Description
What it is
The Picotonic Shot is the pigmentation ampoule of Dr. Melaxin’s Cemenrete calcium line. Its name is a nod to “pico toning”, a popular in-clinic laser treatment for pigmentation in Korea, but this is a cosmetic serum for home use, not a laser. The brand designed it to help skin look brighter and more even by targeting the look of dark spots, sun spots and post-blemish marks, while the calcium complex supports the skin barrier and moisture. The bottle holds 30 ml (1.01 fl oz) and is used at the serum step, after toner.
Key ingredients
- REBORNIC calcium complex (10,000 ppm): calcium gluconate, magnesium gluconate, sodium glycerophosphate and potassium magnesium aspartate. The signature of the Cemenrete line, which the brand links to barrier comfort, hydration and renewal.
- Melazero V2: a peptide ingredient the brand includes for the look of pigmentation and spots.
- Alpha-arbutin: a well-known brightening ingredient used for the look of dark spots and uneven tone.
- Niacinamide: vitamin B3, for a more even-looking tone and barrier support.
- Adenosine: a common Korean ingredient for the look of fine lines.
- Triple hyaluronic acid and trehalose: hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate with a sugar humectant, for lasting hydration.
- Collagen extract and hydrolyzed elastin: included for a firmer, smoother look.
- Boron nitride: a light-reflecting mineral powder that gives an immediate soft-glow finish.
Product details
| Brand | Dr. Melaxin (South Korea) |
|---|---|
| Line | Cemenrete (calcium) |
| Size | 30 ml / 1.01 fl oz |
| Format | Leave-on ampoule (serum) |
| Signature actives | REBORNIC calcium complex, Melazero V2, alpha-arbutin, niacinamide |
| Main concerns | Dark spots, sun spots, post-blemish marks, uneven-looking tone, dullness |
| Skin types | All skin types |
| When to use | Morning and night, after toner |
| Fragrance | Contains fragrance |
| Amazon ASIN | B0D9W1GKPG |
How to use
- Cleanse and apply toner.
- Take an appropriate amount of ampoule and spread it gently over the entire face.
- Pat lightly until absorbed. You can add a second thin layer on areas with visible spots.
- Follow with a moisturizer. The brand pairs it with its Cemenrete creams, such as the Calcium Intense Cream.
- Every morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen: without daily sun protection, no brightening serum can keep spots from coming back.
What to expect
- Right away: hydrated skin with a soft glow, thanks to the humectants and boron nitride.
- After several weeks: a gradually brighter, more even-looking tone with consistent twice-daily use and sunscreen.
- Deep or long-standing pigmentation: changes slowly; cosmetic serums soften the look of spots rather than erase them.
Who it suits
The Picotonic Shot suits people whose main concern is uneven-looking tone: sun spots, marks left after breakouts, or a dull, blotchy complexion. Its formula is hydrating rather than exfoliating, so it is an option for people who find acid-based brightening products too harsh. It also layers well with the Cyano Pink Spicule Serum on alternate nights if texture is also a concern.
Who should be careful
For external use only. Avoid the eye area and stop if irritation occurs. The formula contains added fragrance, spearmint extract and sweet almond fruit extract, which matters if you have a fragrance or plant-related skin allergy. Pigmentation has many causes, and melasma can be hormonal and persistent: if spots are changing, spreading or appeared suddenly, have them checked by a doctor or dermatologist. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should check any brightening product with a health professional first.
Patch test first. Apply a small amount to the inner forearm or behind the ear and wait 24 to 48 hours before using it on the face.
Full ingredient list
Water, Glycereth-26, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dipropylene Glycol, Propanediol, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Boron Nitride, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Trehalose, Carbomer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Glycereth-25 PCA Isostearate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Extract, Adenosine, Eriobotrya Japonica Leaf Extract, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Extract, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Fruit Extract, Fructan, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Tabebuia Impetiginosa Bark Extract, Alpha-Arbutin, Glucose, Sodium Glycerophosphate, Collagen Extract, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Potassium Magnesium Aspartate, Calcium Gluconate, Magnesium Gluconate, Caprylyl Glycol, Nicotinoyl Dipeptide-23.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Picotonic Shot a laser treatment in a bottle?
No. The name refers to pico toning, a clinic laser, but the ampoule is a cosmetic serum. It can support a brighter-looking tone at home; it does not replace a dermatologist’s treatment.
Can I use it with vitamin C or retinol?
Usually yes. Many people use vitamin C in the morning and retinol at night, with the Picotonic Shot before the moisturizer. If your skin is sensitive, introduce one new active at a time.
How is it different from TX Cream?
TX Cream is a moisturizer built around tranexamic acid. The Picotonic Shot is a lighter serum built around the calcium complex, alpha-arbutin and peptides. They can be used together: ampoule first, TX Cream on top.
When will I see a difference?
Hydration and glow are immediate. The look of spots changes slowly, usually over several weeks of regular use with daily sunscreen.
Learn more
See where an ampoule belongs in our Korean skincare routine for beginners, and compare brightening options in our best Korean skincare products in Canada guide.
Ingredient lists can change between batches and markets. Always check the box you receive. This page is an independent guide; melaxin.ca does not sell products directly.
