Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence Vitamin C Serum 20ml

Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence is a cult-favourite Japanese vitamin C serum from Rohto Mentholatum, classified as a Quasi-Drug (医薬部外品) under Japanese pharmaceutical regulations — a designation that distinguishes it from ordinary cosmetics and reflects the clinically substantiated efficacy of its active ingredients. The formula is built around pure L-Ascorbic Acid, the most potent and research-backed form of vitamin C, combined with a complementary array of brightening, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial actives. Rohto’s proprietary penetration technology ensures that active ingredients reach the deeper layers of the stratum corneum where melanin synthesis occurs, rather than remaining on the surface. The product is dispensed through a precision narrow-spout air-tight tube specifically engineered to prevent air exposure and oxidation — the primary cause of degradation in L-Ascorbic Acid formulas.

• L-Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C) — melanin suppression and brightening active: Ascorbic Acid is the gold standard form of vitamin C in skincare, and the primary active ingredient in this formula. It inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which catalyzes the conversion of tyrosine to melanin — directly interrupting the biochemical pathway responsible for dark spot formation at the source.
• Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E derivative) — antioxidant and skin conditioning: Tocopheryl Acetate is the stabilized ester form of Vitamin E, included as a co-active alongside Ascorbic Acid. Vitamins C and E are well-documented to work synergistically.
• Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate — oil-soluble Vitamin C derivative for deeper penetration: Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Vitamin C Tetraisopalmitate) is a highly lipophilic, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative.
• Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate — anti-inflammatory and soothing active: Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is the potassium salt of Glycyrrhizic Acid, derived from licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra). It is a recognized Quasi-Drug active with well-documented anti-inflammatory properties, functioning by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and reducing inflammatory mediators in the skin.
• O-Cymen-5-OL (Isopropylmethylphenol / Thymol) — antibacterial active: O-Cymen-5-OL, also identified as Isopropylmethylphenol, is a phenolic antibacterial compound with broad-spectrum activity against Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), the primary bacteria implicated in acne formation.
• Alpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract — botanical antioxidant and conditioning: Alpinia Katsumadai (Shell Ginger) Seed Extract is a botanical ingredient derived from a plant in the ginger family, used in Japanese cosmetics for its antioxidant flavonoid content.

How to Use:

• Use in the morning and/or evening, after cleansing and applying toner.
• Dispense 4–5 drops from the tube onto the palm of the hand.
• Apply to areas of concern — dark spots, acne marks, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — or spread across the entire face.
• Follow with moisturiser. Always apply sunscreen in the morning when using Vitamin C, as it increases photosensitivity.
• The air-tight narrow-spout tube is designed to minimise air exposure; do not cut or widen the nozzle, as this will accelerate oxidation of the Ascorbic Acid.
• Consistent daily use over 4–8 weeks is recommended to observe visible fading of existing dark spots and prevention of new hyperpigmentation.