While some skincare ingredients are shrouded in obscurity, others are much more familiar to us – one of the latter being vitamin C. It’s an essential ingredient in brightening products and treatments, which is why we’re willing to bet you’ve heard of the powerful antioxidant.
If you have experimented with vitamin C skincare products, you would undoubtedly have heard of the Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence, one of the most sought-after brightening products in Japan. Well, this time, the brand has launched the new Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence, a more concentrated version of their iconic bestseller.
To find out just how effective the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence is, Daily Vanity has invited 10 readers to give us their honest opinions about the product. Spoiler alert: the average verdict for the essence was a 4.75-star rating out of 5!
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s learn a little more about the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence.
About Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence
What makes Melano CC’s Concentrated Brightening Essence stand out from the crowd is that it contains two vitamins: vitamin C and vitamin B6. Vitamin C does a lot of the heavy lifting – it brightens the skin, fends off free radicals, and speeds up your skin’s collagen production for smoother, radiant, and younger-looking skin.
Vitamin B6, on the other hand, is a water-soluble vitamin that can reduce sebum production and control oilier areas of your face, such as the T-zone. Since it’s able to lower the production of excess oil, it also reduces clogged pores, congestion, and blemishes – perfect for those with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.
Most vitamin C products on the market only contain a single vitamin C derivative, but Melano CC’s Concentrated Brightening Essence has three different types, namely 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, and ascorbyl glucoside.
These stabilised forms of vitamin C are freshly delivered to your skin to brighten and lighten dark spots. It’s also packed with moisturising ingredients to hydrate your skin while the vitamin C derivatives get to work.
On top of that, the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence is also formulated with antibacterial and antiseptic ingredients. These combat acne-causing bacteria, so you’ll see clearer skin in no time.
Since vitamin C is notoriously unstable, the brand housed the essence in an opaque tube with an airtight nozzle that dispenses product one drop at a time to preserve its freshness and effectiveness.
Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence retails for S$24.90 at Guardian stores, Watsons stores, as well as Guardian online, Watsons online, and Shopee.
Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence review: 10 readers give their honest opinions
Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence
Summary
Every reviewer agreed that Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence was able to brighten their complexion in five weeks. Some of them liked the unique and smart packaging that allows for easy and hygienic dispensing of product. All of our reviewers did not experience any stinging sensation from the product, even those with sensitive skin.
Besides this, most reviewers also like the essence’s texture. While they found it a little greasy initially, they agreed that the lightweight texture absorbed easily into the skin, leaving behind no sticky residue. They were all able to layer on their serums and moisturiser with no issues.
Those who struggled with acne scars and dark spots noticed the lightening of these blemishes after using the product. Some of our readers saw a reduction in sebum production too, specifically around their T-zone. One reviewer who has acne-prone skin said she did not experience any breakouts during the five-week trial period.
A number of reviewers also loved the fact that the product is priced affordably, and can be found easily in drugstores. While one reviewer found the scent of the product a little too strong, the rest found it refreshing and zesty, unlike plenty of other vitamin C serums on the market.
Nicole, 22
Skin type: Normal, combination-oily
Skin concerns: Acne scars, textured skin, dehydration, acne, blackheads
I heard of the Melano CC Intensive Anti-Spot Essence before and have tried it once or twice on my skin and loved it, so I was excited to try this new essence. Its packaging looks professional and bright, and it feels very smooth and sleek. The scent has a slight tinge of citrus but not overbearing, which I like.
The essence absorbed into my skin quickly and it did not make my skin look or feel greasy. In fact, it felt kind of velvety once absorbed. It didn’t sting my skin, and it layered well under moisturiser and makeup. My skin instantly felt softer and more supple, and it looked more radiant too. I wanted to continue using the product after I used it for the first time.
After five weeks of consistent use, my skin looked brighter and felt more moisturised than before. There aren’t as many small bumps as before. Overall, my skin looked much brighter and more radiant. My acne scars and dark spots have lightened too. I also saw a reduction in oil production and blemishes after the third week.
Overall, I had a great experience with the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence. I’m always on the lookout for affordable skincare products that are effective and I think this essence hits the spot! Now, this essence is an important part of my skincare routine.
Teresa, 24
Skin type: Oily
Skin concerns: Uneven skin tone, acne scars, pigmentation, textured skin, visible/enlarged pores, clogged pores, blackheads
I’ve tried a vitamin C cream in the past, but it turned bad pretty fast. The white cream became darker in colour, and the smell became more prominent as the product oxidised. However, that didn’t happen with the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that its packaging is simple, and yet the tip is a nozzle-like opening that looks like it’s air-tight. The citrus smell was interesting because I’ve never smelled a product like it before, but it was bearable. The essence does feel slightly oily upon application, but it absorbed nicely into the skin, leaving a dewy finish.
When the product has settled, my skin felt moisturised, as though I didn’t need to put moisturiser after the step (of course, I still do). After five weeks of consistent application, my skin felt more supple and balanced. The brightening properties of the product helped me look less dull and tired because my skin is more radiant.
One thing I can vouch for is that it reduces dark spots caused by post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation! When I get new pimples and blemishes, they don’t form dark spots. Instead, they heal and fade away much quicker without leaving any scars.
What’s more, the product is as fresh as the day I first used it! It looks, feels, and smells the same, so I don’t have to worry about oxidation. I love this product, and I can’t believe I have not heard of it before! It is amazing how the product is so affordable and I can easily purchase it in drugstores without breaking the bank.
This is truly my holy grail. I highly recommend this to anyone who’s interested in trying out a vitamin C product!
Sherry, 25
Skin type: Combination-oily
Skin concerns: Uneven skin tone, acne scars, visible/enlarged pores, acne
When I first tried the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence, it had an oily texture, but it was able to melt into my skin easily and didn’t leave my face feeling sticky. Instead, my skin looked hydrated and my makeup was able to go on better. I liked the compact packaging as well, and it was easy to dispense four drops that I massaged on my face.
It felt lightweight and it didn’t sting my skin too. After five weeks, my skin looked more hydrated. I was even able to skip my sleeping mask thanks to the essence’s hydrating properties too.
My skin felt softer and more supple. Plus, it felt balanced and not greasy. I don’t experience as much congestion and clogged pores now too. On top of that, some of my acne scars have lightened. It’s a very simple essence to incorporate into my daily skincare routine. However, I will need to continue using it to see more improvements.
Shirlene, 29
Skin type: Combination-oily, sensitive
Skin concerns: Dull skin, acne scars, pigmentation, visible/enlarged pores, acne
I liked how compact the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence is, and it did not irritate my skin when I first used it. It has a pleasant fragrance, and a lightweight, non-sticky texture that didn’t leave a greasy film on my face.
My skin feels more lifted and brighter after the first application. I can use it with other moisturising products as it does not clog pores too. I wanted to continue using the product after I used it for the first time
After five weeks, my skin felt smoother and more radiant. My acne scars are less visible too! Even my pores looked more refined. During the trial, I didn’t experience as much congestion and clogged pores. I also saw a reduction in oil production. I really like the lightweight texture and surprisingly, it didn’t irritate my sensitive skin.
Jia Min, 30
Skin type: Normal, combination-oily
Skin concerns: Uneven skin tone, dehydration, visible/enlarged pores, blackheads/whitehead
What I liked about the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence is that it comes in very convenient packaging. I can bring it to staycations without having to transfer it into a smaller tub or bottle. Though it has a lemon scent, it still smells natural, which I liked!
The essence is very lightweight and could absorb easily, which is good especially for our humid weather. I didn’t experience any stinging sensation too – something I was a little afraid of when it comes to products that contain active ingredients.
It didn’t feel like there was much product on my skin as the essence absorbed pretty fast and well. It left my skin feeling hydrated and glowy as well. Plus, there weren’t any issues with layering my moisturiser over it.
After five weeks, my skin definitely looked more even in terms of skin tone. My pores around my nose appeared less obvious too, and my skin didn’t get oily as quickly during the day.
Not only is this an affordable product, but it also lives up to its claims, which I appreciate. It’s great for first-time vitamin C users as it isn’t a harsh product.
Hannah, 20
Skin type: Dry, combination-dry, sensitive
Skin concerns: Dull skin, uneven skin tone, acne scars, pigmentation, dehydration, acne
I found the packaging of the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence very interesting as it does not have a dropper or pump like other vitamin C products on the market. Texture-wise, it’s somewhere between water and a light serum.
When I first applied it on my skin, I felt a warm sensation when I started working the product into my skin. This warmth quickly dissipated and my face looked brighter and dewier right after. It was also lightweight and allowed me to layer my other serums and moisturiser on easily without making my face feel too heavy.
After five weeks, my skin feels much smoother and although my red spots aren’t completely gone, they are a little lighter and seem to have started fading. Overall, I enjoyed using the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence. I enjoyed its lightweight texture and the fact that I could layer it under other products. I’m pretty satisfied with the results.
Sharon, 26
Skin type: Combination-dry
Skin concerns: Dull skin, acne scars, dehydration, visible/enlarged pores, clogged pores, blackheads
The scent of the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence is quite refreshing, but it can be a little strong. It felt greasy on my skin upon application too, but my skin looked brighter instantly. It didn’t sting my skin, and I wanted to continue using the product after I used it for the first time
After five weeks, my skin looks healthier and more radiant. My pores look more refined too, and my skin never felt dry when I was using this product.
Sin Neen, 27
Skin type: Combination-dry
Skin concerns: Pigmentation, textured skin, visible/enlarged pores, blackheads/whiteheads
The first thing that stood out to me the most was its nice packaging, which looks very classy. It comes in a squeezable tube that allows users to dispense the amount they want easily. The slim tube of essence is so convenient to bring around. Plus it doesn’t take up too much space too. It also has a very refreshing, citrusy scent.
After using it for the first time, my skin felt well moisturised. It made my skin softer and brighter, and the best part is that it’s not oily at all. It is very lightweight and was able to absorb into my skin instantly.
Five weeks later, my skin is visibly brighter and more radiant. My pores are also tighter and smaller, and small bumps looked less prominent now. In addition, my T-zone has become less oily after using the product! In fact, I have received compliments from family and friends on my skin after using this product.
Although it is very lightweight, it has a high concentration of vitamin C, which is probably why it gave me the desired effect. I also like that it’s in a tube format, which is much easier to use. Most vitamin C products I used are usually in a glass bottle with a dropper.
Overall, I am very satisfied with this product and it delivered what it promised: a brightening effect, a reduction in the appearance of pores, and oil control, especially around the T-zone. My skin looks very clean and clear now after using this product.
Kimberly, 29
Skin type: Combination-dry, sensitive
Skin concerns: Pigmentation, textured skin, dehydration, visible/enlarged pores, clogged pores, blackheads/whiteheads
When I used the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence for the first time, my skin looked glowier, and I had no issue with layering my other products on top of it too. It’s lightweight and it didn’t sting my skin. My skin felt hydrated throughout the day.
After five weeks, my pores appeared smaller and were less obvious. Some of my pigmentation seemed to have lightened too. Overall, my skin looked much brighter and more radiant. My skin texture felt smoother and more refined after using this product, and I don’t experience as much congestion and clogged pores.
Overall, I am quite pleased with the essence, though I don’t really like the greasy feeling. However, it does get absorbed rather quickly into the skin and it doesn’t cause any issues when I layer my other products on top. I’m very pleased with the lightening of my pigmentation and reduction of the appearance of pores.
Sin Yee, 30
Skin type: Dry, combination-dry, sensitive
Skin concerns: Dull skin, uneven skin tone, pigmentation, dehydration, visible/enlarged pores, clogged pores
The previous vitamin C product I used was too harsh for my sensitive skin. It gave my skin a tingling sensation and caused redness on my cheeks. However, the Melano CC Concentrated Brightening Essence did not irritate my sensitive skin one bit. Its packaging is sleek and minimal – very unique and different from other brands. The essence has a citrus scent that smells very refreshing!
After using it for the first time, my skin felt well hydrated and moisturised. I love how I wake up with softer and plumper skin every morning. The essence does not leave any unpleasant stickiness and greasiness on the skin. Its lightweight gel consistency allows other skincare and makeup to be layered on without feeling too heavy.
After five weeks, my sebum production seems more balanced, and my overall skin health has improved. I used to have hormonal breakouts before my period, but I didn’t experience any breakouts after using the essence.
The essence was so hydrating that I could actually skip my usual moisturiser. My skin felt significantly softer, smoother, and more refined. I also observed a clearer, brighter, and more radiant complexion, and my skin does not look tired and dull anymore.
I don’t mind purchasing another tube once I’ve run out of my current tube. I love the deep moisturising effect that it offers, and it significantly improved my overall skin health.
This article is brought to you by Melano CC.
