This is why mandelic acid works:
The super ingredient that fights odor
Imagine a deodorant that not only does its job – but also nourishes, glows and refines skin texture. Say hello to our superhero – mandelic acid.
Mandelic acid is a gentle yet effective skin care ingredient. It belongs to a group of acids called alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), and offers several benefits – both for the skin and in the fight against unpleasant body odor. It is this key ingredient that makes Vessi Whole Body Deodorant so effective.
In this blog post, you’ll learn more about what mandelic acid is, how it works, and why it’s so important in our new body deodorant.
What are AHA acids?
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are water-soluble acids that often come from fruit, milk or sugar – but can also be made synthetically. They are widely used in skincare for their exfoliating properties.
AHA acids work by loosening dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, making them easier to shed, giving you a smoother, fresher skin texture.
Common types of AHA acids are:
- Glycolic acid (from sugar cane)
- Lactic acid (from milk)
- Citric acid (from citrus)
- Malic acid (from apples)
- Tartaric acid (from grapes)
- Mandelic acid (from bitter almonds)
In addition to exfoliating, AHAs help to even out skin tone, reduce fine lines, and provide a smoother skin surface. They can also help with acne, sun damage, and brown spots.
What is mandelic acid?
Mandelic acid is an antioxidant that is either extracted from bitter almonds or produced synthetically. Due to mechanical pressing and further processing, mandelic acid is not technically classified as “natural” – even though it is in practice plant-based and skin-friendly. This is more about definitions than reality. For us, the most important thing is that the ingredient is safe, effective and sustainable.
That’s why we use mandelic acid in our body deodorant – because it’s both effective and gentle on the skin. Even if you’re allergic to nuts.
How does mandelic acid work?
Mandelic acid chemically exfoliates the skin – that is, it dissolves the bonds between dead skin cells. This results in smoother and softer skin, while also stimulating collagen production – which in turn contributes to better skin elasticity.
But mandelic acid does so much more than just exfoliate.
It also has fantastic antibacterial, antifungal and anti-irritant properties – making it perfect as an ingredient in a deodorant.
Removing dead skin cells also improves the effectiveness of other ingredients, because the skin is more able to absorb them.
Therefore, mandelic acid is particularly suitable as an odor fighter.
To understand why mandelic acid works so well as a deodorant ingredient, we need to understand what actually causes body odor.
Odor occurs when bacteria on the skin break down bodily fluids like sweat, blood, or urine. This is not a phenomenon reserved for underarms – it can also occur in the groin, on the feet, and in skin folds. Any place where skin meets skin.
Odor-causing bacteria thrive in an alkaline environment – that is, when the skin’s pH rises. The body’s natural pH is around 4.7–5.75 (which means slightly acidic), while body fluids often have a higher pH:
- Sweat: 5.7–7.3
- Blood: 7.35–7.45
- Urine: 4.6–8.0
When these liquids come into contact with the skin, they can make the environment more alkaline – thus creating ideal conditions for odor-causing bacteria.
Mandelic acid helps by lowering the skin’s pH, making it harder for odor-causing bacteria to thrive. The result? Less odor, and a fresher feeling – without clogging pores like antiperspirants do.
Mandelic acid vs. other acids
Mandelic acid has larger molecules than other AHAs, such as glycolic acid. This means it penetrates the skin more slowly and more superficially – making it gentler and less likely to cause irritation, redness or flaking. This is perfect for sensitive areas of the skin.
More benefits for the skin
Vessi uses mandelic acid primarily to control odor, but it also provides great benefits that go beyond what we expect from a deodorant:
- Even skin tone
- Less pigmentation and discoloration
- Improved skin texture
- Less acne and ingrown hairs
- Less visible scars and dark areas after shaving
This makes Vessi Whole Body Deodorant function as a skin care product in itself.
Small change – big difference
Many people find that their underarm skin becomes softer, smoother and less irritated after switching to Vessi. Here is some feedback we have received since the launch:
«It actually manages to keep the smell away»
«Since I started using Vessi, the skin under my arms has become smoother, and the rash I was struggling with is gone. Plus, I don’t smell anything anymore. Wonderful!»
«I feel like my skin is actually breathing»
A new perspective on body odor and skincare
We at Vessi want you to have some new experiences. It’s not about covering up odor, or preventing your body from producing sweat. It’s about balancing and supporting your skin’s natural functions. Mandelic acid is our key ingredient in Whole Body Deodorant , and we’re proud of that.
Have you tried the body deodorant yet?
Kilder:
Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.) Fruit as a Source of Bioactive Compounds with Health-Promoting Effects – A Review: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/10/5126
Lingonberry boosts hydration with anti-ageing benefits: https://www.aston-chemicals.com/assets/Publications/Publication%20-%20Aromtech%20-%20PCM%20Europe%2C%20April%202013%2C%20Lingonberry%20Seed%20Oil%20anti-ageing%20properties%2C%20BfW.pdf?utm_
Lingonberries: The Scandinavian Secret to a Longer Life: https://swedishness.ch/blogs/news/the-lingonberry-sweden-s-red-jewel?utm_