Melano CC Medicated Anti-Blemish Moisturizing Cream Versus Melano CC Vitamin C Men Anti-Blemish Concentration Serum
This brightening moisturizer is formulated around Ascorbyl Glucoside and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate to fade the look of dark spots and brighten dull-looking skin.
This acne serum is formulated around Ascorbic Acid and Salicylic Acid to clear breakouts and fade the look of dark spots.
What's inside
What's inside
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Ascorbyl Glucoside
Antioxidant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Cajanus Cajan Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningOenothera Biennis Flower Extract
AstringentSimmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Hydrolyzed Roe Extract
HumectantRosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil
Emollient
Disodium EDTA
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Emulsion StabilisingCarbomer
Emulsion StabilisingPotassium Hydroxide
BufferingCetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
Pentylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant
Paraffinum Liquidum
Emollient
Triethylhexanoin
MaskingCaprylic Acid
CleansingButylene Glycol
Humectant
Ascorbyl Glucoside, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, O-Cymen-5-Ol, Salicylic Acid, Cajanus Cajan Leaf Extract, Oenothera Biennis Flower Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Lactic Acid, Hydrolyzed Roe Extract, Rosa Rubiginosa Seed Oil, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Carbomer, Potassium Hydroxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Paraffinum Liquidum, Triethylhexanoin, Caprylic Acid, Butylene Glycol
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Pyridoxine Hcl
Skin ConditioningSalicylic Acid
Masking
O-Cymen-5-Ol
Antimicrobial
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Alpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract
Skin ConditioningSerine
Masking
Butylene Glycol
Humectant
Propanediol
Solvent
Isopentyldiol
Humectant
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
PEG-8
HumectantDipropylene Glycol
HumectantAlcohol
Antimicrobial
Sodium Pyrosulfate
Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Emollient
Parfum
Masking
Reviews
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Though this ingredient works well with most skin types, some people with sensitive skin may experience a reaction such as allergic rashes, closed comedones, or itchiness.
Learn more about Butylene GlycolHydrogenated Castor Oil (aka "castor wax") is what you get when castor oil is turned into a wax.
Its dominant fatty acid is ricinoleic acid, giving it both emollient and mild humectant properties.
According to EU CosIng, this ingredient helps soften skin, keep oil and water stay mixed, and thickens products.
Hydrogenated castor oil at 30% did not trigger a positive patch-test reaction and is well-tolerated.
Since this ingredient is based on an 18-carbon fatty acid, it falls into the chain-length range that Malassezia can feed on and may not be fungal acne safe.
Learn more about Hydrogenated Castor OilThis ingredient is more commonly known as IPMP or Isopropyl Methylphenol. It is a preservative and has antimicrobial properties.
According to the EPA, this ingredient is allowed for use in cleansers, creams, powders, bath products, toothpaste, perfume, and more.
Salicylic Acid (also known as beta hydroxy acid or BHA) is a well-known ingredient for treating skin that struggles with acne and clogged pores. It exfoliates both the skin's surface and deep within the pores to help clear out buildup, control oil, and reduce inflammation.
Unlike AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble. This allows it to penetrate into pores which makes it especially effective for treating blackheads and preventing future breakouts.
Salicylic acid is also known for its soothing properties. It has a similar structure to aspirin and can calm inflamed or irritated skin, making it a good option for acne-prone skin that is also sensitive.
Concentrations of 0.5-2% are recognized by the U.S. FDA as an over-the-counter topical acne product.
It can cause irritation and/or dryness if one's skin already has a compromised moisture barrier, so it's best to focus on repairing that before introducing this ingredient into your routine.
While salicylic acid does not increase sun sensitivity, it’s still important to wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin.
If you are looking for the ingredient called BHA or Butylated Hydroxyanisole, click here.
Learn more about Salicylic Acid
