Melano CC Toner (Vitamin C Lotion): Ingredients & Moist vs Regular

Melano CC toner is Rohto’s medicated vitamin C lotion, sold in Japan as メラノCC 薬用しみ対策 美白化粧水 (literally “medicated anti-spot whitening lotion”). Rohto group companies in Singapore and Malaysia sell lotions under the names Melano CC Brightening Lotion and Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Lotion, though their ingredient lists can differ (see the FAQ). It is a 170 mL quasi-drug (医薬部外品) toner with three active ingredients: a long-lasting vitamin C derivative (ascorbyl glucoside) as its whitening active, dipotassium glycyrrhizate as an anti-inflammatory and panthenol to support skin renewal. Rohto says it helps prevent dark spots, freckles and pimples, and moisturises so pores look less noticeable.

It comes in two types, the regular lotion and a more moisturising Moist type (しっとりタイプ), and the renewed formula went on sale in Japan on 30 August 2025. This guide covers the current formula, based on Rohto’s official Japanese product pages, online shop, press release and FAQ.

What you’ll learn in this article:

• The size, price and features of Melano CC toner
• Its three active ingredients and full ingredient list
• How the regular and Moist types differ, including menthol and ethanol
• What changed in the 2025 formula
• How to use it with the Melano CC serum

Melano CC Toner: Quick Specs

Melano CC toner comes in a 170 mL bottle with a 170 mL refill pouch, and costs ¥990 on Rohto’s official online shop (refill ¥880). Rohto describes the renewed lotions as light and refreshing, moisturising without stickiness, with a citrus scent. The regular type contains menthol and ethanol.

Japanese name	メラノCC 薬用しみ対策 美白化粧水
English names	Melano CC Brightening Lotion (Rohto-Mentholatum Singapore), Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Lotion (Rohto-Mentholatum Malaysia)
Registered name (販売名)	RロートブライトCL
Type	Quasi-drug (医薬部外品) lotion (toner)
Price in Japan	¥990 on Rohto’s official online shop (refill ¥880)
Size	170 mL bottle, 170 mL refill pouch
Texture	Light and refreshing, moisturising without stickiness (Rohto’s description)
Scent	Citrus
Contains	Menthol, ethanol, fragrance, a preservative
Skin type	Not specified by Rohto (it recommends the Moist type for dry skin)
Sensitive skin	Patch-tested on sensitive skin (Rohto notes this doesn’t mean no one will feel irritation)
pH	Not published by Rohto

Specs from Rohto’s official Japanese product page, online shop, promotion page, press release (1 July 2025) and FAQ (as of October 2026). Rohto sells it at an open price, with no suggested retail price, so store prices in Japan vary.

• Oil-free
• Mineral-oil-free
• Hydroquinone-free

Rohto’s FAQ states that both lotions contain no oil ingredients or mineral oil, and that the Melano CC series contains no hydroquinone.

Is Melano CC Toner a Vitamin C Toner? Key Ingredients

Yes. Melano CC toner’s whitening active is a vitamin C derivative, ascorbyl glucoside (L-アスコルビン酸2-グルコシド), which Rohto calls a long-lasting vitamin C derivative. It works with two other actives: dipotassium glycyrrhizate, an anti-inflammatory, and panthenol, which Rohto lists as an ingredient that supports skin renewal.

The ingredient list also includes ascorbic acid (vitamin C), but Rohto lists it as an antioxidant that protects the product, not as an active. Lemon, grapefruit, Houttuynia cordata and Saxifraga sarmentosa extracts and Alpinia katsumadai seed extract are listed as moisturising ingredients. Rohto also says the bottle is designed to protect the formula from UV light.

What Does Melano CC Toner Do?

Rohto says Melano CC toner’s three actives penetrate deep into the skin to help prevent pimples and dark spots, and that it moisturises so pores look less noticeable. Rohto’s footnote defines the dark-spot claim: it suppresses melanin production to prevent dark spots and freckles.

Rohto does not claim that it fades existing dark spots or acne marks. Its FAQ says results vary from person to person and recommends using Melano CC for 4 to 6 weeks, the length of the skin’s renewal cycle.

Melano CC Toner Ingredients: Full List

The regular Melano CC toner lists 30 ingredients on Rohto’s Japanese site: the three actives, highlighted in the table, plus vitamin C as an antioxidant, five plant extracts, humectants, menthol, ethanol, a preservative, silicones, stabilisers and fragrance.

Ingredient list as published by Rohto Japan for メラノCC 薬用しみ対策 美白化粧水 (checked October 2026; the refill has the same list). Rohto does not publish an English ingredient list for the current formula, so the English names are our translations of Rohto’s Japanese labelling names, and the roles are general descriptions except where Rohto states them. Formulas can change, so always check the package.

Melano CC Lotion: Regular vs Moist (しっとりタイプ)

The Moist Melano CC lotion is the more moisturising type: Rohto’s FAQ says it has higher moisturising power than the regular lotion and recommends it for dry skin and for autumn and winter. Both types have the same three actives, scent, size and price. Comparing Rohto’s two ingredient lists, the Moist type has no menthol, ethanol or silicones and adds glycerin and carbomer.

From Rohto’s official Japanese product pages, ingredient lists, promotion page, online shop and FAQ (as of October 2026). The menthol row follows Rohto’s FAQ; the other ingredient rows compare the two official ingredient lists. Rohto does not describe either type as “alcohol-free”.

The Moist type’s full list is the same as the regular one without menthol, both ethanols, POP methyl glucoside, the skin-conditioning ester and the four silicones, and with glycerin and carbomer added. There is also a Melano CC Men lotion with different actives (sodium ascorbyl phosphate, dipotassium glycyrrhizate and salicylic acid) and a lemon scent.

How to Use Melano CC Toner

Use Melano CC toner right after cleansing, morning and night, before the Melano CC serum. Rohto doesn’t publish an amount or method for this lotion, so the steps below are the general way to use a Japanese lotion; for its Men lotion, Rohto says to take an appropriate amount on your palm or a cotton pad and pat it in gently.

1. Wash your face, for example with a gentle cleanser.
2. Pour the lotion into your palm or onto a cotton pad and pat it gently into your skin.
3. Follow with the Melano CC serum if you use it, then a moisturiser such as a milk.
4. In the morning, finish with sunscreen.

Keep these points from Rohto in mind:

• Morning use is fine. Rohto says the lemon and grapefruit extracts contain no psoralen, a substance said to be one cause of phototoxicity. The lotion has no UV protection, so use sunscreen during the day.
• Avoid active pimples. Rohto’s FAQ says to use Melano CC while avoiding areas with pimples.
• Patch-test if your skin is sensitive. The regular type contains menthol and ethanol; if those bother you, the Moist type lists neither in its ingredients.
• Use it within about 6 months of opening. Stop if its colour or smell seems unusual.
• Watch for pink stains. Because it contains vitamin C, it can stain some fabrics and cotton pads pink. Rinse fabrics at once with water.

What Changed in the 2025 Melano CC Toner?

The renewed Melano CC lotions went on sale in Japan on 30 August 2025. The whitening active changed from 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid to ascorbyl glucoside, panthenol was added as a third active, and Houttuynia cordata and Saxifraga sarmentosa extracts were added. The registered name also changed, from RロートホワイトCL to RロートブライトCL.

From Rohto’s press release of 1 July 2025, Rohto’s official ingredient pages for the old and current lotions, and archived copies (Wayback Machine) of Rohto’s old product pages.

If you are comparing listings, check the ingredient list: the current formula sold in Japan starts its actives with L-アスコルビン酸2-グルコシド (ascorbyl glucoside), while older stock lists 3-O-エチルアスコルビン酸.

Melano CC Toner Review: Pros and Cons

Based on Rohto’s official information (not a hands-on test), Melano CC toner’s strengths are its three actives for preventing dark spots and pimples and its refill pouch, while its drawbacks are menthol, ethanol and fragrance in the regular type and no claim to fade existing spots.

• Pros: three actives (ascorbyl glucoside, dipotassium glycyrrhizate, panthenol); a Moist type for dry skin; a 170 mL refill pouch; a UV-protective bottle; can be used morning and night.
• Cons: the regular type contains menthol, ethanol and fragrance; not tested for non-comedogenicity; made to prevent, not fade, dark spots; vitamin C can stain fabrics and cotton pads pink.

Where to Buy Melano CC Toner

kachicollect is the simplest way to get Melano CC toner from Japan. Our catalog has no proxy fees, and duties are shown in your total before you pay, so nothing extra is charged on delivery. Orders ship worldwide with tracking and usually arrive in about 7 to 14 days.

If you can’t find the type you want in our catalog, search Japanese stores or marketplaces for its Japanese name or JAN code: メラノCC 薬用しみ対策 美白化粧水 (bottle 4987241198900, refill 4987241198917) or メラノCC 薬用しみ対策 美白化粧水 しっとりタイプ (bottle 4987241198924, refill 4987241198931). Paste the product URL into kachicollect and you get an instant quote that you can buy straight away. Rohto’s FAQ notes that both lotions are not classed as dangerous goods for air transport, unlike the Melano CC mist lotion.

On marketplaces such as eBay, listings use many retailer-made names, such as “Brightening Lotion”, “Vitamin C Toner” and “Light” or “Rich”, so check the Japanese name and the ingredient list.

Proxy services that buy from Japanese stores on your behalf are another option, but the service fee they advertise is only the starting point, and various other charges are added on top by the time you check out. With kachicollect, you can skip the proxy: paste the product URL from any Japanese store or marketplace and get an instant quote with no request fee, then buy it straight away in kachicollect, with duties shown before checkout.

FAQ

Is Melano CC lotion a toner?

Yes. Rohto calls it a lotion (化粧水), the watery step used right after cleansing, which is what most English-speaking readers call a toner.

Does Melano CC toner contain menthol or alcohol?

The regular type does: Rohto’s FAQ confirms it contains menthol, and its ingredient list includes ethanol. The Moist type has neither menthol nor ethanol in its ingredient list.

Is Melano CC toner good for sensitive skin? Does it sting?

Rohto says it may not suit everyone, so patch-test first if your skin is sensitive. Rohto doesn’t make a statement about stinging for the lotion, and the regular type contains menthol and ethanol. Both types were patch-tested on sensitive skin, though Rohto notes that this doesn’t mean no one will feel irritation.

Is Melano CC toner good for oily skin?

Rohto doesn’t name a skin type for the regular lotion; it only recommends the Moist type for dry skin and for autumn and winter. The lotion is made to help prevent pimples, but Rohto notes that no Melano CC product has been tested for non-comedogenicity, and its FAQ says to avoid areas with active pimples.

Should I use Melano CC toner in the morning or at night?

Both. Rohto recommends using it morning and night, and says it can be used in the morning. It has no UV protection, so use sunscreen during the day.

Can I use Melano CC toner with the Melano CC serum?

Yes. Rohto’s routine puts the lotion first, then the serum. Rohto also says you don’t need to use the whole Melano CC line; you can add any one item to your usual routine. See our Melano CC serum guide and Melano CC Premium Essence guide.

Does Melano CC toner contain pure vitamin C?

Its ingredient list includes ascorbic acid (vitamin C), but Rohto lists it as an antioxidant that protects the product. The whitening active is the vitamin C derivative ascorbyl glucoside.

How long does Melano CC toner take to work?

Rohto’s FAQ says results vary from person to person and recommends using Melano CC for 4 to 6 weeks, the length of the skin’s renewal cycle.

Does Melano CC toner fade dark spots or acne scars?

It is made to prevent, not fade: Rohto says it suppresses melanin production to prevent dark spots and freckles and helps prevent pimples, but it does not claim to fade existing dark spots or acne marks.

Can men use Melano CC toner?

Yes. Rohto’s FAQ says men can use the regular lotion. There is also a Melano CC Men lotion with different actives and a lemon scent.

Can I use Melano CC toner with my other skincare?

Yes. Rohto’s FAQ says it can be used with ordinary cosmetics and quasi-drugs, but to ask your doctor first if you are having clinic treatments such as chemical peels.

How long does Melano CC toner last once opened?

Rohto recommends using it within about 6 months of opening. Unopened bottles have no set expiry date.

Can I use Melano CC toner while pregnant?

Rohto’s FAQ says it can be used during pregnancy, given its ingredients and amounts, and while breastfeeding. Because the body changes during pregnancy, Rohto says to stop if a sensitive reaction appears.

Is the Melano CC Brightening Lotion sold outside Japan the same?

Not always. Ingredient lists on Rohto-Mentholatum’s overseas sites can differ from the current formula sold in Japan: some list 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, the vitamin C derivative Rohto used in Japan before the 2025 renewal. Check the actives on the bottle against the list above.

Conclusion: Which Melano CC Toner Should You Choose?

Choose the regular Melano CC toner for everyday care with three actives for preventing dark spots and pimples, and the Moist type if your skin is dry, it’s autumn or winter, or you’d rather skip menthol and ethanol, which aren’t in its ingredient list. Follow it with the Melano CC serum, or compare another Japanese hydrating lotion in our Hada Labo lotion guide.

For every Melano CC product in one place, see our Melano CC guide.

Buying from kachicollect gets you Melano CC shipped directly from Japan, with no proxy fees and duties shown before you pay.