Who is this for?

Perfect for:

  • Hyperpigmentation
  • Enlarged Pores
  • Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)

Helps with:

  • Post-Inflammatory Erythema (PIE)
  • Enlarged Pores
  • Uneven Skin Texture

Not great for:

  • Rosacea
  • Sensitive Skin

What makes it special?

When I’m looking for and trying out products for The Curatory I need to ensure that the formulation does what it says on the bottle and the company that makes it has studied not only the individual ingredients but the formulation itself. Mesoestetic do extensive testing in their lab near Barcelona and pile most of their profits into research and development - particularly with their pigmentation systems. 

Aside from the brand, melan tran3x concentrate is an incredibly powerful and versatile tool for helping to treat pigmentation including melasma as well as acne and associated post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). It’s easy to apply, easy to slot into a skincare routine, very well tolerated on the skin and although not important from a skincare perspective it smells amazing too.

— Dr Max Greenfield

Key ingredients

Niacinamide is a jack of all trades ingredient. Most of its evidence base is for improving pigmentation but also acts as an anti-oxidant ingredient helping to reduce redness and inflammation as well as supporting skin barrier function.

Tranexamic Acid is used in skincare to help reduce the appearance of pigmentation and dark spots. There is growing clinical evidence supporting its role in improving melasma and UV-induced pigmentation, particularly when used consistently and combined with other brightening ingredients. Most topical studies are relatively small, but results are promising and it is generally well tolerated compared with stronger pigment-targeting treatments. It works by helping to reduce the pathways that stimulate excess pigment production, making it a useful option for uneven or reactive skin.

Mandelic Acid is an alphahydroxy acid (AHA) which means that it’s an ingredient that acts as a keratolytic, or a chemical exfoliant. Unlike other AHAs, mandelic acid is a really large molecule. This means that it doesn’t penetrate quite as quickly or as deeply as other AHAs (like glycolic and citric acid). That makes it perfect for those with more sensitive skin types. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it’s also great at calming down the redness associated with acne or as an entry level AHA for those with more sensitive skin or rosacea.

Salicylic acid is a betahydroxy acid (BHA) that has a number of benefits, particularly for acne-prone skin. Its most well studied benefit is as a chemical exfoliant, particularly when with a lower pH. This increases how quickly skin cells turnover, bringing healthy skin cells to the surface. It’s also a hydrophobic or oil-loving molecule so helps to break down excess sebum and unclog the oxidised sebum trapped in pores (black heads). If that weren’t enough, salicylic acid is also anti-inflammatory and helps to calm redness associated with acne.

Kojic Acid is derived from certain fungi and works by inhibiting tyrosinase, the enzyme involved in melanin production. There is moderate clinical evidence supporting its ability to improve hyperpigmentation, particularly when used consistently and in combination with other pigment-regulating ingredients. However, it can be irritating for some skin types, especially at higher concentrations, and stability within formulations can be a challenge. It is most commonly used to help fade uneven pigmentation and support a more even-looking skin tone.

Aqua, Bis-PEG-12 Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Hydroxyethyl Urea, Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Lactic Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hydroxide, Kojic Acid, Plankton Extract, Bacillus Ferment, Acetyl Glycyl Beta-Alanine, Glycogen, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11, Aminoethylphosphinic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Pentylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer-2, Silica, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Metabisulfite, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum.

How to use

Cleanse your face and pat dry

Tone - optional step if you want to introduce additional actives into your routine

Vitamin C Serum - part of your core routine for its anti-oxidant benefits

mesoestetic® melan tran3x concentrate

Moisturise - only if you feel you need some extra hydration

Sun protection - SPF whatever the weather

Makeup (optional)

Application Instructions

As this is a water-based serum it’s very easy to slot into your routine in both the morning and the evening although to avoid sensitivity it’s worth starting just in the evening.

As it’s a thin product it should feature early in your skincare routine either after cleansing, or if you are using any toning products after toning. 5-6 drops should be enough to cover your face and neck. Massage gently into your skin and allow the concentrate to absorb before continuing with your routine. 

Once you’re using it daily for 3-4 weeks then you can step up to twice daily.

As always if you have any questions or would like to have a skin plan tailored to your individual needs then please do book a consultation.

Gently remove make up with a micellar water or oil/balm cleanser

Cleanse - this will be your second cleanse if wearing makeup 

Tone - optional step if you want to introduce additional actives into your routine

mesoestetic® melan tran3x concentrate

Retinoid - a retinoid should form part of your core routine

Moisturise 

Application Instructions

As this is a water-based serum it’s very easy to slot into your routine in both the morning and the evening although to avoid sensitivity it’s worth starting just in the evening.

As it’s a thin product it should feature early in your skincare routine either after cleansing, or if you are using any toning products after toning. 5-6 drops should be enough to cover your face and neck. Massage gently into your skin and allow the concentrate to absorb before continuing with your routine. 

Once you’re using it daily for 3-4 weeks then you can step up to twice daily.

As always if you have any questions or would like to have a skin plan tailored to your individual needs then please do book a consultation.