Protect Your Skin from Summer UV Rays! A Complete Guide to Japan’s Popular Skincare Brand “Melano CC”
Worried about dark spots or dull skin during the harsh summer sun? If so, check out Japan’s highly popular skincare line, Melano CC.
Melano CC consistently ranks high on Payke’s scan rankings and is loved by many travelers visiting Japan for its vitamin C-based brightening care.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the Melano CC product lineup, the recommended usage order, and where to buy them during your trip.
What’s in the Melano CC Lineup?
(Image source: https://jp.rohto.com/melanocc/)
Melano CC offers a total of 9 main product types:
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Premium Essence
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Essence
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Lotion (Refreshing type, Moist type)
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Emulsion
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Gel
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Cream
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Mask
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Face Wash
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UV Emulsion
From your daily skincare routine to special treatments and sun care, you can build a complete regimen using only Melano CC products.
What Are the Effects of Melano CC?
So, what kind of benefits can you expect from Melano CC, and why is it so popular?
Melano CC is produced by Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a well-established Japanese pharmaceutical company founded in 1899.
As a brand developed in a pharmaceutical research environment, Melano CC is known for its generous use of vitamin C—an ingredient that Rohto has spent many years studying.
This makes it a skincare brand trusted for its brightening and clarifying effects.
The Role of Vitamin C for Your Skin
Humans cannot produce vitamin C on their own, so we need to take it through supplements or skincare.
Here’s a summary of the benefits vitamin C provides to the skin:
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Suppresses melanin production to prevent dark spots and freckles
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Tightens pores and prevents oxidation of sebum, helping to avoid dark spots, wrinkles, and enlarged pores
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Promotes skin cell turnover
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Stimulates collagen production
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Helps fade existing dark spots by lightening melanin pigmentation
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Controls excessive sebum production (prevents acne and enlarged pores)
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Prevents skin irritation and roughness
Melano CC is especially helpful for those looking to care for UV damage, prevent dark spots, or improve pore appearance.
Melano CC’s Secret: Pure Vitamin C
Vitamin C in skincare comes in two types: Pure Vitamin C and Vitamin C derivatives.
Among them, Pure Vitamin C refers to unmodified, chemically unaltered vitamin C—just as it is.
Pure Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant with fast-acting effects against skin oxidation caused by UV rays.
However, despite its effectiveness, it has long been known for being unstable and difficult to penetrate the skin.
Melano CC has overcome these challenges through years of research, successfully stabilizing Pure Vitamin C and allowing it to be delivered deep into the skin while maintaining its full effect!
What’s the Correct Order to Use Melano CC?
If you’re serious about targeting dark spots, using the full Melano CC lineup is highly recommended.
Here’s the proper order of application:
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Face Wash
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Lotion
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Sheet Mask
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Essence
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Gel / Cream / Emulsion
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UV Emulsion (used as the final step in your morning routine)
This order is also recommended by the official Melano CC website.
For step 5, you can choose between the gel, cream, or emulsion based on your preferred texture, or even combine them to suit your skin’s needs.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the features and feel of each product.
Deep Clear Enzyme Face Wash
Cleansing is the foundation of any skincare routine. For a detailed explanation of this face wash, please check out the Payke article linked below!
Melano CC Deep Clear Enzyme Face Wash: 715 yen (tax included)
Click here for more product details
Dark Spot Care Whitening Lotion
The dark spot care whitening lotion comes in two types: Refreshing type and Moist type.
If you have dry skin or want to use it in autumn and winter, the moist type is recommended.
The refreshing type contains ingredients like l-menthol, anhydrous ethanol, and ethanol, giving it a slightly cooling sensation.
On the other hand, the moist type does not contain these ingredients and is alcohol-free. It has a thicker texture, so you can choose based on your preference.
The lotion itself is a fresh, clear color—not yellow!
[Quasi-drug] Melano CC Medicated Dark Spot Care Whitening Lotion: 990 yen (tax included)
Click here for more product details
[Quasi-drug] Melano CC Medicated Dark Spot Care Whitening Lotion Moist Type: 990 yen (tax included)
Click here for more product details
Intensive Care Mask
On days when you feel like you’ve been exposed to UV rays for a long time, the face mask is highly recommended.
It uses soft cotton as well as rayon material that holds a large amount of moisturizing essence.
The mask sheet is thick, and the essence has a light, non-sticky texture, making it ideal for those who want a refreshing special care.
The recommended time to leave the mask on is only 3 minutes, allowing you to complete skincare quickly.
Melano CC Intensive Care Mask Plus: 660 yen (tax included)
Click here for more product details
Essence
On the left is the “Dark Spot Intensive Care Essence”, and on the right is the “Dark Spot Intensive Care Premium Essence.”
Melano CC offers two types of essences. Many people wonder which one to use and what the difference is. Here’s a summary of their features and texture differences.
Dark Spot Intensive Care Essence
This medicated essence contains two active vitamins: active vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E derivative (tocopherol acetate ester).
It is expected to suppress melanin production and prevent dark spots and freckles.
Additionally, it contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients to effectively prevent acne.
This essence is recommended not only for dark spot care but also for those who want to prevent acne.
It is also about 400 yen cheaper (tax included) than the Premium version, making it a good choice for those seeking more affordable skincare.
The texture is light and non-sticky, another notable feature.
[Quasi-drug] Melano CC Medicated Dark Spot Intensive Care Essence: 1,210 yen (tax included)
Click here for more product details
Dark Spot Intensive Care Premium Essence
The Dark Spot Intensive Care Premium Essence contains active ingredients such as active vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), along with three types of vitamin C derivatives (moisturizing ingredients): ascorbyl glucoside, 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, and vitamin C tetraisopalmitate.
Compared to the regular Dark Spot Intensive Care Essence, this premium version is more specialized for dark spot care.
If you want to focus intensively on dark spots or are interested in aging care, this product is recommended.
It has a rich, thick texture and a stronger citrus scent compared to the regular essence.
Both essences come in a tube that dispenses one drop at a time. Since pure vitamin C oxidizes when exposed to air, the packaging is designed to minimize air exposure and keep the vitamin C fresh for your skin!
[Quasi-drug] Melano CC Medicated Dark Spot Intensive Care Premium Essence: 1,628 yen (tax included)
(JAN code: 4987241168583)
Click here for more product details
Dark Spot Care Whitening Emulsion
Next, we’ll introduce products you can use to finish your skincare routine. First up is the Dark Spot Care Whitening Emulsion.
In addition to Melano CC’s unique vitamin ingredients, it contains moisturizing components such as lemon extract and grapefruit extract.
It offers a rich, creamy texture and excellent moisturizing power.
In the past, when I used emulsions from other brands, I would always apply a cream afterward to seal in moisture, but this emulsion provides enough hydration on its own and keeps the skin soft without needing a cream.
When deciding between emulsion, gel, and cream as your final step, the emulsion is recommended for those who prioritize hydration!
[Quasi-drug] Melano CC Medicated Dark Spot Care Whitening Emulsion: 990 yen (tax included)
Click here for more product details
Dark Spot Care Whitening Gel
The Dark Spot Care Whitening Gel is a refreshing gel-type moisturizing cream.
You can use it morning and night after lotion or essence when you want to add extra hydration, as a substitute for emulsion or cream.
The recommended use is for your face or body after sun exposure!
Its cool and pleasant texture is perfect for soothing heated skin.
If you want to give your skin more moisture (water content) rather than oil, prefer a fresh and light feel, or want to use it on your body, the gel is the best choice!
[Quasi-drug] Melano CC Medicated Dark Spot Care Whitening Gel: 1,210 yen (tax included)
Click here for more product details
Dark Spot Care Moisturizing Cream
This moisturizing cream contains the whitening active ingredient Vitamin C derivative (L-ascorbyl 2-glucoside) and the blood circulation promoting ingredient Vitamin E derivative (tocopherol acetate ester).
It helps suppress melanin production and prevent dark spots and freckles.
Although the package may look small, it lasts about two months with twice-daily use.
Take about a pearl-sized amount, apply it mainly on troubled areas, and blend it over your entire face.
It has a smooth texture without stickiness, making it attractive.
This cream is recommended for those who feel their emulsion alone isn’t moisturizing enough or want to apply it selectively on dark spots.
[Quasi-drug] Melano CC Medicated Dark Spot Care Moisturizing Cream: 1,210 yen (tax included)
Click here for more product details
Deep Day Care UV Emulsion
This morning UV emulsion contains a sustained-release vitamin C derivative (moisturizing ingredient) and helps prevent dark spots caused by daytime sun exposure.
With SPF50+ / PA++++, it can be considered a “sunscreen” that effectively prevents spots with vitamin C ingredients.
Another attractive point is its “powder effect,” which instantly brightens the skin.
It is also recommended as a makeup base, and for those who usually don’t wear foundation, this UV emulsion alone can sufficiently even out skin tone.
We compared bare skin and skin after applying the UV emulsion. The right half of the face in the photo has the UV emulsion applied. You can clearly see the tone-up effect.
It absorbs smoothly and has a refreshing, moist feel.
It can be removed with soap and also protects against harmful airborne particles such as pollen, PM2.5, dust, and dirt.
This is definitely a must-have item.
Melano CC Deep Day Care UV Emulsion: 1,210 yen (tax included)
Click here for more product details
Where can you buy Melano CC?
You can buy Melano CC at Don Quijote and drugstores.
When using drugstores, you’ll often find the full lineup at relatively larger stores.
Use the full line to enhance the effects of vitamin C
The Melano CC series is popular both in Japan and abroad. While it’s great to incorporate products like essences and creams partially into your daily skincare routine, we highly recommend using the full line to maximize the benefits of each product.
Since Japan’s summers are hot and the UV rays are strong, it’s also a good idea to try a face mask or essence at your hotel right after sightseeing.
Please find your favorite products and enjoy!
Also, Payke offers coupons for Don Quijote and drugstores.
You can scan barcodes to get product information and purchase products at a discount, so please make use of them!