Mandelic acid

Mandelic acid (CAS 90-64-2), also known as phenylglycolic acid, is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from bitter almonds that functions as a pharmaceutical intermediate, preservative, and skin-active ingredient. It is used across pharmaceutical synthesis, cosmetic formulation, and specialty chemical manufacturing where controlled exfoliation, antimicrobial activity, or chiral building block chemistry is required.

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it serves as a chiral intermediate in the synthesis of active ingredients including antibiotics, anticoagulants, and antispasmodics, where its optical isomers are resolved. Cosmetic formulators incorporate it into chemical peel systems and leave-on exfoliant products, where its larger molecular size relative to glycolic acid allows for a more controlled skin penetration profile.

This characteristic makes it particularly suited to sensitive skin formulations. As a preservative and pH buffer, it is used in urinary tract preparations and topical antimicrobial products. In specialty resins and surface treatment chemistry, it functions as a wetting and adhesion modifier. Mandelic acid is supplied as a white crystalline powder for various industrial uses.

Standard grades include pharmaceutical-grade (USP/BP) for drug synthesis and cosmetic-grade material for personal care applications. Technical-grade material is available for research.