Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Serum Review: Pros and Cons After Testing
Formulated with two types of vitamins, Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Serum is a popular serum for acne and dark spot care. While many users say it helps prevent breakouts, others mention drawbacks such as a sticky texture, a strong scent, or skin irritation. With these mixed reviews, it’s understandable that some people hesitate to try it.
To give a clearer picture, we tested Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Serum alongside 16 acne care serums through hands-on use. We evaluated each product based on its acne-preventing and moisturizing ingredients, gentleness on skin, moisturizing power, and overall comfort during use. If you’re thinking about buying an acne serum, this review should help you decide.
Rica is a writer and editor for mybest PH who first joined the team in October 2020. She mostly writes lifestyle titles, especially ones that tap into fashion, beauty, food, arts, and hobbies. Though she's someone who dabbles in whatever sparks her interest, Rica spends most of her free time fangirling, watching races, and playing with her dogs.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
Table of Contents
- Bottom Line: Acne Prevention with Four Active Ingredients and Moisturizing Care
- What Is Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Serum?
- What We Found After Testing Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Serum
- Test 1: Acne-Preventing and Moisturizing Ingredients
- Test 2: Gentleness on Skin
- Test 3: Moisturizing Power
- Test 4: Overall Ease of Use
- Rohto Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Details
- Check Out More Skincare from Melano CC
Bottom Line: Acne Prevention with Four Active Ingredients and Moisturizing Care
RohtoMelano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence
Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Serum is a good option for those who want an easy way to prevent acne and skin irritation as part of their daily skincare routine. It contains two types of vitamin-based active ingredients, along with additional actives designed to help protect the skin from irritation.
While working to prevent acne and skin trouble, it also targets skin texture and brightening. Overall, the balance of ingredients is impressive. That said, the active ingredient isopropyl methylphenol may cause irritation for very sensitive skin, but it is helpful for acne prevention.
The formula also delivers strong moisturizing performance. When we measured skin moisture levels using a corneometer, hydration increased by an average of 74.2% two hours after application. This formula helps lock in moisture, making it suitable even during dry seasons.
However, there are some potential drawbacks. Some reviewers said it had an oily, slippery feeling and scent that may not appeal to everyone. On the positive side, testers liked the packaging, which they said made application convenient. If you’re looking for a serum you can easily apply in small amounts, this one is worth considering.
What Is Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Serum?
Melano CC is a skincare brand developed by Rohto Pharmaceutical, known for its vitamin C–based products designed for people concerned about skin irritation, uneven texture, and dull-looking skin.
Within the lineup, Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Serum is a medicated skincare product designed to help prevent acne while supporting skin brightening. It’s known for helping skin feel firmer and improving overall skin texture.
The key feature of this serum is its two vitamin-based active ingredients. Its proprietary formula allows it to absorb quickly into the skin’s outer layer, helping brighten the complexion while keeping the skin healthy.
The product is also designed for comfortable everyday use. It comes in a drop-style tube that makes it easy to dispense small amounts, and the lightweight liquid texture is formulated to minimize stickiness.
The tube contains 20 mL of product and is sold at an open price, which may vary depending on the retailer.
For best results, use it as part of your regular skincare routine. After cleansing and prepping your skin with toner, apply an appropriate amount to areas of concern. Finish with an emulsion or cream. It can be used both morning and night. With a recommended use of 4 to 5 drops per day, one tube typically lasts about 5 to 6 months.
If you’re serious about tackling acne, it may be worth taking a fresh look at your toner and moisturizer as well.
The first step is understanding what’s causing your breakouts. Are they due to excess oil, or are they linked to dryness? Choosing products that match your skin’s needs can help support healthier, more balanced skin.
At mybest, we’ve put together a ranking of recommended toners for acne care. The list looks not only at ingredient formulations, but also at moisturizing performance and gentleness on the skin. Feel free to use it as a guide when choosing your next skincare products.
What We Found After Testing Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Serum
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
For this review, we tested Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Serum alongside 16 acne care serums and conducted a side-by-side comparison.
Here’s what we evaluated:
Test 1: Acne-Preventing and Moisturizing Ingredients
Test 2: Gentleness on Skin
Test 3: Moisturizing Power
Test 4: Overall Ease of Use
Test 1: Acne-Preventing and Moisturizing Ingredients
First, we examined how well the product is formulated with acne-preventing and moisturizing ingredients.
For this evaluation, we reviewed the ingredient list and compared it to other products to determine whether it offered a well-balanced formulation suitable for acne care serums.
Well-Balanced Formula for Acne Prevention, with Brightening and Hydrating Ingredients
The formula contains dipotassium glycyrrhizate and isopropyl methylphenol, both active ingredients known for helping prevent acne and skin irritation. This makes it a suitable choice for those looking to reduce breakouts and keep skin troubles under control.
It also includes two additional active ingredients: ascorbic acid and tocopheryl acetate, commonly known as pure vitamin C and a vitamin E derivative. These ingredients help support smoother skin texture, making the serum a good option for those concerned about uneven skin after acne.
In addition, moisturizing ingredients such as ethoxydiglycol and Alpinia Katsumadai seed extract help replenish moisture and keep the skin feeling smooth.
Overall, the ingredient formulation is well-balanced, making it a solid choice for acne care.
Test 2: Gentleness on Skin
Next, we evaluated the formula's gentleness on the skin by analyzing its ingredient list.
This assessment focused on whether people with normal skin are likely to experience irritation or skin trouble when using the product.
Simple, Skin-Friendly Formula, but Watch for Possible Irritation
The ingredient list is relatively simple, and there are no standout components that are likely to cause skin trouble for most users.
That said, the active ingredient isopropyl methylphenol may not suit everyone. If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to start with a small amount and check how your skin reacts before regular use.
Test 3: Moisturizing Power
Next, we evaluated moisturizing power.
The serum was applied in the same amount to three testers' arms after cleansing with a facial wash. Skin moisture levels were measured two hours later using a corneometer and compared with the values recorded before application.
Reliable Moisturizing Power, Even After 2 Hours
Two hours after application, skin moisture levels increased by an average of 74.2%. With the average result among the other tested products at around 60%, this indicates a solid level of hydration.
Individual results:
A: 53.4%
B: 132.1%
C: 37.0%
While results varied from person to person, one tester saw their moisture level more than double. If it suits your skin type, the serum can provide a noticeable boost in hydration.
Test 4: Overall Ease of Use
Finally, we evaluated overall ease of use.
Three testers used each product and assessed factors such as scent, packaging usability, and how well the formula blended into the skin.
Scent and Texture: Personal Preference Matters
The serum has a lemon-like scent that is mild and generally fades after application. Some testers found it fresh and pleasant, while others felt it was a little too potent.
Feedback on the texture was similarly divided. Some described it as lightweight and non-sticky, but others noticed an oily, slippery feel, slight tightness, or discomfort with the warming sensation.
The serum comes in a tube with a narrow opening that releases small amounts at a time, so it may take a bit of pressure to squeeze out.
Other than that, the overall experience was largely positive. Many testers noted that "it doesn’t drip easily," "the rounded tip feels comfortable on the skin," and "the packaging makes it easy to use up the product completely."
Rohto Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence Details
RohtoMelano CC Vitamin C Brightening Essence
| Best For | Oily Skin、Combination Skin、Acne-Prone Skin |
|---|---|
| Vitamin C Form | L-Ascorbic Acid、Ascorbyl Palmitate |
| Concentration | unknown |
| Other Key Ingredients | Vitamin E、Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate、Alpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract |
| Dark-Colored Bottle | |
| Net Weight | 20 mL |
Check Out More Skincare from Melano CC
Rohto's Melano CC has more products that, when used together, complement each other. Consider what else you can add to your skincare arsenal.