I’ve been using the original Melano Essence for a few years, and these Melano CC Men products are great additions. 

The Brightening Gel contains a vitamin C derivative, vitamin E, and dipotassium glycyrrhizinate as the active components of the formula. We can also find antioxidant-rich plant extracts and hydrating ingredients like glycerine. The product is perfumed, but the scent dissipates quickly. 

The gel’s bouncy texture is what has made me fall in love with it. It’s lightweight and melts instantly into the skin, like sorbet under the sun. I appreciate this product a lot in hot weather when regular moisturisers feel like wearing a blanket on the skin. I can’t attest to gel’s brightening properties, but it can be considered a helpful step in a skincare regimen focused on reducing discolouration. 

The Brightening Essence is similar to the original essence; they both contain ascorbic acid as the main ingredient. This one includes salicylic acid and antibacterial components to diminish spots and discolouration. It also has a different scent compared to the original one, which is a bit more striking, but thankfully, it doesn’t linger for too long.  

Honestly, I see little difference between the original essence and the men’s version. I started using this product around February after finishing a tube of the original essence, and it seems like the men’s version works similarly to the original essence. The salicylic acid in the formula may help with the penetration of the ascorbic acid into the skin, but I don’t think there are any claims about that. I use a salicylic acid face wash almost daily, and I don’t think the acid concentration in this product is high enough to have a significant impact on acne. 

Both products are fantastic in any skin routine, especially if you want to reduce hyperpigmentation. In my opinion, these products are similar to those from the original line. The differences are hardly noticeable; the most perceptible distinction is the fragrance, which doesn’t influence the results. 

Ingredients:

Gel: L-ascorbic acid 2-glucoside (vitamin C derivative), tocopherol acetate (vitamin E derivative), dipotassium glycyrrhizinate, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), alpinia cutlet seed extract (alpinia white), lemon extract, sanshuyu fruit extract, Methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine / butyl methacrylate copolymer solution, BG, pentylene glycol, concentrated glycerin, sorbitol fermented polysaccharide solution, tetra-ethylhexanoic acid pentaerythrite, POE (17) POP (17) butyl ether, K hydroxide, Carboxyvinyl polymer, diethoxyethyl succinate, methylpolysiloxane, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glyceryl ether (24EO) (24PO), polyacrylamide, phenoxyethanol, glyceryl stearate, light liquid isoparaffin , Isostearate POE (20) sorbitan, paraben, behenyl alcohol, cetanol, POE lauryl ether, xanthan gum, edetate, alkyl acrylate copolymer emulsion-2, fragrance (Yesstyle)

Essence: Ascorbic acid (active vitamin C), pyridoxin hydrochloride (vitamin B6), salicylic acid, isopropylmethylphenol, vitamin C tetraisopalmitate, vitamin E, alpinia cutlet seed extract, serine, BG, 1,3-propanediol, 3-Methyl-1,3-butanediol, PG, PEG-8, DPG, absolute ethanol, sodium pyrosulfate, POE hydrogenated castor oil, fragrance (Yesstyle)

The Melano CC Men range is available at Yesstyle.com [aff].