I’d been debating for a while whether to spill the beans on one of my favourite Vitamin C serums to date.
On the one hand, there are some things I’d like to keep to my self, hugging it to my chest with a sly smile, knowing it’s my little secret. On the other hand, I’m a damn blogger, prone to sharing LOL!
So, I guess I’ll tell you about the Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence aka Melano CC Vitamin C Essence after all.
Melano CC, from what I understand, is a Japanese brand under the Rohto-Mentholatum umbrella (the same one that houses Hada Labo). If I’m not mistaken, they only have one range, which focuses on the use of Vitamin C.
I remember someone telling me about it once, a few years ago. It wasn’t until I came upon it in a pharmacy that I decided to pick one up to try. Yes, Melano CC is found in pharmacies (or drugstores) in Japan and in some other countries (but not yet Malaysia, unfortunately! So read on at your peril) Apparently, that’s changed! 🙂
Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence – Vitamin C serum
I first came across the Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence in Bangkok, at Watson’s pharmacy. When I saw it, it triggered in my memory a comment by a reader, so I picked up a box to try. I included the box in the pictures here (which I don’t usually do) because it is otherwise very difficult for a non-Japanese speaker to find this product.
Even in Bangkok, the whole box is just full of Japanese writing. Only the back has a sticker in Thai, which I can’t read either! So let’s just say that I’ve been flying blind since I bought it LOL! 😀 Thank goodness for the internet! 😛
It is however, very easy to spot this bright yellow box on the shelves, and if you’re in Japan (where I bought my back up) it also boasts itself as a No. 1 bestseller item. You can’t really go wrong picking up any of the Japanese No. 1 products 😛
Eye on the special nozzle dispenser
The actual product inside the box is a silver tube containing the essence. But here’s something I like very much about the packaging of this product.
The key ingredient used in the Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence is Vitamin C in the L-Ascorbic Acid form. This, while being one of the most effective forms of Vitamin C, is also one of the least stable. It is the one that usually turns yellow when exposed to the air.
To counter this problem, instead of putting the product in a dropper bottle, as most Vitamin C serums do, Melano CC packages their essence in a tube, with a special nozzle.
This nozzle keeps the packaging air-tight, as product is only dispensed when you squeeze the tube. This way, air is kept out and the product remains fresh. I think it’s genius and I can’t imagine why no other brands are using the same packaging! 😀
DO NOT Cut the Melano CC essence nozzle
If you look at the paper insert (which is all in Japanese, and from what I can tell, quite informative, if you can read Japanese) they even advise you NOT to cut off the nozzle LOL!
I think it is because most people may not realize that this is the actual dispensing mechanism. For me, the essence remained as clear in the last drop as the day it was I first used it. Colour me impressed!
Let me just say that I thought that this Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence is a regular Vitamin C serum that you use all over. That has been how I have been using it.
It wasn’t until much later, that I found out that it is in fact, an anti-spot treatment. So, it is meant to help “whiten or lighten” dark spots. I also learnt that you are supposed to only use it on the spots. Oops! I was using it all over LOL! 😀
Alongside lightening dark spots and acne scars and preventing melanin over-production, it also contains Vitamin E and Isopropyl Methyphenol and DipotassiumGlycyrrhizinate, which are supposed to be antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredients to help reduce redness.
Why do I like the Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence?
Because it is pretty effective and impressive considering the price! You know I have run the gamut of Vitamin C serums, and am always trying new ones. The last one I enjoyed using cost an arm and a leg! This one by comparison, is so much more affordable!
I use Vitamin C serums for a few purposes, none of which have anything to do with fading or removing my hyperpigmentation. That, unfortunately, is resistant to topical products so I no longer worry too much about it.
RELATED READING: Living with my pigmentation problem and why laser isn’t an option for me right now READ HERE
What I use Vitamin C products for, is to maintain clearer skin, prevent more dark spots from forming, and to strengthen my skin. I feel this does the job.
The Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence has a clear, slightly oily texture, with a slight citrus-type scent. Nothing very strong, and it isn’t very oily.
I usually squeeze out about 2-3 drops in the palm of my hand, and apply to my skin, all over my face. If you like, you can use less and focus only where you need it. I prefer to just slather it all over, because I know my skin benefits from it.
One tube has lasted me about 2 months or so. For the first few weeks, I use it both day and night, after cleansing and a facial mist. If you use it day and night, the effects are a little more pronounced. In about a week, I noticed that my skin looked clearer. I had run out of Vitamin C serums so had not been using any prior to this. And I was impressed! I even tweeted it!
After that, I scaled back to just once a day, in the morning. The reason I use Vitamin C serums in the morning, is because Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, and your skin could do with some protection in the day when you are out and about. I have also read that it helps “boost” the efficacy of sunscreen, which is why I pair it this way.
Once I scale it back to just once a day, I do notice that the effects aren’t as spectacular. But this way, I maintain my skin clarity. It also allows me to use other products and ingredients in the evening routine, where I focus more on repair and hydration 🙂
Now and again, I go for a stretch of about a week, using Vitamin C serums day and night, and it always delivers results. Do note however, that I have been using Vitamin C serums for a while, so I cannot expect dramatic results. All I can hope for is maintenance. If you are new to it however, then you may notice more significant results.
I think the key reasons I like the Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence so much, is because it is effective enough for me, it remains clear right to the last drop thanks to the impressive packaging, and it is, above all, affordably priced.
Melano CC in Malaysia
A little while after I published this post, I was informed by readers that Melano CC is now available in Malaysia, at Watson’s pharmacy, and has been since November 2018 by now.
Price-wise, I think it is very affordable locally, and as pharmacy products do, often go on sale. This is a product I am very happy to use, affordable, and now, easily available. Yes, I will repurchase and I will continue using this as long as it works for me. I will wander away of course. It’s what skincare junkies like me do. But I’ll be back! 🙂
IN A NUTSHELL
The Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence or Melano CC Vitamin C Essence is a Vitamin C based essence (serum) targeted at reducing and fading dark spots. Depending on the type of dark spots you are targeting, it may or may not be very effective. It will likely be more effective on dark spots and redness caused by acne or inflamed skin, or perhaps freckles. But if it is something more severe or linked to hormones or hereditary issues then it will likely not do much. That said however, I personally find it effective for keeping my skin texture clear (where I do not have pigmentation), and if I use it day and night, my skin looks brighter overall (not whiter – note the difference). I like the slightly oily texture which absorbs easily, and I love the packaging which keeps the product fresh to the last drop. This is very important as Vitamin C is prone to oxidise and when it does, it’s useless. You can use just 1-2 drops on your problem areas, or like me, use 2-3 drops all over my face. One tube lasted me about 3 months. I’m hoarding my back up 😛
HOW TO USE: Cleanse -> Mist -> Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence either on affected areas or all over (treat it as a serum) -> Moisturiser
PROS: Packaging keeps the product fresh to the last drop, Texture is comfortable and absorbs easily into skin, Effective to keep skin looking clear, Affordable, May help fade dark spots, redness and freckles
CONS: Hard to get hold of outside of Japan
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who likes using Vitamin C based serums, Anyone who wants an affordable Vitamin C based serum
PRICE: RM59.90 | S$16.90 | THB480 | ¥1800 for 20ml
WHERE TO BUY: Guardian pharmacy Singapore, Watson’s pharmacy Thailand and Malaysia, Most drugstores in Japan, Various websites online
The ingredient list for the Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence (as shared by reader Zeezee in the comments) is as follows:
Ingredients: propanediol, glycerin, butylene glycol, alcohol, propylene glycol, water, ascorbic acid, alpinia katsumadai seed extract, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, tocopheryl acetate, fragrance, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, 0-cymen-5-OL, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate
I will also advise not to be put off by the small 20ml size. From experience, I’ve found that a 20ml size bottle for a Vitamin C based serum is actually quite a good size, because oxidizes easily. With a smaller sized bottle, you reduce the risk of your product becoming useless after a while. In the case of this one, because you use only a few drops each time, a tube will last you a while. And it will be good to the last drop!
I repeat. Genius packaging! 😀
Have you tried this Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence?
So yes, I wanted to keep all this information to myself. But hey, good things should be shared, right? 🙂
Paris B
*adding to shopping list for when parents are in Japan* I’m pretty much sold just for the packaging alone. Especially because this morning, I knocked over my bottle of Timeless Vit C serum and a third of the contents spilled all over my floor. My floor should look brighter and whiter now, no? Haizzzzz…. sakit hati. Silver lining: it’s not one of the more expensive stuff!
You might want to add the Obagi C serum as well if I don’t get round to it before your parents go LOL! 😀 I got the 10% one, in the smaller bottle and do be warned that it is significantly more expensive. Just started using it and so far, quite happy except for a few niggling thoughts. But since you enjoy using Vit C, it would be worth having it as well 😉 And you know what? I am with you about the dropper style bottles! They can be prone to accidents (although it hadn’t happened yet *touchwood*!) Do you like the Timeless one? I just got it not long ago – put it in queue 😀
Thanks for the Obagi C recommendation! I’ll check it out.
I actually found the Timeless Vit C serum very effective. So much so that in the first week of usage, I terkejut a bit looking into the mirror because of the difference in skin brightness. Unexpected result but in a good way. The price point is definitely a bonus! I debated between Timeless and Mad Hippie and ended up with the former after reading your review on the Mad Hippie one.
Mad Hippie Vit C was meh. Put me off Vit C for a while. Now I’m curious to try the Timeless lol! I want to terkejut too 😀 But I’m using the Obagi C now and you know how it is with Vit C. Must use up else it oxidizes then it’s useless.
Forgot to add that the only drawback about the Timeless vit C serum is that it absorbs so quickly so you need to be pretty deft in application. Which was why I toppled the bottle this morning. Kelam-kabut!
Thanks for the tip!
I hauled 5 tubes of this when i was in Japan and it was on sale for the sake of my acne scars. Found it to be quite oily though.
Then i found out that i am ALLERGIC to Vitamin c and anything based on it clogs my pores resulting in small bumps.
Thanks to it my knees are a tadddd bit whiter lol.
Yes, it definitely has a noticeable oily texture and oh dear, so sorry to hear that Vitamin C does not work for you 🙁 🙁 Is it all types of Vit C or just Ascorbic Acid? There are many different derivatives now so you can try others that do not contain L-Ascorbic Acid 😀 And LOL! on the whiter knees – at least you found some use for it!
Resulted in small bumps for me as well! And more zits… I wonder why… 🙁 and i was so excited to try it…
This Little thing is The Thing. A tube can last 3-4 months for me, and I use it day and night.
3-4 months! I think for me I can take it to 3 months max. Am I being too generous? Haha 😀 But so happy to know that it works for you as well as it does for me too! I love this little thing!
Sharing is caring… 😉
I only came across this recently, in a Facebook group. Really curious to try, as I will go to Japan next year, probably.
By the way, how do you spot treat 1 million tiny freckles? It would take me about four hours to actually do that. 🙂
Sharing is caring indeed – although I did struggle with being selfish for a bit LOL! 😀 Perhaps what they meant by spot treatment is just on the areas, not necessary just on the spots LOL! Otherwise, I’d be spending a day in front of the mirror 😀
Hi! I’m a HUGE fan of the Melano CC range and I’m glad that you’re enjoying it too! Have you tried the other products in their lineup? My favourite is the lotion/toner which I’ve been using for over 2 years. It uses a different Vitamin c derivative (3-0 ethyl ascorbic acid) than that in the serum but I find it to be really effective too. Somehow I find myself reaching for the lotion more regularly than the serum (perhaps, because of the serum’s oily consistency). I also have the sheet masks (haven’t really started using these yet because they come in a box of 30 or so and I’m afraid they’ll dry out quickly) and the mist (used a couple of times when I overdid it with the makeup setting powder, but haven’t really figured out how to incorporate into my daily routine).
Hullo! Hurrah at finding another Melano CC fan! 😀 I do have the lotion, which I’m just about to crack open. Happy to know that it works well too! Do you have tips for me for how to use the lotion e.g. cottonpad, hands, patting, wiping etc? I will be heading to Bangkok soon, so I will see if they have the sheet masks. I’m not the biggest fan of sheet masks, but the serum has impressed me enough to give the masks a go 😀 as for the mist, I’m unfamiliar with it, but if regular mists are anything to go by, I wouldn’t put too much score by it as a brightening product 🙂
I use the lotion after the toner+cotton pad step, and apply it directly with my hands (3-4 drops, patted in). It dries down quickly and I follow up with my moisturiser and sunscreen. I guess that might be why I find the mist superfluous in my daily routine as it seems to perform the similar role of a liquidy vitamin c solution, applied pre-moisturiser. By the way, you can look up ratzillacosme’s site for ingredient lists in English for Japanese cosmetics. I also like that it features all if not most of the products in a particular range. I just noticed that there’s now a “rich” version of the lotion – not sure if it’s only available in Japan though. Link: https://www.ratzillacosme.com/brand/mentholatum-melanocc/
Yes I did check Ratzilla but the list of ingredients didn’t look complete and it said 2014 version so wasn’t sure if it was the same. Will try the lotion soon although I’m usually not very sure how a lotion can work for this purpose but you never know till you try! 🙂
Don’t know much about Vitamin C serums, but is that a Tumi traveler’s journal? Tell us more about that!
That unfortunately is not a Tumi product but was from an event I attended recently as a guest 🙂 I think it’s just a fauxdori embossed with the brand logo.
I was googling to check what’s the Vitamin C percentage and something else pop out. Apparently, Singapore’s guardian pharmacy is selling this too. So you can drop by Singapore when you are bored. 🙂
Yup I was surprised to find it was available in Singapore! Will definitely look for it if I’m there. Unfortunately there’s no info of percentage of the Vit C in this. But I don’t think it is very high. It makes a good maintenance serum I feel or for someone new to vit c. I like it for that
I’ve tried this 2 tubes. Love the packaging. Like how hard you squeeze only droplets are out. It keeps the air out. And the fast absorb texture. But the results are just nothing. I use quite a lot too, habis 1 tube in a month. But really no result and I gave up. My skin likes l-ascorbic acid. You really see the obvious radiance from using Timeless 20% CEF Serum or even the Paula’s Choice 15% C Booster. I wish I can for the price point, but I Can’t get the glow from melano cc on my skin though 🙁
Thanks for sharing Aishah! Sorry to hear it didn’t work out for you 🙁 perhaps if you’ve been using the Timeless 20% then this could be a step down for you 🙂 I can’t find the percentage info but I don’t believe it is very high as it isn’t as dramatic an effect as say Obagi C the other Japanese vit c serum I’m trying in just 10% concentration. However I think it makes for a good maintenance serum with the higher concentration reserved for the occasional use. But that’s me! 🙂 still, glad to hear your experience with it even though it wasn’t too positive
Yes, I love this Vit C serum and has been using it for the past 3 months going into 2nd tube. I only apply it during my night routine after toner that follow by hydrating serum and moisturiser. Sometimes under the sleeping mask, that’s it. It’s really helpful in reducing my acne scar, and it strengthened my skin barrier. I also dab it on my newly formed pimples and second day its really clear off! I did not use it on day time worried it will darken my skin and the effect of photosensitivity ( I might not applying thick enough sunscreen). Plus point, it is a very affordable.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this Carlisle 🙂 Happy to meet another Melano CC essence fan! 😀
This does not cost ¥1800. I see it for 1000 or even less all the time. My mother swears it lightened her brown spots. I have to be more careful because of the fragrance and essential oils.
Also, I didn’t even think about cutting off part of the nozzle?!
Thanks Julia, I couldn’t remember how much it was, but a Japanese website put it at ¥1800 which is why I listed it as such. Do you know the retail price? I know it’s cheaper at the drugstores. I didn’t think the nozzle was a hindrance either, but I guess some people might have thought it was a stopper 😀
I just came back from Japan. The cheapest you can get there is only 870yen!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi! based on your raving review, i just hauled 3 tubes of it from the sg guardian. it better works for me or else i’m gonna have fair legs too.
mine was manufactured in july 2018 and the ingredients are propanediol (which causes the oily texture), glycerin, butylene glycol, alcohol, propylene glycol, water, ascorbic acid, alpinia katsumadai seed extract, peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, tocopheryl acetate, fragrance, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, 0-cymen-5-OL, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate.
phew. hope that helps you and your fellow readers. lucky it was a short inci lol. the vit c scent was very coppery (= bloody ?) and for a while after i applied, i checked myself all over for cuts that i somehow did not know i had hahahah. rather unpleasant but tolerable if it promises a brighter complexion.
Yikes, pressure! 😛 I do hope you’ll like it Zeezee 🙂 But as I’ve said, expectations must be managed, so if you’ve never used a Vit C serum before, then perhaps you may notice something more significant. but if you have been using, then I find it’s a good maintenance product. It can’t make your skin any brighter than it already is, but it won’t dull it either 🙂 Thank you soooo much for the ingredients list! I truly appreciate your efforts to type it all out 😀
Hi Paris B, after conversion (1800 yen = SGD22 / RM66) it seems like it’s more expensive than in Malaysia and Singapore. Hope I calculated it right? Due to that I bought mine in Singapore last weekend though I originally wanted to get my friend to help get some from Japan.
Hi Catherine, someone mentioned to me that it’s actually less than 1800 yen, but I cannot be certain, as I a) can’t remember the price in Japan and b) have no way of finding out. I got the figure of 1800 yen from another blog based in Japan. That said, in Japan, the drugstores often have discounts on their products, which does make it cheaper eventually, but to be honest, not by that much from what is being sold here in MY and SG (not by hundreds or even tens of RM and SGD 🙂 ) . Sometimes, you just need that instant gratification you know 🙂
Haha… totally agree with you on that. By the way, I just started using it on Monday. It’s my first time using a Vit C serum and I notice it creates this “heated/burning sensation” around my cheek, though it soothes out after a while. My face didn’t exactly turned red or anything. Is this normal? Other than that, nothing bad like red patches / rashes / breakout. Ps: I use about 4 drops of it, applied on my entire face.
Yes some people with slightly more sensitive skin (or if you’re new to using a Vit C serum) may experience a slight warm or tingling sensation. Maybe you can try cutting down to 3 drops, and using it every other day until you get used to it 🙂 I do hope you’ll like it! It is a decent one for someone new to using Vit C – a little light for me, so I’d use for maintenance, but if you’ve never tried a Vit C before, this is decent enough and affordable! 🙂
Okay I’ve been binge reading your blog… you have gave me great news about Biologique Recherche which I enjoyed using and buying while livinv in UK but now I have moved back home to KL. and now to know that my favourite Vit C is here as well! So glad to be home!
Hurrah again! Yes, the Melano CC range is now here in KL, something I’m very pleased about as well since I just discovered it! It’s a good time to be here – we get so many exciting brands now unlike before, and if we don’t have it, there’s always online shopping 😉
I MUST try this serum/essence/spot treatment! I found it on Yes Style and they ship pretty much anywhere 😀
Do you know how much vitamin C is in this product Paris?
I’m afraid I don’t know what the percentage is, but I’m hazarding a guess at between 5-6%. This is because it’s quite “basic” and I used a 10% serum after this, which I saw a slight improvement thereafter, so I’m guessing it can’t be more than 10% 🙂 If you can’t get it online, hit me up. We now have it here! YAY! 🙂
That’s a good point (i.e. that it probably doesn’t contain a massive amount of vitamin C) ???
And thank you Paris – luckily it’s reasonably priced on YesStyle, only $12 Australian dollars per tube ? ?
Ooh that IS affordable! If you try it, I hope it works for you – or at least that you don’t get disappointed!
That’s a thorough and helpful review. Perhaps someone has alread pointed out but Rohto also makes the Obagi Vitamin C products in Japan.
Yes I noted this in my review on the Japan exclusive Obagi Vitamin C serum 🙂
Have u any idea that Meiji collagen powder in hot milk can use with this serum in daily routine because I am using right now but heard that this combination is less effective together. Kindly help me
Hi there, I’m afraid I do not know. I don’t take collagen powder and I cannot imagine how it can be ineffective when one is ingested and the other is topically applied on skin. But best to check with someone else who might know better.
Oh no, i bought this via online sale and was so perplexed at the tip/nozzle. i did actually cut it off!! Do you mind sharing what we are supposed to do? Don’t cut, just press hard until it drips out? I was a bit scared to keep pressing, sekali it burst, haha.
Oh dear Himi! LOL As I’ve explained in the post, you are just supposed to squeeze the tube, and it will dispense a few drops through the nozzle 😀 It’s not that hard to press but it is very clever and no, it shouldn’t burst LOL!
I still can’t find the information I’m looking for after reading the entire article. What is the vitamin C concentration in this product?
There is no information on the percentage of Vitamin C on the packaging
Vitamin c base is it good for combination skin? For all skin type?
Yes it is
But one of the ingredients is Alcohol which is bad for skin isn’t it?
But one of the ingredients is Alcohol which is bad for combination sensitive skin isn’t it?
Is it good to use in morning/night?
Also after 3 days of usage am seeing bumps & open pores is it ok to still use it kindly reply.
Sorry for the late reply. It could well be that your skin does not like one of the ingredients, which might explain the bumps. Our skins do react differently to different products 🙂 As for alcohol, I understand that some people are sensitive to it, and can react. Others don’t. Hope you’ve found out of it works for you or otherwise 🙂