• Face Reality L-Mandelic Face and Body Scrub
  • Face Reality L-Mandelic Face and Body Scrub
  • Face Reality L-Mandelic Face and Body Scrub
  • Face Reality L-Mandelic Face and Body Scrub
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Face Reality L-Mandelic Face and Body Scrub

$38.00
$38.00

Consultation required before purchase

This is a professional-grade active product. As per Face Reality guidelines, a brief skin consultation is required before purchase to ensure this product is right for your skin. For the quickest response, text Jasmine at (818) 669-0333 during business hours. Existing clients with an access code may add directly to cart.

Face Reality L-Mandelic Face and Body Scrub — gentle acid exfoliating scrub for acne, dark spots, and ingrown hairs

Size: 6 oz / 177ml

What it does for your skin

A dual-action exfoliating scrub that combines L-mandelic acid with biodegradable cellulose acetate beads and bamboo stem extract to simultaneously chemically and physically exfoliate skin from face to body. The L-form of mandelic acid — the chirally-correct, more effective version — clears acne, fades post-acne dark marks, and smooths ingrown hairs while the physical exfoliants lift away dead skin cells and sebum buildup. An antioxidant complex of green tea, grape seed, and kiwi fruit extract rounds out the formula with protective and brightening support.

Key benefits

  • L-Mandelic Acid provides chemical exfoliation — clearing acne and fading dark marks
  • Cellulose acetate and bamboo beads provide physical exfoliation — biodegradable and skin-safe
  • Witch hazel tones and tightens pores after exfoliation
  • Antioxidant trio (green tea, grape seed, kiwi) protects and brightens
  • Effective on face, body acne, chest, back, and ingrown hairs
  • Generous 6 oz size — ideal for full body use
  • Gentler on sensitive skin than glycolic-based scrubs

Best for

Sensitive, acne-prone, and combination skin on the face and body. Particularly effective for clients dealing with body acne, ingrown hairs, keratosis pilaris (KP), and post-acne dark marks on the chest, back, and shoulders. The L-mandelic acid makes it the preferred exfoliating scrub for clients who find glycolic acid too aggressive or who have deeper skin tones prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

How to use

Apply to damp skin and massage gently in circular motions. Leave on for 1-2 minutes to allow the mandelic acid to work before rinsing thoroughly. Use 2-3 times per week as directed during your consultation. Always use SPF 50 on exposed areas in the morning — mandelic acid increases sun sensitivity. Do not use on broken or irritated skin.

Jasmine's note

“L-Mandelic acid is my favorite acid for body use because its larger molecular size means it penetrates more slowly and evenly — which makes it significantly gentler on sensitive skin and safer for deeper skin tones than glycolic acid scrubs. This scrub is one of my most repurchased products — clients start and don't stop. For ingrown hairs on the legs, arms, or back especially, the combination of chemical and physical exfoliation in one product is exactly what's needed. The bamboo extract adds a natural grit that feels luxurious without being harsh.”

Key ingredients

  • Mandelic Acid (L) — chirally-correct L-form of mandelic acid; larger molecular size than glycolic acid means slower, more even penetration and significantly less irritation risk; clears acne, fades hyperpigmentation, and smooths skin texture
  • Cellulose Acetate — biodegradable plant-derived exfoliating beads that physically lift dead skin cells and sebum from pores; no microplastics
  • Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Extract — natural physical exfoliant derived from bamboo; provides additional gentle grit and is rich in silica which strengthens skin and promotes cell renewal
  • Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water — tones and tightens pores after exfoliation; reduces post-scrub redness
  • Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract — powerful antioxidant that protects skin from free radical damage and calms post-exfoliation inflammation
  • Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract — one of the most potent plant antioxidants available; rich in OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) that protect collagen and brighten skin tone
  • Actinidia Deliciosa (Kiwi) Fruit Extract — rich in vitamin C and enzymes that brighten and support the brightening action of the mandelic acid
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine — ultra-mild coconut-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping
  • Decyl Glucoside — gentle plant-derived cleanser that boosts lather while keeping the formula mild
  • Glycerin — humectant that prevents the formula from over-drying during exfoliation

Complete your routine

This scrub works best as part of a complete exfoliation and clearing protocol:

  • Follow with on the face: Face Reality Moisture Balance Toner or Soothing Radiance Toner to restore hydration after exfoliation
  • Treatment serum after: Face Reality GlowTone Corrective Serum on brightening nights, or Salicylic+ Serum on clearing nights
  • Moisturize with: Face Reality Clearaderma or HydraRemedy Gel Serum followed by Barrier Care Gel Cream if skin feels sensitive post-scrub
  • Body acne pairing: Face Reality Acne Face and Body Wash on non-scrub days for daily antibacterial cleansing between exfoliation sessions
  • Dark marks: Pair with Face Reality GlowTone Corrective Serum daily for the fastest hyperpigmentation results
  • Always finish AM with: Face Reality powerMineral SPF 50 or Mineral Matte SPF 28 — mandatory when using mandelic acid

Frequently asked questions

What makes L-mandelic acid better for body use than glycolic acid?

Mandelic acid has a larger molecular size than glycolic acid, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly and evenly. On body skin — which is thicker and more varied in texture than facial skin — this makes mandelic acid significantly more predictable and less likely to cause uneven exfoliation or irritation. It's also naturally antibacterial, which makes it particularly effective for body acne. For clients with deeper skin tones, mandelic acid is less likely to trigger post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation than glycolic acid at comparable strengths.

Can this scrub help with keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Yes — KP is one of the conditions that responds best to this type of dual exfoliation. The physical beads loosen the keratin plugs in the follicles while the mandelic acid chemically dissolves them and prevents them from reforming. Consistent use 2-3 times per week is key — most clients see meaningful improvement in arm and leg texture within 6-8 weeks. Pair with a non-comedogenic body moisturizer immediately after showering for best results.

How does this differ from the Acne Face and Body Scrub?

The Acne Face and Body Scrub contains benzoyl peroxide as its active ingredient — it's primarily an antibacterial treatment that also exfoliates. The L-Mandelic Scrub uses mandelic acid — it's primarily an exfoliating and brightening treatment that is also antibacterial. I recommend the L-Mandelic Scrub for clients focused on texture, ingrown hairs, dark marks, and KP; and the BP Scrub for clients whose primary concern is active bacterial acne. For stubborn body acne, alternating between the two on different days can be a powerful combined approach — your consultation will confirm whether that's right for your skin.

Is the 6 oz size enough for body use?

For face-only use the 6 oz will last 3-4 months. For full body use on chest and back, expect 6-8 weeks per bottle at 2-3 times weekly use. The 6 oz is the right size to have on hand without running out mid-protocol — consistency matters more than anything with exfoliation, and running out breaks the momentum.

Full ingredient list

Aqua (Water), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cellulose Acetate, Glycerin, Bambusa Arundinacea (Bamboo) Stem Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Decyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Mandelic Acid (L), Phenoxyethanol, Alcohol, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Actinidia Deliciosa (Kiwi) Fruit Extract.

Why is a consultation required for this product?

This product contains professional-grade active ingredients. Face Reality requires that all clients complete a brief skin consultation before purchasing actives — this protects your skin and ensures you're using the right products at the right strength for your specific concerns.

Jasmine personally reviews every consultation. She'll assess your skin type, current routine, and goals before recommending the right active and strength for you.

How to get access:

  • Fastest: Text (818) 669-0333 during business hours for a quick consultation
  • Complete a virtual or in-person consultation at the studio
  • Existing clients: use your Locksmith access code to unlock this product directly

Active products covered by this policy include: all mandelic serums, glycolic serums, Salicylic+ Serum, GlowTone Corrective Serum, Retinol Peptide Serum, Retinal B3 Serum, Advanced Acne Med (2.5%, 5%, 10%), L-Mandelic Face & Body Wash, L-Mandelic Face & Body Scrub, Acne Face & Body Wash, Acne Face & Body Scrub, and Glycolic-Lactic Toner.

Face Reality L-Mandelic Face and Body Scrub
Face Reality L-Mandelic Face and Body Scrub
Face Reality L-Mandelic Face and Body Scrub
Face Reality L-Mandelic Face and Body Scrub