Tsujimoto Market: Our Guarantees
Description
Rohto Melano CC Medicated Anti-Spot Whitening Lotion 170ml — Japanese Vitamin C Toner
Overview
Melano CC Medicated Anti-Spot Whitening Lotion is the toner step of Rohto's bestselling vitamin C dark-spot care series in Japan. The 170ml bottle pairs a stable vitamin C derivative (3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid) with dipotassium glycyrrhizate — a soothing licorice-derived active — under Japan's 医薬部外品 (quasi-drug) framework for spot prevention. It is positioned as the hydration step that prepares skin for the Melano CC essence and gel, completing a daily brightening routine.
See also: Japanese Toners, Japanese Vitamin C Skincare, Obagi C10 Vitamin C Serum 12ml, Melano CC vs Obagi C10 — Which Japanese Vitamin C Wins.
Key Benefits
- ✓ Stable vitamin C derivative — 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid is one of the most light- and air-stable forms of vitamin C used in Japanese drugstore skincare
- ✓ Quasi-drug (医薬部外品) anti-spot positioning approved by Japan's MHLW for the prevention of melanin-related dark spots and freckles caused by sun exposure
- ✓ Soothing dipotassium glycyrrhizate (licorice-derived) helps calm the look of irritation after sun exposure
- ✓ Botanical brightening complex: Alpinia katsumadai seed, lemon fruit and grapefruit fruit extracts
- ✓ Light, watery texture with a fresh citrus scent — absorbs in seconds and layers easily under essence and emulsion
- ✓ Authentic Japan-domestic Rohto Pharmaceutical formulation, shipped from our warehouse in Kobe
Product Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Rohto Mentholatum (Melano CC line) |
| Product Name (EN) | Melano CC Medicated Anti-Spot Whitening Lotion |
| Product Name (JP) | メラノCC 薬用しみ対策美白化粧水 |
| Category | Skincare |
| Subcategory | Toner |
| Product Type | Quasi-drug (医薬部外品) brightening toner |
| Size / Net Content | 170 ml |
| Form | Light watery lotion |
| Fragrance / Scent | Light citrus (lemon, grapefruit) |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Skin Type / Target User | All skin types; dull, uneven tone, post-sun freckles, early dark spots |
| Main Concerns | Sun-related dark spots, freckles, dullness, post-acne marks |
| Active Ingredients | 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate |
Who Is This For?
- Anyone using the Melano CC essence or gel and wanting a matching toner step
- Adults aged 20+ with sun-related dullness, freckles or early dark spots
- Combination and oily skin — the light, alcohol-based base layers well under sunscreen
- Users who prefer Japanese drugstore-tier brightening (quasi-drug, MHLW-approved) over prescription routes
- Travellers who want a complete vitamin C step without committing to a serum first
How to Use
- After cleansing, dispense a coin-sized amount onto the palm or a cotton pad.
- Press gently across the entire face, focusing on cheeks and forehead where pigmentation tends to gather.
- Follow with the Melano CC Essence or your regular vitamin C serum if using one.
- Layer your moisturiser on top. In the morning, finish with SPF 30+ sunscreen — non-negotiable.
Frequency: Morning and evening. A 170ml bottle lasts ~2 months at twice-daily use.
Tip: Vitamin C derivatives perform best on damp skin. Apply within ~1 minute of cleansing to lock in active hydration.
Full Ingredients
Active ingredients (quasi-drug): 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate.
Other ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Glycerin, PPG-10 Methyl Glucose Ether, Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate, Phenoxyethanol, PPG-6-Decyltetradeceth-30, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Fragrance, PEG/PPG-30/10 Dimethicone, Dipropylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Dimethicone, Ascorbic Acid, Menthol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Alpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract.
Cautions
- Contains Alcohol (Ethanol) and Menthol — patch-test on the inner arm for 48 hours before first use. Not recommended for very dry, eczema-prone or rosacea-prone skin.
- Contains Fragrance and citrus-derived extracts — discontinue use if redness, stinging or itching occurs.
- Vitamin C can slightly increase photosensitivity. Daily SPF 30+ sunscreen is required during use.
- Do not use on broken or irritated skin.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat. Store the bottle upright with the cap tightened.
- Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. Discontinue use if irritation occurs and consult a dermatologist.
Package Contents
- 1 × Melano CC Medicated Anti-Spot Whitening Lotion 170 ml bottle
- Outer carton and Japanese product leaflet
Shipping & Store Notes
- Ships directly from Japan (Kobe)
- Processing time: 2–6 business days
- Tracking number provided after dispatch
- Import duties and taxes may apply depending on destination country
- Opened cosmetics cannot be returned for hygiene and safety reasons
Authenticity Guarantee
Every product at Tsujimoto Market is sourced directly from Japan and verified for authenticity. We never sell fakes or grey-market goods. Each order is carefully packed and dispatched with full tracking from our warehouse in Kobe.
FAQ
Q: How is the Melano CC Lotion different from the Melano CC Essence?
A: The lotion (this product, 170ml) is the toner step — a watery hydration layer that prepares skin and delivers the first vitamin C dose. The essence is a more concentrated serum in a dropper bottle targeting existing dark spots. Used together they form Rohto's complete Melano CC brightening routine; used alone, the lotion is the gentler daily option.
Q: Will it tingle? Is that normal?
A: A mild cooling sensation from menthol and a slight tingle from ethanol is normal. Persistent burning, redness or peeling is not — discontinue and consult a dermatologist.
Q: Can I use Melano CC Lotion with retinol, AHA or niacinamide?
A: Yes. The old "vitamin C derivative + niacinamide" warning is outdated chemistry. With retinol or AHA, use one in the morning and one at night to minimise irritation. Apply the Melano CC lotion first as the toner step, then your active serum.
Q: Is this the same product sold in Japanese drugstores?
A: Yes — this is the Japan-domestic SKU manufactured by Rohto Pharmaceutical. Some overseas markets sell a reformulated version with different fragrance or filler concentrations; the bottle you receive from Tsujimoto Market is the formula sold in Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia and other Japanese drugstores.
Q: How long until I see results?
A: Daily use over 8–12 weeks combined with strict SPF is typical for visible improvement on tone and post-sun pigmentation. The product helps prevent new dark spots; existing deep pigmentation may require a dermatologist consultation.
Q: How long will shipping take and will I pay customs?
A: We ship from Kobe, Japan within 2–6 business days. Transit time depends on the carrier and destination — typically 4–10 days for express, longer for surface mail. Import duties and VAT may apply depending on your country.
