Makeup Artist's Choice (MUAC) • 25% Mandelic Acid Peel • Masks

Where To Buy?

jlseck on 5/2/2013 9:08:00 PM more reviews by jlseck

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

i really like this peel and will buy again when i run out. it makes my skin smooth and glow and i think its helping the unevenness. I use it about once a week. it stings only a very little bit, but that's how i know it's working. my face is a little pink after i rinse off. i think my pores look much smaller. a friend just told me i'm looking younger. :) its not too harsh. and it takes under 5 minutes. i recommend it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

dawnlois on 4/5/2013 8:59:00 AM more reviews by dawnlois

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

Can I get a big HELL YEAH?!? As an older woman, I have been making a really conscious effort for several years to be kinder and gentler to my face - harsh cleansers and scrubs are out. I have done a couple of microlaser peels and IPL treatments, but I had no idea what to do at home to keep the results up - till I found MUAC. This peel is unbelievable - I am really impressed, and I mean overall, not just with some things about it. The price is right(!!), customer service is wonderful, and I frankly couldn't care less about the packaging. It's serviceable and doesn't leak - and I REALLY appreciate that I'm paying for a product that works, and not frou frou packaging and advertising. I have been prone to hormonal acne since I hit about 38 - so frustrating, I can't tell you. After a youth of clear skin that I was completely careless with, suddenly my skin started to dry up, wrinkle a bit, and break out!! In fact - I have almost always had at least one pimple every month for the last 11 or twelve years. And 3 or 4 times a year,I am gifted with a subterranean monster cyst that might hang around for a month or so, because they never come to a head. Now I don't want to sound like I have ever had severe acne, or that I know what that feels like. But constant small blemishes still bugged me alot - especially since I consider myself too damn old to have them! Not only that - but my skin has gotten progressively drier over the last several years - dry skin AND zits - whoo hoo!! So then I found MUAC - I was googling "at home chemical peels", and just decided to click on the website - and I was definitely skeptical. I figured I didn't have much to lose, and they included a newcomer coupon - and the sample sizes convinced me. I received my order within 3 days and used the peel that same night - and was blown away by the results!! I already use Retin A and amino acid products, but man oh man, did this stuff ramp up the results. I have used it about every 10 days or so for the last 3 months, and I can attest that results are cumulative - my skin looks better after every use. I have very little peeling now but the first month or so I had quite a bit - I cleansed with a castor oil/sunflower oil combo that I swear by, removing it with a warm, coarse wash cloth, and kept up a religious moisturizing schedule, and peeling is pretty much gone now, except for a day or two after each peel. I'm very happy with this product, and have since ordered several other products from MUAC - which just happens to now be mostly my only source for skin care. I also highly recommend the gly-luronic serum for maintenance between peels - but that's another review, right? For about 5 bucks or so ( I forget the exact amount) this is worth your while - I bet if you try it you'll like it.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

nicizzy on 3/21/2013 11:12:00 PM more reviews by nicizzy

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I've become a MUAC ADDICT! I've tested out quite a few of the products including glycolic and TCA peels, but my absolute favorite is the Mandelic peel. I'm 45 and have fairly good quality skin, but prone to small blackheads on my cheeks, and white heads in the corners of my nose and lips. I've tried all sorts of acne products and scrubs and none has worked until the Mandelic Peel.

I use it every four days and get the following amazing benefits:
- soft smooth skin
- clearer more even tone (Mandelic acid is used in many of the spot treatments available on the market)
- blackheads and whiteheads GONE

Mandelic acid works as an antibacterial, and I find that if I'm consistent in using it every four days (left on for 6 minutes) all my little issues disappear. When I've been off the mandelic for TCA peels, the zits and whiteheads start to reappear, so I'm going to stick with this permanently.

A note, MUAC also offers a Mandelic toner which I've added to my regime. Excellent light daily exfoliant, combined with the peel, and I have the skin I've always wanted.

5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* Quilley on 3/19/2013 9:33:00 PM more reviews by Quilley

Age: Unknown   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

After much research on this company and peel, this little $3.50 (US) bottle of peel is the thing that seems to do the trick. It's not complicated to apply if you follow the card with the directions on it. . The results are considerably positive and there is very little pain involved. I will update as I progress in the treatments and then re-rate if I need to.

Treatment 1 - Spot treated only. Three clogged pores on temple immediately loosened up. Timed for 4 minutes dark and clogged areas only. Rinsed off and applied Cicaplast. No problems, very little change in skin tone. So far, so good.

Treatment 2 - 3 days later as directed. This time did my whole face with two "dips" of qtip in the acid peel. Focused in chin (hyperpigmentation) and two areas of more hyperpigmentation along upper cheekbones. Note: these are already fading out and not too dark to begin with. Just annoying. Timed for 3 minutes, rinsed entire face. Applied Cicaplast as a preventive measure since my skin is super sensitive, especially in the clear areas.

Experienced a tiny bit of redness above eyebrows, which the Cicaplast took down right away. Hopped in the shower, came out checked skin. Soft, smooth, like baby skin. Forehead shiny like baby skin.

Treatment 3 is Friday. Cannot wait to report results! I'm ready for another bottle already. So far so good. Fingers crossed. I'm 50 and have very sensitive NC40 skintone. I treat it like baby skin. My goal is to be 100% clear by this summer.

Treatment 3 - not much to report in terms of instant changes, however over a period of 4-5 days, the MA seems to be coaxing the clogged pores "awake" and they are coming to the surface. This is not what I'd expected at all and was disappointed at first, then I realized that I just have the type of skin that is prone to clogs; no matter how well I cleanse or stay away from pore clogging ingredients...this is just how it is!

Treatment 4 - Ok. Between the T3 treatment and now I have to admit something...the malic acid seems to be working - even when it's washed off, it is sloughing off skin. Tonight's treatment I went the full 5 minutes and I could tell after minute 3 that something is happening because my skin began to get really warm, something I did not experience right away.

The (large pores) on my nose are cleaner, the hyper-pigmentation area on my chin has broken up. The few clogged pores along my temples (about 3 on each side) are erupting, meaning they are not only darker on the surface, but I can feel that they are still clogged.

The pores that have already been cleared out did not really look infected (red and irritated) but dried up with the contents (white head) dried up and sitting on the surface, waiting for me to wash it away.

I still have more than 1/2 a bottle after using a few Q-tips each time to apply the acid. Under $4.00 a bottle for this compared to the hundreds perhaps thousands of dollars I've spent on skincare. It kind of blows me away.

I went back to the MUAC website and learned how these skin care companies are ripping us off by including only small amounts of the acids, etc. In their defense, they are probably under gov. guidelines (FDA) on how much they can include in skincare items, but now that I know what I know, I will be sticking with my Clarisonic and basic cleanser from TJ's for now.

As for other topicals...still figuring that out. More to come as I continue the peels.

Updated 4.5.2013 - Time for a stronger peel. I want to try the sal. acid/mandelic type next.

5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Pambryant on 3/9/2013 11:40:00 AM more reviews by Pambryant

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Other, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I used 3 times and saw no difference before/after. I left on longer than advised, STILL no effect or any peeling or exfoliation.

I left the top off to make any water evaporate and make it more concentrated. I'll see if it works better.

It smells like cat urine to me-very unpleasant.

I got the sample size, and i get several peels from it, so it's cheap.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

LBVero on 3/1/2013 7:17:00 PM more reviews by LBVero

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Normal   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

This is my favorite peel. I have used the glycolic, lactic acid, but this one doesnt burn like they do! I love this for a routine peel and then the TCA 15 % when I want to really do a bolt up from this! My skin looks amazing a few days after I use this and I am 58 years old! Exfoliation is the key! I get more results with these two with less pain, I love it....

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

greengrapefruit on 2/16/2013 7:30:00 PM more reviews by greengrapefruit

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Love this product! I have done 3 peels with this so far and I am happy that I finally tried this. My skin has been very problematic for me in the past few months because of hormonal acne and maybe makeup. I have had really big zits that are so red and sore a few times a month. Since I started using this, my skin has been improving. The zits are smaller and come to a head much quicker!
I spot treat with this and it's been pretty great. It is a pretty gentle peel, I leave it on for 3-5 minutes and I have minimal redness and a little stinging. I did get flaking and I am hoping as I do more peels it will really improve my texture and tone. I have a lot of hyper pigmentation that I am looking to fade so I will update after a few more peels.

3 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

keepitreal on 1/24/2013 10:52:00 PM more reviews by keepitreal

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

UPDATE: I have come to the conclusion that my skin hates Mandelic acid (and peels in general). I used this peel three times for 2 or 3 minutes max, each a week or more apart. Each time I experienced quite a bit of stinging and the most awful burning sensation upon rinsing. My skin peeled like crazy around day three and yet I saw no difference in the condition or texture of my skin after it stopped. It did, however, cause irritation bumps that took quite a while to go away. To be fair, I also tried Garden of Wisdom's 5% Mandelic serum and even then experienced what I would consider excessive stinging. If you have sensitive skin, do yourself a favor and get a sample and patch test a couple times first. I wish I had! MUAC is a great company, but this product was a major no go for me.

3 out of 5 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

clownstatue on 12/10/2012 11:45:00 AM more reviews by clownstatue

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Grey    

I have normal/oily skin. I tend to get blackheads easily and a pimple or two sometimes. I've never used any product that actually got rid of blackheads like this stuff does, it literally wipes them away within a few uses, and overall my skin is more clear and smooth. It doesn't make my skin red or peel (though this varies from person to person) but it does sting a little upon application. After thoroughly washing my face, I squeeze a quarter-size amount of the liquid in my palms, rub them together and put it all over my face for a few minutes then rinse it off. I've only used the peel about five times over the last month or two, but I'm hoping if I continue to use it, my skin will look even nicer :)

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* peoplerpeople on 12/9/2012 10:56:00 AM more reviews by peoplerpeople

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Medium Brown, Warm   Hair: Black, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

YES. This is the first "peel" I have tried, mainly because my combo/dry skin overreacts to *everything.* The first time, I applied with gauze, watched the timer closely, and felt absolutely nothing before splashing and washing thoroughly. Saw absolutely no difference but was glad to see no negative reactions. One week later (I deliberately waited several days just in case), I tried it again using a Q-tip and leaving on for 5 minutes instead of 3. This time I felt a slight warmth around minute 4. Still didn't notice much difference, except for some peeling around my nostrils. After four days, I tried it again. Used a q-tip and left on about 5 minutes. The next morning, which happened to be a light makeup day, I used an extra gentle buf-puf and my very mildest cleanser (Cerave Hydrating=only good for am bc it doesn't remove makeup well at all), then moisturized. JACKPOT. Compared to my skin before 1st use, my complexion is brighter with dark spots much improved. I now use the toner (smart move throwing in all those free samples, MUAC) every 2d evening or so, and the peel once a week. I am very, very happy with this product right now. When I do finally run out of this, I will repurchase.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* sprite26 on 12/9/2012 4:33:00 AM more reviews by sprite26

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is one of those products you use, and the next day when you catch sight of yourself in the mirror you pause and try to remember EXACTLY what you did to your skin to make it look so good. That's what it does. It's strong, effective, and not expensive at all.
I did take one lippie off because this peel isn't 100% user-friendly, and you have to be careful with it. This product has the consistency of water, but it isn't water it's ACID. I find it necessary to use cotton for application, not my fingers like the bottle's instructions say. I tried to apply with my fingers the first time I used it and the results were awkward and uneven. I had terrible skin irritation as a result. I still experience a little peeling now, but nothing worse than with Retin-A so it's tolerable. It also stings quite a bit and the smell is sharp and chemical-ish.
However, the results it delivers are unbelievable and I mean it. It gives my skin that even, radiant glow that I'm always chasing after. I'm one of those people who are always trying this-that-and-the-other, so I know from experience that most products out there are okay at best and don't live up to their promises or hype. This is not one of them! This now has a permanent place in my skincare arsenal and I love it.

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

nky on 12/3/2012 9:41:00 PM more reviews by nky

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I have several hyper pigmentation spots on my face, not too much, but they are pretty dark. I have tried a LOT of products and was really hoping that the Mandelic Acid Peel would work. For the first trial, it was working pretty fine (didn't really enjoy the smell though; smells like hair dye except worse), so I decided to keep using the product. As the days progressed, I had noticed that my skin was not becoming what people were raving about, but I continued on with the routine.
Three months later and STILL no difference.
In conclusion, this product did not work for me AT ALL and I will never buy it again.

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Lilcrystalline on 11/12/2012 4:20:00 PM more reviews by Lilcrystalline

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Red, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Other    

I've been waiting a long while to review this, to see any long term difference. As this was my first peel, I wanted something gentle yet effective, which is what drew me to this product (based on other reviewer's experiences).
My skin is combination, and probably leans slightly more to the 'dry' end of combination. I have hormonal acne that tends to occur in the t-zone (Primarily on forehead/chin), and I usually see clogged pores as well (tiny flesh colored bumps). I also have a few sebaceous filaments and occasional blackheads on my nose/chin. Light brown spots on cheekbones, and in the winter I find my skin can look dull and chapped/red and dry.
I've been using this product for about 1 year now, twice a month, and I'm just not sure it cuts it for me. The first few applications I experienced a slight stinging, akin to being stung by nettles or scratched by a cat. That subsided, and I left the peel on for the advised 5 minutes and rinsed it off with lukewarm water. I'd apply MUAC argan oil or Cerave AM(I have not experienced clogging due to Cerave) to my face afterwards.
After several applications I began to leave this mask on for up to a half hour, to try and maximize effectiveness out of the peel. I'd say the results are roughly the same as leaving it on for 5 minutes, for me.
I see no visible difference to my brown spots, clogged pores, blackheads or sebaceous filaments. However my skin feels incredibly smooth and soft, and has a more radiant appearance in general. I believe for the price, you receive a generous amount of product. I apply with a q-tip to my face (two q-tips generally cut it).

Unfortunately this hasn't really achieved my desired results, but it still has helped me to achieve radiant skin. Maybe I'm asking/expecting too much in one product; however I'm interested it moving up to something a bit stronger. Perhaps Lactic acid?

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

morgs5555 on 11/7/2012 6:36:00 PM more reviews by morgs5555

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Brown    

I have been using this 1x per week for 4 weeks and I am beyond pleased with the results. The first 3 weeks I did have some purging but by week 4 I was clear. I have very sensitive, acne-prone, ruddy skin. This cleared me up, reduced redness and is getting rid of some red marks from past break outs.
I had tried the Mandelic acid from Garden of wisdom and it consistently broke me out.
On the nights that I am not using the peel I moisturize with the aloe jelly + 1 drop of virgin argan oil. Love this combo as well.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

strawberrygrl on 11/3/2012 1:36:00 PM more reviews by strawberrygrl

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I had high hopes for this product bc of the reviews but after trying it for a few times, I have concluded that there is no real improvement to my hyperpigmentation/post-acne marks. Also, I'm not really sensitive to bad smells but this peel smells HORRIBLE! It smells like something you should NOT be inhaling (like a very toxic chemical aroma). I'm surprised not a lot of other reviews have mentioned this, but be forewarned. I know I should push through the initial phase bc immediate improvements are not guaranteed but the stench is too much for me :/

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

Chicagobabe89 on 11/1/2012 9:28:00 PM more reviews by Chicagobabe89

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Dark   Hair: Brown, Curly, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this peel a few months ago, hoping that it would work as well for me as it did for most of the other reviewers. I have done this peel more than several times, and I don't know how I feel about it yet. I have sensitive, acne-prone, darker skin, and I was looking for something that would help with hyper-pigmentation, evening my skin texture-especially on my forehead-and help minimize any breakouts that I experienced.

I think this peel is helping to fade the marks slightly, and my skin looks bright the days after the peel, but it hasn't done anything for the small bumps I have on my forehead. I do feel like it does diminish the breakouts that I have, but it doesn't do anything for stopping them from forming. I will finish the bottle, but I do not think that I will be purchasing it again.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* bellatrix13 on 10/3/2012 2:15:00 AM more reviews by bellatrix13

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

This is a great product! I was scared to try it at first but so glad I did. It's my first peel, and I find it to be very gentle and effective. My skin has noticeably improved in texture and clarity since using it. The blackheads have cleared up on my nose (which I find to be miraculous) and my skin looks clearer and more radiant. I look forward to making this a cornerstone in my skincare arsenal.

**Update** I was using this peel for 5 minutes every four days consistently for a few months, and started using the 8% beta hydroxy serum before the mandelic peel. Then I slacked off for 2-3 weeks, and could see a noticeable difference in my skin. It went back to being rougher, with less clarity, and overall looked like it needed some heavy duty exfoliation. The other day I resumed the beta hydroxy + mandelic routine, and peeled for the first time - I had a lot of dead skin cells built up! I waited 4 days, used it again, and this time didn't peel but my skin is back to the loveliness it was before I stopped the routine. I don't think I'll be without this combo again, unless it stops working miracles the way it currently is!!

4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* bludvls849 on 9/29/2012 2:10:00 AM more reviews by bludvls849

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Black, Wavy, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I've held off on writing a review for this until I got quite a few uses in, and I have to say, I'm in love.

First, the pricing! It absolutely cannot be beat! I always purchase the sample size of the product which lasts me anywhere from 4-6 months depending on how often I use it. I have very clog-prone, acne-prone skin that can get extremely dry depending on the weather and/or acne treatments I'm using. I'm also very prone to hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture...it's a lot to deal with but this peel is amazing for maintenance. I apply this with a cotton pad and leave on for the recommend amount of time, wash off with soap, and my skin is just SO much calmer the next few days. I get a small amount of flaking, but nothing that can't be combated with a heavy moisturizer.

This product is not a miracle worker but it's damn near close! As anyone with acne would know, controlling it requires consistency. This is simply a very, very effective product to keep in one's arsenal to slowly reduce hyperpigmentation, even out the texture of the skin, and speed up the healing of zits.

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

ihazcats on 9/21/2012 2:20:00 PM more reviews by ihazcats

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

My skin issues: I have dry, sensitive, break out prone, clog prone, cyst prone, skin with dullness, large pore, hyperpigmentation issues. Basically my skin is a mess... or was.

This peel is amazing. No downtime and sooo easy to use. I wash my face and let it dry, apply the acid, and wash it off after six minutes (please start out with 3 and see how your skin handles it, mine seems to love it) I had a tiny bit of flaking a few days later but nothing that a little physical exfoliation couldn't fix. The first time I used it I had to rub my eyes in the morning. Was this really my skin?? I swear that all the clogs I had were completely gone, my skin was a uniform color, and it was GLOWING. (I hate that word but.. there really was no other word to describe my face)

I have since started using it once a week and it really helps with the overall texture and state of my skin. I don't see any hyperpigmentation issues resolved yet as I have only been using it for a month but it has reduced my pores, gotten rid of redness, helped the texture vastly, and best of all have kept breakouts at bay. Quick tip: If you have a pimple, clog, cyst, ect just dab some of the mandelic from a qtip onto the affected area and let it sit overnight. GONE and shriveled up it will be.

Thank you MUAC. I can seriously cry. I had severe bouts of depression because of my skin previously because even with makeup my skin would look bad and without? Furrrgettttittt. My skin looked diseased without makeup. Now my skin looks flawless with makeup and today, I finally went to the gym without a speck of makeup on my skin and I felt pretty confident. Thank you for giving me my skin back at prices I can afford.

19 out of 19 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* DecoDolly on 9/19/2012 2:41:00 PM more reviews by DecoDolly

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I really like this peel. I've been using it twice a week for a couple of months now. It really helps with clogs and those annoying little bumps. There's no downtime and really no peeling, and it doesn't burn, but you still get results. My skin is much softer and smoother since using this. I just used MUAC's TCA peel to hopefully get rid of red marks/scars, but I will definitely keep using the mandelic regularly!

    Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No