<p>To highlight the multifaceted nature of surface acting in the workplace, this study investigates the intricate dynamics of its spillover effects from customer interactions to workplace incivility towards coworkers. Grounded in integrative self-control theory, we conducted a three-wave, time-lagged survey of 327 frontline service employees to examine the pathways linking surface acting to workplace incivility through self-control efforts. Additionally, we explored the moderating role of mindfulness within these pathways. Our findings identify two distinct mechanisms through which surface acting incites workplace incivility: depletion of self-control capacity and weakening of self-control motivation. Interestingly, we reveal a “dark side” of mindfulness: while mindfulness exacerbates the spillover effect via the self-control capacity pathway, it exerts minimal influence on the self-control motivation pathway. This research contributes to the literature by providing new insights into the dual self-control pathways through which surface acting leads to workplace incivility and uncovering the nuanced role of mindfulness. These findings offer a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms of employee surface acting in organizational settings, presenting practical implications for managing emotional labor and promoting workplace harmony.</p>