Melano CC Vitamin C Serum Review [Updated]
If you're looking for an effective Vitamin C serum to help brighten pigmentation, this might be THE ONE. My skin appears brighter overall already over the course of the past two weeks. However, before you try this, you should definitely patch test and I'll get into why below. Let's dive into the Melano CC Vitamin C serum review!
Quick facts:
Melano CC Vitamin C Essence is formulated without: Parabens, silicones
Potential irritants: Irritants in product are low, however it is fragranced therefore best to patch test prior to using on skin. (Avoid using this product with AHA, BHA and retinoids which if mixed with Vitamin C may cause further irritation).
Texture: A clear, lightweight oil like serum with great spreadability and fast absorption
Scent: The Melano CC Vitamin C is fragranced and contains a light citrus smell
Packaging: The moisturizer comes in an opaque colored squeezy tube that prevents UV light and oxidization
Where to purchase: StyleVana has better prices than Yesstyle and have $48 USD minimum for free shipping. Here's the link to the Rohto Melano CC Vitamin C Essence. I also found it on Amazon but it doesn't seem to have much reviews and I haven't bought from this seller before.
My experience, the pros: The ingredient list is really small, the two key ingredients are Vitamin C and E. It's effective for what it's intended to do and priced affordably (boost brightness and lighten any discoloration/pigmentation from scarring etc). Also because of the packaging, it retains its potency really well (a lot of the so-called Vitamin C serums out there are not in the proper opaque packaging to help prevent it from oxidizing/spoiling).
Main cons: The only con is that it contains fragrance, which may be irritating to some (it's not that strong in my opinion). I also had my mom try this and her skin reacted really poorly to Vitamin C (she had a lot of redness after using this specific product). So be SURE to patch test before you use this all over your face.
So is this a serum or a spot treatment?
This is a slightly oily serum/essence that contains both vitamin C and vitamin E that work together to lighten dark spots, it can be used as a spot treatment or all over essence/serum to combat dark spots, lightens acne marks, and even out the skin tone. However, definitely spot test prior to applying this all over the face because when my mom tried this, her eye area and cheeks swelled up due to a bit of an allergic reaction!
How to use:
- Cleanse and tone skin per usual (do not use in conjunction with any chemical exfoliants or potentially sensitizing products like AHAs or BHAs)
- Apply the serum as a spot treatment to any discolored areas or all over. Moisturize as usual.
*I typically like using this as a day serum (Vitamin C can also boost the effectiveness of SPF), and then go in at night with my BHA + other actives at nighttime.
*Always spot test if you have sensitive skin before applying over your face!
What type of Vitamin C is Melano CC?
The main two ingredients in the Melano CC Vitamin C are Vitamin C and E. The type of Vitamin C is Ascorbic acid - also known as L-ascorbic acid but the exact concentration is not listed on the product info page.
How long does the Melano CC Vitamin C take to work?
The consistency of this product more like a light oil serum as a little goes a long way. Unlike essences where you can layer multiple layers, the Melano CC Vitamin C is better used as a spot treatment or light layer over the skin.
Using this essence, it took around 2+ weeks of regular use to see brightening results (I had a very noticeable scar on my hand that it also lightened in about 2 weeks). It does really work!
My verdict
To sum up this Melano CC Vitamin C Serum review: if you have normal to dry skin and are looking for a no-frills, effective Vitamin C serum, this is your guy!
I purchased mine from StyleVana and find they usually always have the best pricing and minimum shipping. Sometimes I'll look for the products on Amazon to avoid long shipping times but this product didn't have an official seller.
Every detail from the lightfast packaging (prevents light and air from getting in and spoiling the Vitamin C), to the light texture of the serum, is perfect.
Within the first two weeks of using this I noticed that my overall skin appeared brighter, and the spot treatment I was using it on my hand was able to lighten a small scar.
No wonder this product has been raved about in Japan!
If you've enjoyed this review, check out my all-time favorite products list here!
Let me know below if you've used it!! :)
*This post contains some affiliate links – however, these are all my honest opinions and experience. Leave a comment if you’ve found it helpful!