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Topical cosmetic only. Leave-on mandelic acid is used at roughly 5-10% in serums; professional peels use higher strengths (often a salicylic-mandelic combination). Apply to clean skin, building frequency as tolerated, with daily sunscreen. There is no oral or systemic dose — it is not ingested. This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.

Evening

Leave-on serum (≈5-10% mandelic acid) or a professional (salicylic-)mandelic peel

Topical OTC use. Leave-on and wash-off acne products contain 0.5-2% salicylic acid, applied to affected areas once or twice daily and built up as tolerated; professional peels (20-30%) are applied in-office. There is no oral or systemic dose in this context — it is not ingested (and large-area/high-concentration use can cause systemic salicylate absorption, so follow label limits). This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.

Any time

Leave-on or wash-off acne product (0.5-2% salicylic acid)

• For topical (skin) use only — not for ingestion, not for injection
• Known allergy or sensitivity to AHAs
• Active dermatitis or broken/sunburned skin until healed

• Other leave-on actives (retinoids, other acids)

• For topical (skin) use only — not for ingestion, not for injection
• Known allergy/sensitivity to salicylates or aspirin
• Do not apply to large body-surface areas at high concentration (risk of systemic salicylate absorption / salicylism)

• Other leave-on actives (retinoids, AHAs, benzoyl peroxide)
• Oral salicylates / anticoagulants (only if extensive high-strength use)