• M-LAC 10 Clarifying Serum bottle with green label on a white background
  • Bottle of mandelic acid with almonds on an orange background
  • Niacinamide information with droplets on a green background
  • Text about lactic acid with a white background and a logo in the corner.
  • Text about hyaluronic acid on a green background with a close-up of the substance.
  • Chamomile flowers and leaves on a white background
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M-Lac 10 Clarifying Serum with Mandelic, Hyaluronic, and Niacinamide by Viriditas

M-Lac 10 Clarifying Serum with Mandelic, Hyaluronic, and Niacinamide by Viriditas

$36.00 USD
$36.00 USD
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10% Mandelic Acid + Lactic Acid + Niacinamide

The middle strength in our M-Lac collection, created for skin that has already established a comfortable relationship with exfoliating acids.

M-Lac 10% combines mandelic acid with lactic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and calming botanicals to refine the appearance of persistent congestion, uneven texture, and post-breakout discoloration.

It offers more exfoliating support than M-Lac 5% without automatically leaping to the strongest formula.

 Why we chose it:

Sometimes skin is tolerating a gentle exfoliating ritual beautifully but still needs more support for recurring congestion, rough texture, or marks that linger after blemishes have passed.

M-Lac 10% fills that middle ground.

Mandelic acid provides measured exfoliation, while lactic acid and niacinamide support smoother, brighter-looking skin. Hyaluronic acid and soothing botanical ingredients help create a more balanced formula—but they do not make a 10% acid serum irritation-proof.

This is a purposeful next step when 5% is comfortable and consistent, not simply a stronger product for faster results.

Best suited for:

  • M-Lac 10% may be a good match for:

    • Skin that already tolerates M-Lac 5% or another leave-on acid

    • Persistent visible congestion or rough texture

    • Oily or combination skin

    • Acne-prone skin with lingering post-breakout marks

    • Uneven-looking tone or areas of discoloration

    • Someone seeking a middle strength between introductory and advanced exfoliation

    • Skin that can use acids consistently without ongoing dryness or irritation

You may prefer another option if:

Choose M-Lac 5% if you are new to leave-on acids, returning after a long break, or tend to become dry or irritated easily.

Wait before beginning if your skin is raw, sunburned, actively peeling, or recovering from waxing, a peel, laser treatment, or another resurfacing service.

M-Lac 15% may eventually be considered for resilient skin with established tolerance and persistent concerns—but only when 10% is being used comfortably and professional guidance supports the increase.

 

Choosing your M-Lac strength:

Choose M-Lac 5% when:
You are new to mandelic acid, returning after a break, easily become dry, or want a gentle maintenance serum.

Choose M-Lac 10% when:
Your skin comfortably tolerates 5% or another leave-on acid but still needs more support for persistent congestion, uneven texture, or post-breakout discoloration.

Choose M-Lac 15% when:
Your skin is resilient, experienced with 10%, and professional guidance indicates that the strongest concentration is appropriate.

The goal is not to reach 15%. The goal is to find the lowest strength that gives your skin meaningful support without ongoing irritation.

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🌿 Laurie's Professional Guidance

I choose M-Lac 10% when the skin has already shown me that it understands exfoliation.

That means 5% is being used consistently without prolonged redness, uncomfortable dryness, or repeated disruption to the barrier. It does not simply mean someone wants quicker results.

Move slowly when you increase strength. You may need to reduce the frequency again while your skin becomes acquainted with the new concentration. A stronger serum used two or three thoughtful evenings each week may serve the skin better than nightly use it cannot comfortably sustain.

— Laurie Neronha, Licensed Esthetician & Acne Specialist

Pro Tips
Our M-Lac serums are an integral part of our acne program.
Key Ingredients

10% mandelic acid
A mid-strength concentration of a relatively large-molecule alpha hydroxy acid. It helps refine the appearance of congestion, uneven texture, and post-breakout discoloration while offering more exfoliating activity than M-Lac 5%.

Lactic acid
Complements mandelic acid by supporting surface renewal and smoother-looking texture.

Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3 that supports a more even-looking complexion and helps maintain a balanced, resilient appearance.

Hyaluronic acid
A humectant that attracts water and helps the skin feel more comfortably hydrated.

Soothing botanicals
Included to complement the active ingredients and support a calmer-looking complexion.

Full Ingredients
Ingredients:Deionized Water, Mandelic Acid, Butylene Glycol, SDA 40, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium PCA, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice Root Extract), Matricaria Chamomilla (Chamomile Extract), Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus Oi
How to Use

Apply a thin, even layer to clean, dry skin at night.

Begin two or three evenings per week, even if you previously used M-Lac 5% more frequently. If your skin remains comfortable, gradually increase to every other evening or as directed by your esthetician.

Follow with moisturizer as needed. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning.

Do not layer with benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, scrubs, or another exfoliating acid in the same application unless you have received individualized instructions.

Where It Fits in Your Ritual

Use in the evening after cleansing and before moisturizer:

  1. Cleanse
  2. Tone, if desired
  3. Allow the skin to dry
  4. Apply a thin layer of M-Lac 10%
  5. Follow with moisturizer as needed

If benzoyl peroxide is already part of your acne ritual, use M-Lac 10% at a different time or on alternate days according to your professional guidance.

Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential while using exfoliating acids.

Botanicals in This Formula

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice root is one of herbal skincare's most beloved botanicals for calming visible redness and supporting a more even-looking complexion. Rich in naturally occurring antioxidant compounds, it helps soothe skin that appears irritated or stressed while promoting a brighter, healthier-looking appearance. Its gentle nature makes it a favorite for sensitive, reactive, and post-breakout skin.

Best known for:

Soothing visible redness
Supporting a brighter-looking complexion
Antioxidant protection

Frequently Asked Questions

How is M-Lac 10% different from M-Lac 5%?
M-Lac 10% contains twice the concentration of mandelic acid. It is intended for skin that already tolerates lower-strength exfoliation and needs more support for persistent congestion, texture, or discoloration.

Do I have to use M-Lac 5% first?
Not everyone does, but 5% is the wiser starting point if you are new to leave-on acids or are unsure about your tolerance. Ten percent should not be the default simply because it sounds more effective.

How often should I use M-Lac 10%?
Begin two or three evenings per week. Increase gradually only if your skin remains comfortable. Some people obtain their best results without ever using it nightly.

Should I stop using 5% when I begin 10%?
You do not need to alternate strengths unless we have created that plan for you. In most cases, begin the 10% less frequently and observe how your skin responds.

When should I consider M-Lac 15%?
Only after 10% is well tolerated and persistent concerns remain. Moving to 15% is optional and is best done with professional guidance.

Can I use it with benzoyl peroxide?
Both may fit within the same acne ritual, but avoid automatically layering them together. Separate them by time of day or alternate applications according to your treatment plan.

Can I use it with retinol?
Avoid introducing both at once. Alternating evenings may be appropriate after tolerance is established but combining them should be approached carefully.

Will it dry out my skin?
It can. The formula contains humectants and conditioning ingredients, but it remains a 10% exfoliating-acid serum. Begin slowly and support the skin with an appropriate moisturizer.

Is tingling normal?
A brief, mild tingle may occur. Persistent heat, burning, swelling, or prolonged redness is not something to push through.

Does it treat fungal acne?
No. M-Lac 10% is an exfoliating cosmetic serum, not an antifungal medication. Persistent itchy or uniform bumps should be appropriately evaluated.

Can I use it after picking or extracting a blemish?
Do not apply it to raw or broken skin. Following professional extractions, use it only when specifically directed by your esthetician.

Do I need sunscreen?
Yes. Broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning is an essential part of any ritual that includes exfoliating acids.

Precautions

A mild, brief tingle may occur when M-Lac 10% is first introduced. Persistent burning, swelling, rawness, or prolonged redness is a reason to stop and let the skin recover.

Avoid the eyes, mouth, corners of the nose, and broken or freshly exfoliated skin. Keep out of reach of children.

Do not apply immediately before or after waxing, extractions, peels, laser treatments, or other resurfacing procedures unless directed by your skincare professional.

Introduce one new active product at a time and use broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning. For external use only.
Selected for Acne Prone Skin

Selected for Acne Prone Skin

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Brightening

Brightening