Melano CC Brightening Lotion - Moist Versus Naturie Hatomugi Skin Lotion
Updated on February 25, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe toners. They have a total of 6 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin and dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, silicones or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain parabens
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Melano CC Brightening Lotion - Moist 15 ingredients
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Lotion 11 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Melano CC Brightening Lotion - Moist 15 ingredients
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Lotion 11 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Skin Conditioning
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Hydrolyzed Grape Fruit Extract
HumectantCitrus Limon Fruit Extract
Masking
Alpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract
Skin Conditioning
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Hydrolyzed Grape Fruit Extract, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Alpinia Katsumadai Seed Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Polyglyceryl-3 Decyltetradecyl Ether, Sodium Paraben, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, EDTA, Parfum
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate comes from licorice root.
Extracts of licorice have demonstrated to have antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, antiviral, antioxidant properties.
One component, glabridin, has extra potent antioxidant and soothing properties. It has also been found to block pigmentation from UVB rays in guinea pigs.
Licorice Root also contains a flavonoid. Flavonoids are a natural substance from in plants. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Another component, glycyrrhizin, has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits. This may make licorice root extract effective at treating acne. However, more research is needed to support this.
Liquiritin is one of the flavone compounds found in licorice. It has been found to help lighten skin by preventing tyrosinase from reacting with tyrosine. When the two react, protein is converted to melanin. Melanin is the substance in your body that gives your features pigmentation.
Licorice root is native to Southern Europe and Asia. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to help with respiratory issues.
Learn more about Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateButylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:
- It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
- It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
- It helps improve product application.
- It has mild preservative properties.
Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient that works well with other ingredients.
Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinDipropylene Glycol is a synthetically created stabilizer and solvent. It is a part of the glycol class in the alcohol family.
Dipropylene Glycol helps dissolve and evenly distribute ingredients. It also helps decrease viscosity and thin out texture.
As a masking agent, Dipropylene Glycol can be used to cover the smell of other ingredients. However, it does not have a scent.
Studies show Dipropylene Glycol is considered safe to use in skincare.
Learn more about Dipropylene GlycolSodium Citrate is the sodium salts of citric acid. In skincare, it is used to alter pH levels and acts as a preservative.
Its main functions are to maintain the pH of a product and neutralize metal ions.
The acidity of our skin is maintained by our glands and skin biome; normal pH level of skin is slightly acidic (~4.75-5.5).
Being slightly acidic allows our skin to create an "acid mantle". This acid mantle is a thin barrier that protects our skin from bacteria and contaminants.
Learn more about Sodium CitrateCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Melano CC Brightening Lotion - Moist 15 ingredients
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Lotion 11 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
Melano CC Brightening Lotion - Moist 15 ingredients
I’ve been using this for years and it’s one of the only products I own that is fungal acne safe and helps with dark spots. I put it on in the morning after washing my face and my skin feels hydrated right after
I love Melano CC, but the essence/spot treatment is better. I like to use toner instead of cleansing in the morning, but this one leaves a filmy feeling on my skin. I'll keep using it as it's synergistic with the essence, but I won't repurchase.
Naturie Hatomugi Skin Lotion 11 ingredients
Cons: Worst part of using this is having to transfer it to a smaller bottle. Half a liter isn’t hard to pour from, but not convenient.
Pros: Works amazingly. My skin is so dry I’d scratch myself by accident and my arms would be covered with white scratch marks. Currently using a mist spray and even that’s effective. 500mL would last weeks, I’m sure. An absolute fave! So much that I keep a handy Show more
5/5 great toner overall
I get it when they say this is the most viral hatomugi/milk toner in Japan. (Context: "hatomugi" refers to Job's Tears in Japanese, and basically every Japanese milk toner includes hatomugi extract.)
This is actually an excellent Japanese skincare product to begin with, given that the majority of J-Beauty products contain ethanol, common allergens, and Show more
