1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Melixir
Mandarin Vitamin C5 Dark Spot Serum
face serum
Melixir
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testBrighten and even out your complexion with the Melixir Mandarin Vitamin C5 Dark Spot Serum, a potent yet lightweight vitamin ampoule enriched with 5% pure Vitamin C, 2% Vitamin C derivatives, and a patented brightening complex. This glow-boosting formula targets dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines while enhancing overall skin clarity and texture. Infused with Korean mandarin extract, it calms irritation and rejuvenates dull skin for a refreshed, radiant look. Ideal for those experiencing dryness, dullness, or uneven tone, this serum absorbs quickly without stickiness—making it the perfect daily essential for luminous, revitalized skin.
Mandarin Vitamin C5 Dark Spot Serum is a lightweight serum from Melixir. The formula is built mainly around hydration. The ingredient list runs to 44 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. The oils in it point to a dewy, emollient finish rather than a matte one. Hydration is handled by Propanediol, Glycerin and Methylpropanediol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: High. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Propanediol, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol and Butylene Glycol.
Antioxidant support: Moderate. Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution, and here that comes from Ascorbic Acid, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Tocopherol and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.
Brightening: Moderate. Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks, and here that comes from Ascorbic Acid, 3-o-ethyl Ascorbic Acid, Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract and Tocopherol.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. A few ingredients carry irritation flags, so reactive skin should patch test before using it on the whole face.
The formula contributes little or nothing on barrier support, oil control, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free, microplastic-free, sulfate-free and dye-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging. It does contain fragrance and essential oils, worth knowing if your skin reacts to any of them.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
A few ingredients here carry irritation flags. Reactive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before using it on the whole face.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Fades hyperpigmentation and evens out dark spots over time
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Ascorbic acid
6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the organic compound.
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract is an extract of the Alga, Chlorella vulgaris, Oocystaceae
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glucose
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract is an extract of the Broccoli plant, Brassica oleracea L. Italica, Brassicaceae
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Fructooligosaccharides are oligosaccharides produced enzymatically from sugar beets and consist chiefly of kestose, nystose and fructosyl nystose
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Fructose
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Limonene
Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 44 ingredients on the label.
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Dissolves and carries everything else
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Forms a film that slows water loss
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Changes how the product smells or looks
Calms visible redness and irritation
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
1,1'-Oxydipropan-2-ol; Oxydipropan-2-ol; Hydroxypropyloxypropanol
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Ascorbic acid
5th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is the organic compound.
7th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethanol; Carbitol; Diethylene glycol monoethyl ether; DEGEE
8th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
9th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2-Methyl-1,3-propanediol
10th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
11th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract is an extract of the Alga, Chlorella vulgaris, Oocystaceae
12th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glucose
13th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Chondrus Crispus Extract is an extract of the carrageenan, Chondrus crispus, Gigartinaceae
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, dodecanoates (1:1) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Brassica Oleracea Italica Extract is an extract of the Broccoli plant, Brassica oleracea L. Italica, Brassicaceae
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Fructooligosaccharides are oligosaccharides produced enzymatically from sugar beets and consist chiefly of kestose, nystose and fructosyl nystose
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Fructose
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Saccharum Officinarum Extract is an extract of the sugar cane, Saccharum officinarum L., Poaceae
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is an extract of the rhizomes of the Turmeric, Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ananas Sativus Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the pineapple, Ananas sativus, Bromeliaceae
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
4-G-alpha-D-glucopyranosylrutin
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cellulose, carboxymethyl ether, sodium salt
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1-Methyl-4-Isopropenylcyclohexene; dipentene
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Myo-Inositol, hexakis(dihydrogen phosphate), sodium salt
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil is the psoralen-free volatile oil obtained from the fruit of Citrus aurantium L. var. bergamia, Rutaceae; Oils, bergamot; bergamot oil bergaptene free
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Sinensis Oil,Orange Oil,Orange oil terpeneless (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) (RIFM),Orange peel oil, sweet (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) (RIFM),Orange Yu (JPN)
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil is the essential oil obtained from the flowering tops and leaves of the Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., Lamiaceae
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the flowers of the Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, Labiatae. ISO 8902:2009
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the fresh leaves of the Eucaluptus, Eucalyptus globulus and other species of Eucalyptus, Myrtaceae. Syn. Yuukari Yu (Japanese)
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Tangerina Peel Oil is the volatile oil expressed from the peel of the ripe fruit the Tangerina, Citrus Tangerina, Rutaceae
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil is the volatile oil expressed from the peel of the Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, Rutaceae
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Tea, Camellia sinensis, Theaceae
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract is an extract of the peel of the Mandarin orange, Satsuma, Citrus unshiu, Rutaceae
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Leaf/Stem Extract is an extract of the leaves and the stems from Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, Cucurbitaceae
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Oryza Sativa Extract is an extract of the grains of the Rice, Oryza sativa L., Poaceae
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,2-Dihydroxypentane
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the whole plant, Citrus aurantium dulcis
41st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Bambusa Vulgaris Water is an aqueous solution of the stem of distillate obtained from the Bamboo, Bambusa vulgaris, Poaceaea
42nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ganoderma Lucidum Extract is an extract of the caps and stalks of the Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum, Polyporaceae
43rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lactobacillus Ferment is the product obtained from the fermentation of Lactobacillus.
44th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Centella Asiatica Extract is the extract of the whole plant Hydrocotyl, Centella asiatica L., Apiaceae
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Abib
Shares 9 key ingredients with Mandarin Vitamin C5 Dark Spot Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glucose, Fructooligosaccharides
Numbuzin
Shares 8 key ingredients with Mandarin Vitamin C5 Dark Spot Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Dr.Althea
Shares 8 key ingredients with Mandarin Vitamin C5 Dark Spot Serum: Butylene Glycol, Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Propanediol
Dr. Althea
Shares 8 key ingredients with Mandarin Vitamin C5 Dark Spot Serum: Butylene Glycol, Water, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin, Propanediol
Medicube
Shares 7 key ingredients with Mandarin Vitamin C5 Dark Spot Serum: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Glucose
Arencia
Shares 7 key ingredients with Mandarin Vitamin C5 Dark Spot Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol
WATER, PROPANEDIOL, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, ASCORBIC ACID, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID, ETHOXYDIGLYCOL, GLYCERIN, METHYLPROPANEDIOL, TROMETHAMINE, CHLORELLA VULGARIS EXTRACT, GLUCOSE, CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT, POLYGLYCERYL-10 LAURATE, BRASSICA OLERACEA ITALICA EXTRACT, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, FRUCTOSE, SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM EXTRACT, CURCUMA LONGA ROOT EXTRACT, ANANAS SATIVUS FRUIT EXTRACT, GLUCOSYLRUTIN, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CELLULOSE GUM, LIMONENE, SODIUM PHYTATE, CITRUS AURANTIUM BERGAMIA FRUIT OIL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS PEEL OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS LEAF OIL, LAVANDULA ANGUSTIFOLIA OIL, EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL, CITRUS TANGERINA PEEL OIL, CITRUS PARADISI PEEL OIL, TOCOPHEROL, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, GYNOSTEMMA PENTAPHYLLUM LEAF/STEM EXTRACT, ORYZA SATIVA EXTRACT, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS OIL, BAMBUSA VULGARIS WATER, GANODERMA LUCIDUM EXTRACT, LACTOBACILLUS FERMENT, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT.
ASCORBIC ACID, 3-O-ETHYL ASCORBIC ACID, BRASSICA OLERACEA ITALICA EXTRACT.
Apply 1–3 drops to skin, avoiding the eye and mouth areas. Pat into skin until fully absorbed. Follow with sunscreen during the day.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
Some ingredients here carry irritation flags, so sensitive skin should patch test on the jawline for a few days before applying it to the whole face.
5 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Lactobacillus Ferment. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
Nothing in this formula is on the standard pregnancy-caution list. That is not medical clearance — check anything you use daily with your doctor or midwife.
No — it contains Limonene.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
Yes — it contains Limonene, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Peel Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide. Take more care combining it with Benzoyl peroxide, Retinoids (retinol, retinal), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid) — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 44 ingredients, of which 3 are recorded as actives.
Melixir.
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