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Dr. Melaxin skincare routine builder for all skin types and concerns – from wrinkles to eye bags and redness
The best Dr Melaxin products for enlarged pores, dark spots, eye bags, sagging skin and dull, dehydrated skin
In this article
Best for pores:Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule
Best for pigmentation:Dr Melaxin TX-Cream
Best for eye bags:Dr Melaxin Eyephalt Eyebag Cream
Best for firmness:Dr Melaxin Cemenrete Cyano Pink Spicule Serum
Best for glow:Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Toner
Dr Melaxin is one of the more clinically minded Korean skincare brands to land in UK pharmacies, and between Boots and Amazon you can now get hold of most of its range
It’s not a full cleanse-to-SPF system in the way bigger K-beauty ranges are. There’s no sunscreen, and only one cleanser in the range we’ve been able to e you already have, for the specific concerns it’s built to treat
That focus is the appeal. Each line centres on a patented active – Rebornic calcium, TranEX-1, the Cactox Elixir – rather than a broad ingredient list, and the brand backs each one with a clear mechanism rather than a vague promise
This guide maps the current range to five concerns – enlarged pores and texture, dark spots and pigmentation, eye bags and puffiness, sagging and loss of firmness, and dullness or dehydration – so you can find the products that are actually relevant to you
Dr Melaxin is a South Korean dermocosmetics brand whose name combines “medicine” and “vaccine” – a nod to its stated approach of treating the root cause of a skin concern rather than covering it up
The brand’s UK-available range centres on four patented technologies: Rebornic, a calcium complex used across the Cemenrete line to support collagen and elastin density; TranEX-1 and tranexamic acid, used in the TX line to target melasma and hyperpigmentation; the Cactox Elixir, a cactus-derived complex used for pore refinement and cooling; and Pentavitin-based rice fermentation, used in the Peel Shot line for gentle exfoliation and brightening.
What sets Dr Melaxin apart from wider K-beauty ranges is how narrow that focus stays. There’s no daily moisturiser or SPF among the products we’ve em-solving treatments layered into an existing routine rather than a full system on its own
If you’re exploring other K-beauty brands alongside Dr Melaxin, we’ve put together routine builders and buying guides for a number of other ranges stocked in the UK:
FURTHER READING: Medicube skincare UK routine builder | COSRX skincare UK routine builder | ANUA skincare UK routine builder | The best Korean skincare brands in the UK
Jump straight to each section using the links below:
In this article
In this article
Gentle exfoliation:Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating White Rice Ampoule
Deeper exfoliation and blackheads:Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule
Daily pore prep:Dr Melaxin Cactox Cactus Essence Pore Relief Toner
Instant cooling finish:Dr Melaxin Cactox Pore Relief Multi Balm
Pores stretch and become visible when they’re congested with sebum and dead skin, or when the surrounding skin loses the elasticity that keeps them looking tight
Dr Melaxin’s approach here splits into two jobs: the Peel Shot ampoules do the exfoliating work that clears existing congestion, while the Cactox line manages the heat and sebum that causes pores to stretch in the first place
Below are the best Dr Melaxin products for enlarged pores and texture
This is the gentler of the two Peel Shot ampoules, built around fermented rice water and the brand’s PENTA-RICE complex rather than stronger acids alone
AHA and PHA peeling agents dissolve dead skin cells and accelerate cell turnover, while ceramides and a liposome moisture base keep the formula from stripping the barrier in the process
Niacinamide and rice bran water work alongside the exfoliation to even out tone at the same time as refining texture
It’s the better starting point if your main concern is rough texture and dullness rather than active blackheads, which is what the black rice version below is built for
How to use: Use one to three times a week depending on skin condition. After cleansing, pat skin dry and apply to the face, avoiding eyes and lips. Massage gently, rinse with lukewarm water, then follow with toner and moisturiser
Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating White Rice Ampoule 80ml
£18.90
Where the white rice ampoule focuses on tone and texture, this black rice version is built for blackheads and visible congestion, and it’s by far the strongest performer of the two on customer reviews
Black rice extract brings additional antioxidants to the same PENTA-RICE and AHA/PHA base, and the formula is designed to clear blackheads and smooth rough texture in a single use rather than requiring weeks of consistent use to see a difference
Niacinamide continues to work on tone throughout
Reach for this one over the white rice version if congestion and blackheads are the main issue rather than general dullness
How to use: Use one to three times a week depending on skin condition. After cleansing, pat skin dry and apply to the face, avoiding eyes and lips. Massage to exfoliate, rinse thoroughly, then follow with toner and moisturiser
Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliating Black Rice Ampoule 80ml
£18.90
This toner is the daily-use prep step in the pore care line, designed to go on straight after cleansing rather than as an occasional treatment
The Cactox Elixir and PHA work together to refine pores affected by excess sebum, while hyaluronic acid and panthenol replenish inner hydration through the brand’s triple-patented liposome delivery technology
It’s a lighter-touch, everyday step rather than a strong exfoliant
Because it’s gentle enough for daily use, it’s the product that keeps the results of the weekly Peel Shot ampoules maintained in between uses
How to use: Use as the first step after cleansing. Apply to a cotton pad and sweep across skin, or press directly into skin with the hands
Dr Melaxin Cactox Cactus Essence Pore Relief Toner 150ml
£16.40
Pores loosen and become more visible when skin is warm, which is exactly what this balm is built to counter
The patented COOLIF ingredient activates cold-sensing receptors in the skin for an instant cooling effect on contact, while Pomeg-Pore B, a patented pomegranate flower extract, controls sebum and tightens pores as the skin cools. The Cactox Elixir adds hydration so the formula doesn’t leave skin feeling tight
It’s designed as a finishing step rather than a treatment, so it sits at the end of the routine on areas prone to visible pores and puffiness
How to use: Apply as the last step of the routine to areas prone to puffiness and visible pores. Close the inner cap after each use and store away from heat
Dr Melaxin Cactox Pore Relief Multi Balm 25g
£17.90
In this article
Cleanse:Dr Melaxin TX Tranexamic Acid Serum Cleanser
Weekly exfoliating treatment:Dr Melaxin Kojic Acid Dark Spot Corrector Peeling Ampoule
Daily brightening cream:Dr Melaxin TX-Cream
Intensive overnight treatment:Dr Melaxin TX-A Overnight Wrapping Mask
This is the deepest section in the range, and the one place where Dr Melaxin comes close to a full routine
All four products lean on tranexamic acid or kojic acid, ingredients used specifically to interrupt the process that causes melasma and recurring dark spots rather than just fading existing ones
They work at different intensities too
The cleanser and TX-Cream are daily steps, while the kojic acid ampoule and the overnight mask are more concentrated weekly treatments for stubborn or established pigmentation
Below are the best Dr Melaxin products for dark spots and pigmentation. As with any pigmentation-focused routine, daily SPF from elsewhere in your skincare is essential for these products to work as intended
This is the only cleanser we’ve found in the Dr Melaxin range, and it earns its place at the start of the pigmentation line rather than being an afterthought
It uses an oil-to-foam texture, which dissolves makeup and sebum with the oil stage and then rinses cleanly with the foam stage, so you get a proper double cleanse in one product rather than needing two separate steps
Tranexamic acid is present from this first stage of the routine, working on tone before any of the treatment steps that follow
Because it’s a gentle formula built for sensitive skin, it’s suitable as a daily first step even if you’re also using the exfoliating ampoule below in the same week
How to use: Massage onto dry skin to dissolve makeup and impurities, then add a little water and continue massaging until it turns to a foam. Rinse thoroughly. Use as the first step of your evening cleanse
Dr Melaxin TX Tranexamic Acid Serum Cleanser 100ml
£16.89
This is a third member of the Peel Shot ampoule family, alongside the white rice and black rice versions in the pores section, but this one is built specifically for pigmentation rather than congestion
It works in two stages: an AHA and BHA blend clears away dead skin and excess sebum first, then kojic acid and turmeric target melanin at its
Niacinamide and rice extract round out the formula, balancing and hydrating skin that’s just been exfoliated
As with the other Peel Shot ampoules, this is a weekly treatment rather than a daily step
How to use: Use one to three times a week. After cleansing, pat skin dry and apply, avoiding eyes and lips. Massage to exfoliate, rinse with lukewarm water, then follow with toner and moisturiser
Dr Melaxin Kojic Acid Dark Spot Corrector Peeling Ampoule 80ml
£18.90
This is the everyday treatment step in the pigmentation line, formulated to be worn morning and night rather than as an occasional treatment
Tranexamic acid targets pigmentation directly by reducing melanin formation, while the brand’s patented TX-Peptide complex is designed to work alongside it for a stronger combined effect on skin tone
Niacinamide supports the brightening work and reinforces the skin barrier at the same time, and a nano liposome delivery system is used to help the actives penetrate more effectively
You may notice a faint white powder form around the opening after air exposure. This is a normal reaction to the formula and doesn’t affect how the product performs
How to use: Use twice a day, morning and night, after toner and serum. Apply a small amount to pigmented areas or the whole face and pat until absorbed. Always follow with SPF during the day
Dr Melaxin TX-Cream 50ml
£18.90
This is the most intensive product in the pigmentation line, designed to be left on overnight rather than absorbed as a normal step in the routine
Alongside tranexamic acid, the formula adds astaxanthin, an antioxidant used here to reduce the oxidative stress that can make pigmentation worse over time, and niacinamide, which inhibits the transfer of melanin to the skin’s surface
Together, they’re aimed at recurring melasma and hyperpigmentation rather than a single stubborn mark
Because it’s designed to dry down and sit overnight, it works well as a weekly addition to the daily TX-Cream rather than a replacement for it
How to use: After cleansing, apply generously, avoiding the eye and lip areas. Leave to dry for 20 minutes, then leave on overnight. Remove and rinse with lukewarm water the next morning
Dr Melaxin TX-A Overnight Wrapping Mask 80ml
£16.90
In this article
- Dr Melaxin Eyephalt Eyebag Cream
- Dr Melaxin Cemenrete Calcium Dark Spot Correcting Eye Cream
- Dr Melaxin Calcium Volume Eye Patches
Daily eye bag treatment:Dr Melaxin Eyephalt Eyebag Cream
Daily firming eye cream:Dr Melaxin Cemenrete Calcium Dark Spot Correcting Eye Cream
Targeted patch treatment:Dr Melaxin Calcium Volume Eye Patches
Eye care is arguably where Dr Melaxin’s clinical positioning stands out most, and it’s also the best-reviewed part of the range
The three products here split into two approaches: brightening the pigmentation that makes eye bags look darker, and rebuilding the calcium-supported structure that gives way to volume loss
The Eyephalt cream and the Cemenrete eye cream are both daily steps that can be used on alternate days or layered
The eye patches work as a more concentrated, occasional treatment for when volume loss or puffiness needs extra attention
Below are the best Dr Melaxin products for eye bags, puffiness and dark circles
Under-eye bags are usually a combination of pigmentation, fluid retention and volume loss, which is why single-ingredient eye creams often fall short
This one addresses several of those causes at once, and it’s the most reviewed product in the entire range
TranEX-1 and arbutin work on the pigmentation side, lightening the shadows that make eye bags look darker, while glutathione adds further antioxidant brightening
A five-ceramide complex reinforces the barrier in an area of skin that’s naturally thinner and more prone to moisture loss, and the formula contains bio-spicules, designed to boost how effectively the other actives absorb
The tube is small and the recommended amount per use is tiny, which reflects how concentrated the formula is rather than poor value
How to use: Use once daily, preferably at night, after toner and basic skincare. Apply a very small amount to the spatula and use three to four light strokes over the eye bag area only, avoiding the eyelid. Tap gently to absorb
Dr Melaxin Eyephalt Eyebag Cream 10ml
£23.60
Where the Eyephalt cream above leans on pigmentation-brightening actives, this one takes the calcium route, using the same Rebornic technology found in the brand’s firming products but reformulated for the delicate under-eye bone structure
Rebornic, enriched with vitamin D, is designed to optimise the absorption of ionised calcium, supporting the retention of collagen and elastin around the eye
Adenosine works alongside it to visibly reduce fine lines, particularly on drier skin, while hyaluronic acid and niacinamide restore moisture and balance tone
It’s a good pick if firmness and fine lines are more of a concern for you than pigmentation specifically, or as a second daily step alongside the Eyephalt cream if you want to address both
How to use: Apply to the under-eye area and other fine-line-prone zones, morning and evening. For a more concentrated version of the same calcium technology, pair with the Cactox Pore Relief Multi Balm or the eye patches below
Dr Melaxin Cemenrete Calcium Dark Spot Correcting Eye Cream
£19.00
These hydrogel patches are built specifically for the loss of structural volume that causes under-eye hollows, forehead lines and nasolabial folds to look more pronounced
Calcium is the core active, working to support the collagen and elastin matrix in the dermal layer
The brand’s positioning here is that collagen alone can’t hold its structure without adequate calcium to support it, which is the reasoning behind building a dedicated calcium-focused treatment rather than relying on collagen or peptides in isolation
The patches aren’t limited to the under-eye area. They can be used on crow’s feet, nasolabial folds or cheeks wherever volume loss is the concern
How to use: After cleansing, use a toner to prepare the skin. Use a spatula to lift a patch and apply to the target area. Remove after 20 to 30 minutes and pat gently to help the remaining serum absorb
Dr Melaxin Calcium Volume Eye Patches 60s
£19.00
In this article
- Dr Melaxin Cemenrete Cyano Pink Spicule Serum
- Dr Melaxin Calcium Volume Multi Balm
Full-face treatment:Dr Melaxin Cemenrete Cyano Pink Spicule Serum
Targeted touch-up stick:Dr Melaxin Calcium Volume Multi Balm
Both products in this section are built around Rebornic, Dr Melaxin’s patented calcium complex, which the brand positions as the missing piece in most firming routines
The reasoning is that collagen and elastin need calcium to maintain their structure in the dermal layer, so replenishing collagen alone without addressing calcium levels may not deliver lasting results
The serum treats the whole face, while the balm is designed for quick, targeted use on specific fine lines
Below are the best Dr Melaxin products for sagging and loss of firmness
This serum is built around the brand’s Pink Spicule technology, a combination of vitamin B12 and hyaluronic acid spicules designed to lift, hydrate and rejuvenate sagging skin
Vitamin B12 supports cell regeneration and skin repair, while the spicules themselves are designed to boost how effectively the rest of the formula absorbs and to stimulate collagen production as the skin recovers
Rebornic, the patented calcium complex, works alongside both to support the underlying structure that keeps skin looking firm
A slight stinging sensation on application is expected and comes from the hyaluronic spicules rather than irritation
How to use: After cleansing and toner, apply a few pumps to the entire face. Massage in and pat gently to absorb, then follow with a hydrating cream. Do not use on damaged or broken skin
Dr Melaxin Cemenrete Cyano Pink Spicule Serum 30ml
£17.90
This stick format takes the same Rebornic calcium technology as the Cemenrete Cyano Pink Spicule Serum above and puts it into a portable, targeted format for fine lines and specific problem areas. I
t’s also by a wide margin the best-selling product in the whole range
Ionized calcium is used here to improve firmness and elasticity in more delicate areas such as around the eyes, while a β-glucosidase enzyme derived from almond promotes healthy skin turnover and helps improve calcium absorption
Additional brightening agents work on tone and dullness in the same areas
The gentle, fast-absorbing formula and stick format make it easy to carry for touch-ups on tired or dry areas during the day, rather than something used only as part of a set morning or evening routine
How to use: Use one to two times daily. After your skincare routine, twist up a small amount and glide onto the under-eye area, smile lines or other areas with fine lines. Tap gently to absorb
Dr Melaxin Calcium Volume Multi Balm 9g
£16.00
In this article
- Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Toner
- Dr Melaxin Cactox Pore Relief Jelly Serum Mist
Daily hydrating toner:Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Toner
On-the-go refresh:Dr Melaxin Cactox Pore Relief Jelly Serum Mist
Dullness is usually less about a single missing ingredient and more about skin that isn’t holding onto moisture the way it should
Both products here work on hydration first, with brightening as a result rather than the sole aim
The Peel Shot toner is the step-in-a-routine option, applied after cleansing every day
While the Cactox mist is designed to be used any time skin needs an instant refresh, including over makeup
Below are the best Dr Melaxin products for dullness, hydration and glow
This milky toner takes a different approach to the rest of the Peel Shot line, focusing on hydration and barrier support rather than exfoliation
Fermented rice extract and rice bran water bring brightening and tone benefits, while ceramides reinforce the moisture barrier and rice amino acids support hydration and elasticity
A liposome oil helps the formula absorb more deeply than a typical watery toner
Because it’s gentle rather than active, it’s suitable for daily use both morning and night, and layers easily under the rest of a routine
How to use: Suitable for everyday use, day or night. After cleansing, pour onto palms or a cotton pad and press or pat into skin. Follow with serum and cream
Dr Melaxin Peel Shot Glow White Rice Toner 200ml
£16.90
This jelly-textured mist sits somewhere between a facial spray and a lightweight serum, designed to hydrate on contact rather than sit on the surface the way a standard mist does
The Cactox Elixir and BioDtox combine for a soothing, purifying effect, while Pomeg-Pore B, the same patented pore-care ingredient used in the Cactox Pore Relief Multi Balm, helps refine and smooth texture
Panthenol, nine-layer hyaluronic acid and peptides deliver more intensive hydration than a typical facial mist and support skin elasticity at the same time
Because it’s alcohol-free and gentle, it can be used over makeup to refresh skin that’s looking dry or flat partway through the day
How to use: After cleansing, spray evenly from 10 to 20cm away, covering the whole face. Spray closer for more intensive care. Can be used at any time, including over makeup
Dr Melaxin Cactox Pore Relief Jelly Serum Mist 80ml
£17.90
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