The aim of this work was to prepare and to characterize stable O/W emulsions containing liquid crystals as vehicles of mandelic acid. Influence of some components on the behavior of the systems has been also studied. Particularly, the release of mandelic acid was compared from different formulations showing that the lamellar phases prolonged the active release and consequently they might reduce its irritation potential on the skin. Results of evaporation test suggested that lamellar phases contributed to increase the moisturizing action of these emulsions by limiting their water loss.