ROHTO Melano CC Deep Clear Enzyme Face Wash

Values You Can Trust: 100% Genuine (Adilsons sourcing policy) / Pregnancy-Safe / FA-Conditional (Rinse-Off) / Halal-Friendly* / Vegan-Friendly*. We did not add a Fragrance-Free badge — this product contains Fragrance; see Allergens below. Full substantiation and footnotes for every badge are in the sections referenced.

If your pores have felt persistently congested despite a "normal" cleanser, it's a genuinely frustrating loop — you wash, it looks clean, and by afternoon the same rough texture is back around your nose and chin.

Pros: enzyme mechanism targets protein-based pore debris rather than just surfactant-stripping oil; Vitamin C derivatives add antioxidant value even at brief contact time; tube format avoids the mess of loose enzyme powder; no drying alcohol.

Caveats: this is a soap-based (saponified fatty acid) formula, a chemistry class that typically runs alkaline rather than the low-pH style common in most Korean cleansers we carry — see Ingredient Transparency; the brand's own "protects moisture while washing" framing should be weighed against that; and the Vitamin C content is positioned low enough in the INCI that its brightening contribution here is realistically minor, not the headline benefit.

In Mauritius heat, the shine and slight grime feeling on your face by midday is sebum and sweat doing their normal job, not dirt that needs scrubbing off — washing more than twice a day strips the skin's acid mantle (target pH roughly 4.5-5.5) and can trigger compensatory oil production, the exact oiliness you're trying to fix.

This cleanser's mechanism (enzyme digestion of protein debris plus kaolin absorption) is a genuinely different route into "unclogging pores" than simply scrubbing harder, but the soap-based alkaline chemistry underneath it means twice-daily use, not more, is still the right ceiling — over-washing with an alkaline formula compounds acid-mantle disruption faster than a low-pH gel cleanser would.

Classification: GREEN (generally suitable across ages with normal skin). This is a rinse-off cleanser with 30-60 seconds of skin contact — the enzyme and Vitamin C derivative are not left on skin the way a leave-on serum or retinoid would be, so this doesn't carry the same skin-maturity requirement as clinical-strength leave-on actives.

Packaging is a plain white tube with no youth-targeted branding or characters, so there's no packaging trap to flag here.

For a tween/teen with visibly oily, congested skin, this can be a reasonable twice-daily cleanser; for a younger child with no oiliness or clogged-pore concerns, a fragrance-free basic cleanser is the simpler, lower-irritation-risk choice.

• When: AM and PM (brand-recommended twice-daily use).
• How much: a pea-to-marble-size amount, roughly 1.5-2cm squeezed from the tube.
• How: massage onto damp skin for 30-60 seconds to activate the lather, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.

"Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product."

1. ROHTO Melano CC Deep Clear Enzyme Face Wash — pea-to-marble amount, massage 30-60 seconds on damp skin, rinse.
2. Toner (optional but recommended after a soap-based cleanse — see Climate Fit below).
3. Vitamin C serum or moisturizer with brightening actives (optional — this is where real leave-on Vitamin C contact time happens).
4. Moisturizer.
5. Broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++, non-negotiable.

In Mauritius's humid mornings, a hydrating toner layer right after this cleanser is worth the extra step — humectants like glycerin draw water from the humid air rather than pulling it from your own skin, which helps offset any tightness from the alkaline soap base.

1. Oil cleanser or balm first if wearing sunscreen/makeup.
2. ROHTO Melano CC Deep Clear Enzyme Face Wash as the water-based second cleanse — pea-to-marble amount, massage 30-60 seconds, rinse.
3. Toner.
4. Treatment serums (Vitamin C, niacinamide, etc.).
5. Moisturizer to seal.

Evening is when this cleanser's job matters most — it's removing a full day of Mauritius heat/sweat/sunscreen buildup, which is heavier debris load than a quick AM refresh.

Skin cycling integration: if you also use a leave-on AHA/BHA toner (like Beauty of Joseon's Green Plum AHA+BHA Toner), treat this enzyme cleanser and that toner as two exfoliation-adjacent steps in the same routine — see the Conflict Solver below before stacking both nightly.

Technique: apply to damp (not dry) skin, massage in circular motions for 30-60 seconds to let the enzyme and surfactants work, then rinse fully with lukewarm water — hot water increases the alkaline formula's stripping effect.

Required skin state: damp skin at the start (helps the product spread and foam evenly).

Hands deliver 100% of product; cotton pads absorb approximately 30-40% of it. Use clean hands for this step, not a pad.

Frequency: twice daily (AM and PM) is the brand's stated default and is appropriate for most users; if you notice tightness or flaking, drop to once daily (PM only) rather than pushing through.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Viscosity ladder: thinnest to thickest; water-phase before oil-phase; treatments before seals. Amount defaults: watery toner/essence 5-8 drops; serum/ampoule 2-3 drops or 1 pump; eye product ½ rice-grain per eye; gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas, cream 1-2 peas; occlusive seal rice-grain to pea-size; sunscreen 2-finger rule for face, +1 finger for neck. Hard cap rule: if the routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers, not increase.

AM Maximum Stack (not all steps used daily — pick what your skin needs):

1. Rinse/gentle cleanse — this product sits here
2. pH-prep toner (optional, recommended after this soap-based cleanser)
3. Hydrating toner layers (optional, 1-3)
4. Essence (optional)
5. Mist (optional)
6. Booster/soothing serum (optional)
7. Antioxidant lane (choose one)
8. Pigment support lane (optional, choose one)
9. Hydration serum lane (optional)
10. Oil-control lane (optional, choose one)
11. Peptide/repair lane (optional)
12. Eye product (optional)
13. Moisturizer
14. Optional sealing layer (dry/AC only)
15. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable)
16. Lip SPF (optional)

In AM, prioritize comfort and SPF adherence over stacking; in high humidity, fewer layers often perform better.

PM Maximum Stack:

1. Micellar pre-cleanse (optional)
2. Oil cleanser/balm (if SPF/makeup)
3. Water cleanser — this product sits here
4. pH-prep toner (optional)
5. Hydrating toner layers (optional)
6. Essence (optional)
7. Soothing/barrier serum (optional)
8. Anchor product (your treatment serum/retinoid, not this cleanser)
9. Targeted serum (optional, only if non-conflicting)
10. Moisturizer
11. Sleeping mask (optional)
12. Occlusive seal (optional)
13. Spot treatment (as needed)
14. Lip sleeping mask (optional)

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep "one lane" per night.

One-lane rule: Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active per routine; barrier/hydration can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane — barrier/hydration — and reduce layers.

This sits at the very start of both routines as the "rinse/gentle cleanse" or "water cleanser" step — it is removed entirely before anything else is applied, so it does not participate in the usual thinnest-to-thickest layering logic that leave-on products follow.

It is a soap-based cream emulsion (saponified fatty acids plus emulsifiers like Glyceryl Stearate SE), which is why it starts as a thick white paste in the tube but transforms into a foaming lather once massaged with water.

Because nothing from this step remains on skin after rinsing, it has no phase-compatibility interaction with whatever you apply next — your toner/serum/moisturizer routine starts fresh on clean skin.

Rest days: not required for most skin types at the brand-recommended twice-daily frequency, since the enzyme's contact time is brief and rinsed off — this is unlike a leave-on retinoid or high-strength acid that needs scheduled recovery nights.

If you have visibly reactive or very dry skin, dropping to once-daily (PM only) is a reasonable adjustment; exceeding twice daily does not speed up pore-clearing, it just adds more alkaline exposure to the acid mantle than necessary.

Because this is a cleanser, not a leave-on active, there is no meaningful "purging vs. reaction" distinction to track the way there would be with a retinoid or acid serum — any new-area irritation (not just your usual congestion spots) within the first two weeks is more likely a reaction to the formula (fragrance, alkalinity) than purging, and is a reason to stop and reassess.

Before starting this product, no specific prerequisite routine is required — as a cleanser it is typically one of the first steps someone adds, not a step that depends on other products being established first.

If your skin currently stings when you apply moisturizer or feels tight within 30 minutes of any cleanse, your barrier is below the threshold this alkaline, soap-based formula needs — start with the low-pH COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (verified active in our catalog) instead until your barrier recovers.

In deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick IV-VI), an alkaline cleanser used too frequently or too aggressively can trigger irritation that itself leads to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) — a reason to keep this at the recommended twice-daily frequency rather than a reason to avoid the product outright.

Clogged/congested pores: Protease enzymatically digests protein-based debris trapped in and around pore openings, while Kaolin clay helps absorb and rinse away what's loosened — a mechanism distinct from an AHA (which dissolves the "glue" between cells via acid, not enzyme action) or a BHA (which is oil-soluble and dives into the pore itself).

Surface dullness from debris buildup: removing trapped debris can make skin look brighter/more even immediately after use, though this is a surface-clearing effect, not pigment-fading.

What this product cannot do: it cannot meaningfully fade existing dark spots or hyperpigmentation (PIH) — the Vitamin C derivatives here have roughly 30-60 seconds of contact before being rinsed away, nowhere near the sustained exposure a leave-on Vitamin C serum provides; it also cannot physically shrink pore size (pores don't have muscles to contract), only reduce the visual appearance of congestion within them.

Every pairing below was checked against our live catalog and is currently active. We give a primary pick plus alternatives for each role, since stock changes constantly.

pH-balancing/hydrating toner (follow immediately after this cleanser):

• Primary: Anua Rice 70 + Ceramide Glow Milky Toner — fragrance-free, milky-textured, helps counter the tightness a soap-based cleanse can leave.
• Alternative: Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner — fragrance-free, calming.
• Alternative: AXIS-Y Dark Spot Correcting Glow Toner — pairs a Vitamin C derivative that actually gets leave-on contact time, extending the brightening lane this cleanser only touches briefly.
• Alternative: Anua Birch Moisture Boosting Cream — lightweight gel-cream if you prefer to skip a separate toner step.

Same-brand Vitamin C follow-up (extends the Melano CC lane with real leave-on contact time):

• Primary: ROHTO Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Cream — stabilized L-Ascorbic Acid + Vitamin E moisturizer, currently in stock.
• Alternative: ROHTO Melano CC Brightening Gel — lighter gel texture, Vitamin C + E, currently in stock.

Daily SPF (non-negotiable AM pairing):

• Primary: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++.
• Alternative: Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture SunCream.
• Alternative: SKIN1004 Air-Fit Suncream Light (mineral/zinc-oxide-only filter).

Pilling risk: none from this step itself since it's fully rinsed off — any pilling downstream comes from what you layer afterward, not from residue of this cleanser.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

Universal rules: run only one primary "active lane" per AM or PM routine. If moisturizer stings or skin feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, pause other actives and run barrier-only for 3-7 days.

Because this product is rinsed off within a minute, it does not behave like a leave-on active for most layering-physics purposes — but two real considerations still apply:

• Enzyme cleanser × leave-on AHA/BHA toner (same pathway redundancy): both are exfoliation-lane products. Using this cleanser AND a leave-on acid toner (e.g. Beauty of Joseon Green Plum AHA+BHA) every single day can add up to more total exfoliation than most skin tolerates well. Instead: alternate nights — enzyme cleanser alone some nights, acid toner added on others — rather than stacking both nightly from day one.
• 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (rinse-off) × L-Ascorbic Acid (leave-on) in the same routine: not a true conflict since the cleanser's Vitamin C is removed before your leave-on serum is applied — this is a non-issue, listed here only because customers sometimes assume "double Vitamin C" needs spacing. It doesn't.

"Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep 'one lane' per night." If unsure, default to the safest lane and reduce layers.

Pre-period breakouts happen because progesterone causes the pore lining to physically swell, narrowing the opening and trapping sebum beneath — an enzyme cleanser that targets protein debris in that narrowed opening is a genuinely relevant tool during the luteal phase, not just generic skincare advice.

MYTH: "This is a scrub — the enzyme physically exfoliates like a grain-based cleanser." REALITY: Protease works enzymatically, digesting protein bonds rather than physically abrading skin; the mild texture you feel is from the Kaolin clay, not the enzyme.

MYTH: "The Vitamin C in this will fade my dark spots like a serum would." REALITY: a rinse-off product gets roughly 30-60 seconds of contact time before being washed away — nowhere near enough sustained exposure for meaningful pigment-fading; treat the Vitamin C here as a supporting antioxidant, not a treatment step.

MYTH: "Alkaline/soap-based cleansers are always bad for skin." REALITY: they're a different chemistry class, not an inferior one — the practical point is simply to follow with a pH-balancing toner and moisturizer, which the low-pH trend has made many people skip.

Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region — hard water reacts with soap-based cleansers (like this one) to leave a calcium-stearate film on skin, which is a common cause of the "squeaky clean but tight" feeling some soap-based washes produce. Following with a pH-adjusting toner is a genuinely useful step here, not just a nice-to-have.

*This ingredient appears below the estimated 1% line in the INCI list, suggesting it is present at a trace/sub-efficacious concentration. Its inclusion may be primarily for marketing rather than clinical effect — it also appears late even relative to other sub-1% ingredients (position 18 of 24, after several minor stabilizing polymers), which is why we are flagging Kaolin specifically rather than the enzyme or Vitamin C forms also below this line.

Delivery system: the brand frames this as engineered to keep the Protease enzyme stable despite water content, since enzymes typically require anhydrous (powder) delivery to avoid losing activity — a real formulation challenge, though we could not independently verify the brand's specific technical solution.

We could not find a published pH figure for this product from the brand or third-party labs. What we can say from the INCI itself: Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, Lauric Acid, and Stearic Acid saponified with Potassium Hydroxide is classic soap chemistry, a category that typically runs alkaline (commonly pH 9-10) — the opposite of the low-pH style common in most Korean cleansers. Treat this as a chemistry-class inference, not a measured value for this exact SKU.

Full INCI (cross-referenced via two independent ingredient-database aggregations, not a direct brand-site fetch — see the Community Experiences note on this run's research limits): Glycerin, Water, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Diglycerin, Lauric Acid, Stearic Acid, Lauryl Glucoside, [--- Estimated 1% Line ---] Ascorbic Acid, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Protease, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Alginate, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether, Polyquaternium-7, Kaolin, Titanium Dioxide, Aluminum Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate SE, BHT, Sodium Metabisulfite, Fragrance.

The 1% line placement above is our estimate based on typical INCI ordering conventions for a soap-based cleanser, not a brand-disclosed cutoff. It places all three marketed hero ingredients (the enzyme and both Vitamin C forms) at or just below this line — common for rinse-off products, and not necessarily a sign of ineffectiveness since enzymes and stabilized Vitamin C derivatives are formulated to work at low percentages. Titanium Dioxide and Aluminum Hydroxide here function as a white colorant/opacifier pairing, not a UV filter — this is a rinse-off cleanser with no sun-protection claim.

Preservative/antioxidant system: BHT (antioxidant) and Sodium Metabisulfite (sulfite-class antioxidant/preservative) — see Allergens below for the sulfite note.

Fragrance status: Synthetic Fragrance (Parfum). "Fragrance" appears in the declared INCI; the pre-existing product listing describes it as a citrus scent.

Scent description: citrus, per brand/retailer description — we did not independently verify the specific aroma-chemicals used.

EU 26 allergen screen: none of the 26 EU-designated fragrance allergens (linalool, limonene, citral, geraniol, etc.) are individually declared.

Based on brand-declared INCI. The term "Fragrance" or "Parfum" in the INCI list may contain undisclosed allergens. Patch test advised for sensitive individuals.

Alcohol disclosure: Alcohol-Free in the drying-alcohol sense — no ethanol/denatured alcohol appears. Butylene Glycol/Propylene Glycol/Diglycerin are humectant diols, a different chemical class.

Sulfite note: Sodium Metabisulfite is present, a sulfite-class ingredient distinct from the EU26 fragrance allergen list. Sulfite sensitivity is most documented among some individuals with asthma; if you have a known sulfite sensitivity, patch test before full use.

Halal Status: Halal-Friendly*.

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

Vegan Status: Vegan-Friendly*.

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared list. This is NOT a formal vegan certification. One open question: the Protease enzyme's source organism (commonly bacterial/fungal fermentation or papain/plant-derived in cosmetic use, but not disclosed for this specific SKU) was not confirmed, so we are flagging rather than treating this as fully closed.

Cruelty-Free Status: not independently verified this run.

*Brand-stated policy could not be confirmed against a formal Leaping Bunny/PETA listing this run due to a research-tool limitation (see Community Experiences below). We are not asserting cruelty-free status without that verification.

Microplastic Status: Free of insoluble microplastics. No polyethylene, nylon, or similar insoluble polymer beads appear in the declared INCI. Polyquaternium-7, Sodium Alginate, and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Stearoxy Ether are water-soluble film-formers, not classified as microplastics.

Regulatory classification: this is a Japanese product; Korea's MFDS "Functional Cosmetic" tier does not apply. We found no evidence this SKU is registered under Japan's own quasi-drug (医薬部外品) category, so we are treating it as a standard cosmetic rather than asserting a drug-tier claim.

Clinical evidence: we did not find independently published clinical trial data specific to this exact product. The brand's "first tube-packed enzyme cleanser" positioning and the enzyme-plus-Vitamin-C formula concept are marketing claims consistent with known ingredient mechanisms, not confirmed by a study we could independently review.

Evidence Confidence: Marketing-Only for the specific product claims* (the underlying ingredient science for protease enzymes and Vitamin C as an antioxidant is well-established at the ingredient-class level, which is a separate, better-supported claim than the specific product's marketing copy).

*No product-specific clinical study was located or expected to be public for this category of cosmetic.

We found no evidence of a reformulation for this specific product, so we are not speculating about one.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Conditional (Rinse-Off). The formula's fatty acids (Palmitic, Myristic, Lauric, Stearic) are saponified, not left as free lipids on skin, and contact time is brief — most FA-safety trackers treat rinse-off cleansers as low-risk on this basis, though we could not independently verify this specific formulation was tested by a tracker.

Assessment: None. As a fully rinsed-off cleansing step, nothing from this product remains on skin to interact with whatever you apply next.

If you notice any residue feeling after rinsing, that's more likely under-rinsing (hard water leaving mineral film) than a pilling interaction — rinse for a few extra seconds with lukewarm water.

Fresh product should be a consistent white cream. A yellowing/browning shift or a rancid smell (beyond the citrus fragrance) signals oxidation of the fatty-acid base or degradation of the Vitamin C content — discard rather than use a discolored tube.

Mauritius storage note: keep the tube out of direct bathroom heat/humidity where possible; a squeeze tube is less prone to contamination than an open jar, but heat still accelerates oxidation of the Vitamin C derivatives.

When in doubt about color, smell, or texture change, discard the product rather than risk applying a degraded formula.

Patch test: apply a small amount to your inner forearm, rinse after the normal 30-60 second contact time, wait 24 hours, then try a spot behind the ear before your first full facial use.

72-hour barrier reset: if you have an adverse reaction, stop all actives immediately. For 72 hours, use only a gentle low-pH cleanser, plain moisturizer, and mineral SPF — no acids, retinoids, Vitamin C serums, or exfoliants. After 72 hours, reintroduce one product per 14 days.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care.

This product did not trigger our pregnancy-safety gate (no retinoid, no Salicylic Acid, no hydroquinone, no chemical UV filter in the declared INCI) — always confirm with your own doctor regardless.

1. Skipping the toner step after this soap-based cleanser, then blaming the cleanser for tightness. 2. Using more than twice daily hoping pores clear faster. 3. Applying to bone-dry skin instead of damp skin, which reduces how evenly it spreads and foams. 4. Expecting the Vitamin C content to visibly fade dark spots the way a leave-on serum would. 5. Stacking this nightly with a separate leave-on AHA/BHA toner without alternating.

Overuse threshold: more than twice daily does not clear pores faster — it adds unnecessary alkaline exposure to your acid mantle, which can trigger the exact compensatory oiliness described in the Over-Cleansing Cycle section above.

At a pea-to-marble amount (~1.5-2cm) twice daily, a 130g tube realistically lasts several months of consistent daily use — cleansers are generally the longest-lasting step in a routine since so little is needed per use.

Using significantly more than the recommended amount per wash does not improve results — it simply empties the tube faster while increasing the alkaline exposure discussed above.

Plan your reorder a couple of weeks before you expect the tube to run out, to allow for standard Mauritius shipping/processing time.

This cleanser is the very first step of both your AM and PM routines — its job is surface/pore debris removal, so everything after it exists to rebuild and protect what a soap-based cleanse temporarily disrupts.

If your skin feels tight immediately after rinsing: follow with Anua Rice 70 + Ceramide Glow Milky Toner before anything else — don't skip straight to a serum on tight skin.

If you're also using a leave-on AHA/BHA toner: alternate nights between this cleanser alone and this cleanser plus the acid toner, rather than combining both every night — see the Conflict Solver above.

If you want the Vitamin C benefit this cleanser only briefly touches: add ROHTO Melano CC Vitamin C Brightening Cream as your moisturizer, so the same active lane gets real leave-on contact time.

Starter bundle (all three verified active in our catalog): this cleanser (cleanse, AM+PM) + Anua Rice 70 + Ceramide Glow Milky Toner (rebalance) + Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ (AM protect).

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth. The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with this cleanser, not on margin or stock levels — if a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so, and if you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

If you want a lower-pH, gentler daily cleanser without the alkaline soap-chemistry trade-off, COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser (verified active in our catalog, community-measured around pH 5.1) targets general daily cleansing through a fundamentally different, gentler-by-design chemistry.

If pore congestion specifically is your main concern and you'd prefer a Korean low-pH formula over this Japanese soap-based one, SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Deep Cleansing Foam (verified active, 47 units in stock) targets the same clogged-pore concern via a different, low-pH mechanism. Two further verified-active options for the same pore-care goal: SKIN1004 Centella Tea-Trica BHA Foam and Anua Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam.

Choose the Melano CC Deep Clear Enzyme Face Wash over the SKIN1004 Poremizing Deep Cleansing Foam if you need: an enzymatic (protein-digesting) approach to pore debris rather than a purely surfactant/low-pH mechanism, and you don't mind an alkaline soap-based formula in exchange for that different mechanism.

Choose this cleanser if:

• If your congestion has persisted despite trying low-pH gel cleansers, then a genuinely different (enzymatic) mechanism is worth trying.
• If you're committed to following up with a toner every time, then the alkaline trade-off is easy to manage.
• If you specifically want the Melano CC Vitamin C lane and plan to add a leave-on Vitamin C step afterward, then this cleanser is a reasonable entry point into that same-brand lane.
• If you dislike loose-powder enzyme cleansers (mess, hard to dose), then this tube format solves that specific complaint while keeping the enzyme mechanism.
• If your skin is oily/resilient and tolerates soap-based bar cleansers or classic foaming washes fine, then the alkaline pH here is unlikely to be an issue for you specifically.
• If you live somewhere with soft or filtered water access, then the hard-water/soap interaction discussed in Climate Fit is less relevant to you than it would be for most Mauritius tap-water users.
• If you want a cleanser that pairs by design with the rest of the Melano CC line you're already using, then staying in one product family simplifies which actives you're tracking.

Timing and lane compatibility:

• AM or PM, or both — this is a cleansing step, not a treatment lane, so it has no AM/PM restriction the way a retinoid or Vitamin C serum does.
• It occupies the "Rinse/gentle cleanse" (AM) or "Water cleanser" (PM) position in the Routine Encyclopedia above — always first, before any leave-on step.
• Cross-reference the Conflict Solver above if you also run a leave-on AHA/BHA toner most nights, to avoid stacking two exfoliation-lane products daily.
• Apply to damp, not necessarily dry, skin — unlike a retinoid or acid, there's no "fully dry skin" requirement here.

Do not upgrade yet if:

• If your skin is currently dry, tight, or barrier-compromised, then start with the low-pH SKIN1004 or COSRX option instead — an alkaline formula is the wrong choice while your barrier is already struggling.
• If you're not willing to add a toner step afterward, then the tightness this formula can leave behind is more likely to bother you.
• If you have known fragrance or sulfite sensitivity, then a fragrance-free option is the safer starting point.
• If you're already using a leave-on AHA/BHA toner nightly and don't want to manage alternating schedules, then a non-exfoliating low-pH cleanser is the simpler pairing.

If you match two or more of the "choose this" points above and none of the "don't upgrade yet" points, this cleanser is worth choosing. Otherwise, the low-pH alternative is sufficient and gentler — consistency beats complexity.

This product's primary function is: enzymatic pore-debris cleansing. You do not need this if you already own another cleanser you're happy with and finishing — cleansers don't have a PAO shelf-life urgency the way active serums do, but there's still no reason to open a second one before the first runs out.

Stacking assessment: No Benefit if you already own another daily cleanser (same job, redundant); Marginal-to-Significant Benefit if your current cleanser is a low-pH gel and you specifically want to try the enzymatic mechanism for persistent congestion it hasn't resolved.

Rohto Mentholatum is a Japanese pharmaceutical and cosmetics manufacturer (founded 1899, headquartered in Osaka) — this product is sourced through Adilsons' authorized distribution and importation channels for Japanese beauty brands, separate from the Korean-distributor chain (Craver Co., Ltd) used for our Korean-brand catalog. All products are shipped to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

We do not yet have SKU-specific counterfeit markers (batch code format, tube seal details) verified for this exact product — rather than inventing plausible-sounding verification tips, we're directing you to the Authenticity page above, and to WhatsApp us directly if anything about your tube looks inconsistent with official Rohto packaging.

Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. was founded in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, and is best known globally for its eye drop lines alongside skincare sub-brands including Hada Labo, Skin Aqua, and Melano CC. Melano CC is Rohto Mentholatum's Vitamin-C-focused skincare line, distinct from the company's OTC pharmaceutical eye-care products.

We could not confirm from available sourcing whether Rohto manufactures this specific product in-house or through contract manufacturers, so we are not stating that as fact either way.

This research run's web-search tool returned repeated "unavailable" errors partway through, consistent with a shared research-tool quota being used up across multiple concurrent research tasks rather than a problem specific to this product. As a result, we were not able to complete a dedicated Reddit search or pull individually-attributable reviews with a platform and star rating for this exact product this run — we are saying so plainly rather than inventing quotes.

What an earlier, general search did surface (as aggregate sentiment from a search-summary, not individually-quotable reviews): users described skin looking more "evened out" and brighter after use, the face not feeling dry or stripped afterward despite the soap-based format, a positively-received citrus scent, and enough social-media (TikTok) attention that the product reportedly became hard to keep in stock at points. We are presenting these as directional themes, not verified individual testimonials.

We recommend treating this section as incomplete rather than conclusive, and revisiting it on a future research pass once search capacity is available again.

Sustainability: rinse the tube out before recycling per local Mauritian municipal guidelines; check whether your local recycling stream accepts the specific plastic type used, as this varies by region.

Is this a foaming gel or a cream cleanser? It's a thick white cream in the tube that foams into a lather once massaged with water — a soap-based cream-to-foam texture, not a pre-foaming gel.

Will the Vitamin C in this actually fade my dark spots? Realistically, no — with roughly 30-60 seconds of rinse-off contact time, treat the Vitamin C here as antioxidant support, not a brightening treatment; pair it with a leave-on Vitamin C serum or moisturizer for that job.

Is this fragrance-free? No. "Fragrance" appears in the declared INCI (described as citrus-scented); if you need fragrance-free, see Mindful Alternatives above.

Can I use this every day, both AM and PM? Yes, that's the brand's stated default use. If your skin feels tight or dry, drop to once daily (PM only) and always follow with a toner and moisturizer.

Is this safe during pregnancy? It did not trigger our pregnancy-safety gate — no retinoid, Salicylic Acid, hydroquinone, or chemical UV filter in the declared INCI — but always confirm with your own doctor.

Protease

An enzyme that digests protein bonds — here, used to break down protein-based debris trapped in and around pores.

Saponified

Fatty acids chemically converted into soap through reaction with an alkali (here, Potassium Hydroxide) — the basis of classic soap chemistry.

Kaolin

A mineral clay used in cosmetics for its absorbent, debris-binding properties.

3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid

A more stable, longer-shelf-life derivative of Vitamin C than pure L-ascorbic acid.

Acid mantle

The skin's naturally slightly acidic surface layer (pH ~4.5-5.5) that helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

PIH

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — brown marks left behind after skin inflammation or irritation heals.

Fairy dusting

When a marketed "hero" ingredient is included at such a low concentration it likely has little to no functional effect, present mainly for the ingredient-list marketing value.

PAO

Period-After-Opening — the shelf life once a product's seal is broken, usually printed as a small jar icon with a number of months.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: someone with normal-to-oily, congestion-prone skin who wants to try an enzyme-based pore cleanser and is willing to follow it with a toner to offset the alkaline soap-base chemistry.

Key benefits: a genuinely different mechanism (enzymatic protein digestion) than most low-pH cleansers on the market; tube format avoids loose-powder mess; includes real Vitamin C antioxidant content even at brief contact time.

Keep in mind: this is an alkaline, soap-based formula (not the low-pH style common in most Korean cleansers), it contains fragrance, and its Vitamin C content will not meaningfully fade dark spots — pair with a leave-on Vitamin C step if that's your goal.

Assessment: Consult Oncologist. This product is not fragrance-free and is not a minimal-preservative formula (it contains Fragrance and an alkaline soap base), both of which can be more irritating on treatment-sensitized skin than a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser would be.

Consult your oncology care team before introducing any new skincare products during treatment.

Antioxidant support: Ascorbic Acid and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid are real antioxidants present in the declared INCI — even at brief cleanser contact time, this is a genuine (if modest) contribution to your overall antioxidant routine, best thought of as a bonus rather than a primary defense step.

Hard water interaction: as a soap-based (saponified fatty acid) formula, this cleanser is more prone than a low-pH gel cleanser to forming calcium-stearate film with Mauritius's harder regional tap water — a pH-balancing toner afterward measurably helps offset the tight, residue-left feeling this can produce.