circadia professional skincare retailer.

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Shipping & Returns

We ship within the US only.

1. Economy Shipping costs $11.99 and takes 5–8 business days.

2. Express Shipping costs $24.99 and takes 2–3 business days.

Yes, we accept returns within 30 days. Terms and conditions apply, see them here.

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If you're missing tracking or have any concerns, please reach out to our customer support.

Products & Quality

Auréa Beauty is a proudly woman-owned online store offering premium, medical-grade skincare and advanced beauty devices.

All products are guaranteed authentic, dermatologist-recommended, sourced directly from trusted brands like Bio-Therapeutic, Circadia, GlyMed Plus, and TiZO.