Melano CC Vitamin C Review

Rohto Melano CC Vitamin C evens out skin tone, helps reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots, prevents acne, boosts elasticity, and tightens pores for a brighter, healthier, more youthful complexion. 

Vitamin C is a powerhouse skincare ingredient. It’s been proven to:

• Even out skin tone and texture 
• Diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Brighten overall complexion, and more

So of all the active ingredients out there, vitamin C was one of the top things I wanted to try and start using.

I have sensitive skin though, so I took it slow and very carefully (check out this vitamin C skincare guide for beginners if you want to learn more). 

Melano CC Vitamin C is one of the first vitamin C products I tried. 

Made by the same company that produces Hada Labo (a Japanese skincare line I trust a lot), I had every confidence that this product would be amazing too.

What is Melano CC Vitamin C?

As is common in Japanese skincare, the way they label their products can be a little confusing. Milk vs. lotion. Essence vs. serum.

And most products only have Japanese text on their packaging, which doesn’t help if you can’t read Japanese.

In the case of Melano CC Vitamin C, it’s called different things: 

• essence
• spot essence
• brightening essence
• intensive spot treatment
• serum

And what I’ve realized is that it’s no big deal because it’s all these things. 

What does it do? 

Melano CC Vitamin C can be used as a spot treatment. You can choose to apply it only on your problem areas. 

Or you can use it as a serum and apply all over your face for an overall brightening effect.

However way you choose to use it:

• This product contains both vitamin C and vitamin E that work together to lighten dark spots and inhibit melanin production.
• The pure vitamin C here also acts as a powerful anti-oxidant that helps in the fight against free-radicals and premature aging, keeping our skin supple, radiant and youthful.
• Vitamin E, on the other hand, helps the skin retain moisture, preventing dehydration.
• Melano CC Vitamin C also works to reduce inflammation and regulate sebum production, perfect for oily and acne-prone skin.

Melano CC Vitamin C ingredients

In addition to vitamin C and vitamin E, this product contains (source):

Ascorbic Acid (Active Vitamin C), Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E Derivative), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Isopropyl Methylphenol, Ascorbyl Tetra-2-Hexyldecanoate, Ethoxydiglycol, Alpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract (Alpinia White), BG, Edetate, Viscosity Modifier, Fragrance

Other things to note about Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence

• Packaging. The product comes in a 20-ml squeeze tube which keeps the vitamin C airtight and protects it from exposure to air and light, both of which can lead to oxidation. There’s already a small opening on the nozzle (no need to cut it further) which controls exactly how much product you can get in each drop.

• Smell. Fragrance is listed as an ingredient but I don’t really smell anything when applying the product.

• Colour. This serum comes out and applies clear. And because of the way it’s packaged, it remains extraordinarily clear after months of use. 

• Texture and Consistency. This vitamin C has a slightly thick, somewhat oily, consistency. However, it’s very spreadable and lightweight.

• Application. It also absorbs fairly quickly. No sticky residue at all.

• Contra-indications. Vitamin C is pretty safe and generally well-tolerated. However, try to avoid mixing it with retinoids and benzoyl peroxide in the same routine. And because vitamin C possesses mild exfoliating properties, avoid using physical and chemical exfoliators in the same routine as well.

• Morning use. When using vitamin C in the morning, make sure to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

How I use this vitamin C serum

I use Melano CC Vitamin C in the morning, after toner and before moisturizer and sunscreen.

At the beginning, I only applied the product to my problem areas, e.g. acne scars or sun spots, but as my skin got used to it, I started using it as a serum and applied it all over my face.

I squeeze 1-2 drops on my finger tips, start on my problem areas then spread to the surrounding areas. I repeat 2-3 more times until I have my whole face done. 

What I like about this product 

• Lightweight. I love how lightweight this product is. It seems oily at first but it applies really well and absorbs quickly. No residue, no heaviness, no greasiness. You won’t even notice it’s there.

• No irritation. I didn’t get any bad reaction from this product at all. Others have reported a slight tingling upon application but I didn’t get that either.

• No oxidation. I’m so happy about how this product is packaged. The squeeze tube is genius. Not only does it protect the product from light, the screw cap also ensures you can close the tube fairly tightly. Other vitamin C serums usually come in dark bottles but they still oxidize too quickly for my taste and I end up throwing the bottle out half full. Waste of money right there.

What I don’t like about it

• Fragrance. While my very sensitive nose doesn’t really smell anything while applying this product, I wish they didn’t add fragrance to this serum. I personally don’t think it’s needed to make a skincare product work better. 

• Vitamin C percentage. I also can’t determine how much vitamin C is on here. While it might not matter all that much, it’d be nice to know if my skin has built the tolerance if I ever want to switch up to a more intense serum.

Do I recommend Melano CC Vitamin C

In a rating scale of 1 to 5 — 5 being awesome — this product is a 4 for me.

I’ve been using this product for several months and my dark spots are lighter, I get less redness, and my skin just feels and looks healthier.

It wasn’t a quick, overnight change though. As with all skincare products, it took time and consistency.

And I do use other products in my routine that help with my problem areas but Melano CC Vitamin C definitely plays an important part in clearing and brightening my skin. It’s a great way to get my daily dose of vitamin C skincare.

The packaging is awesome too. I feel really bad throwing out other vitamin C serums because they’ve already oxidized beyond use. But Melano CC Vitamin C has remained as clear today as it was on day 1. And I plan to use every last drop.

So if you’re looking to get vitamin C into your routine, this is a gentle but effective product to try. You can use it as a spot treatment or as a serum for your whole face, up to you.

You can purchase it on Amazon [affiliate link] – buy Rohto Melano CC Vitamin C Serum here.

If you’re looking for a vitamin C serum that’s formulated with ferulic acid, By Wishtrend Vitamin C serum is a great one to try.

As always, remember that every person’s skin and skin type is different so what might work for me might not work for you, and vice versa.

So before trying a new product, it pays to do a little bit of research first. Pay special attention to ingredients that you might have a reaction to.

And doing a patch-test is always a good idea. Unsure? Best to consult your dermatologist.

Happy skin experimenting! Practice good skincare habits always.

Have you tried Melano CC Vitamin C? Did it work for you? Will you recommend it? Would love to hear from you in the comments section below!

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