HAKU Melanofocus IV 45g

About Product

SHISEIDO HAKU Melanofocus IV Medicated Brightening Serum 45g

Discover advanced Japanese dark spot prevention with SHISEIDO HAKU Melanofocus IV, a medicated brightening serum developed through more than two decades of SHISEIDO's pigmentation research.

Launched in February 2025, this advanced formula combines three approved active ingredients, including two brightening actives—Tranexamic Acid and 4MSK—to help suppress melanin production and prevent dark spots and freckles. A third active ingredient, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, helps prevent skin irritation.

Designed for those seeking serious dark spot prevention, HAKU Melanofocus IV features a smooth, melting texture that blends effortlessly into the skin, leaving it feeling moisturised and comfortable.

Part of Japan's leading HAKU brightening serum range, Melanofocus IV brings together the brand's evolving skincare research in one sophisticated daily treatment.

Key Benefits

• Medicated Japanese brightening serum for dark spot prevention

• Contains three approved active ingredients

• Tranexamic Acid helps suppress melanin production

• 4MSK helps prevent dark spots and freckles

• Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate helps prevent skin irritation

• Developed using SHISEIDO's advanced pigmentation research

• Helps maintain a clear, radiant-looking complexion

• Smooth, melting texture that blends comfortably into the skin

• Provides moisturising care alongside medicated brightening benefits

• Suitable for incorporating into a daily dark spot prevention routine

• Part of HAKU's award-winning Melanofocus serum series

Three Active Ingredients for Advanced Dark Spot Prevention

HAKU Melanofocus IV features a combination of three Japanese quasi-drug active ingredients, addressing both melanin production and skin irritation.

1. Tranexamic Acid (m-Tranexamic Acid)

Tranexamic Acid is an approved Japanese brightening active ingredient used to help suppress melanin production and prevent the formation of dark spots and freckles.

In HAKU Melanofocus IV, it forms part of the serum's dual-active brightening approach.

2. 4MSK (Potassium 4-Methoxysalicylate)

4MSK is another approved Japanese brightening active developed by SHISEIDO.

It helps suppress melanin production, contributing to the prevention of dark spots and freckles.

By combining Tranexamic Acid and 4MSK, HAKU Melanofocus IV incorporates two complementary medicated brightening ingredients into a single formula.

3. Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate is included as an active ingredient to help prevent skin irritation.

Its presence complements the brightening ingredients by supporting the prevention of skin roughness and irritation.

Together, these three actives form the foundation of HAKU Melanofocus IV's medicated skincare approach.

Developed Through Over 20 Years of SHISEIDO Research

The HAKU Melanofocus series began in 2005 and has continued to evolve alongside SHISEIDO's research into pigmentation and dark spot prevention.

Melanofocus IV represents the brand's latest generation of medicated brightening care, incorporating research developed since the original Melanofocus serum.

Rather than focusing only on existing visible pigmentation, HAKU emphasises preventative skincare, helping reduce the formation of new dark spots and freckles by suppressing melanin production.

This makes the serum particularly relevant for those who want to establish a consistent, long-term brightening skincare routine.

The product's approved brightening benefits concern melanin suppression and dark spot prevention. It should not be understood as a treatment that removes existing pigmentation or changes the skin's natural colour.

SHISEIDO's Advanced Pigmentation Research

HAKU's product development draws on SHISEIDO's continuing research into the biological processes associated with pigmentation.

One highlighted area of research involves analysing the energy-production state of living skin cells in real time.

Using a specialised evaluation method involving Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM), SHISEIDO researchers investigated cellular metabolism in pigmented areas of the epidermis.

The research identified reduced cellular energy-production activity in the studied pigmented areas.

SHISEIDO describes this evaluation method as a world-first application, based on a Clarivate assessment dated September 2024. The related research was also recognised at an International Federation of Societies of Cosmetic Chemists (IFSCC) scientific event.

These findings provide background to SHISEIDO's broader pigmentation research. They should not be interpreted as clinical proof that Melanofocus IV restores cellular energy production or removes established dark spots.

Smooth, Melting Serum Texture

HAKU Melanofocus IV is designed to melt smoothly into the skin, making it comfortable to incorporate into an everyday skincare routine.

Its refined texture spreads easily across the complexion while providing moisturising care.

The serum is particularly appealing for those who prefer a brightening treatment that feels comfortable on the skin rather than heavy or overly rich.

With regular use, it supports an ongoing preventative approach to pigmentation concerns while helping maintain a moisturised, radiant-looking appearance.

An Award-Winning Japanese Brightening Serum Series

HAKU has established a strong reputation in Japan's brightening skincare category since the original Melanofocus launched in 2005.

According to Intage SRI and SRI+ retail sales data, HAKU ranked No. 1 in Japan's brightening serum market by sales value for 21 consecutive years, covering January 2005 to December 2025.

The Melanofocus series has also received 174 beauty awards since March 2005, according to SHISEIDO's published brand information.

Among its recent recognitions, HAKU Melanofocus IV received first place in the VOCE Best Cosme 2025 Autumn/Winter Readers' Choice category for dark spot and dullness concerns.

These achievements reflect the brand's longstanding presence in Japanese beauty and its popularity among consumers and beauty publications.

Who Is It For?

HAKU Melanofocus IV may be particularly appealing to those who:

• Want to prioritise prevention of new dark spots and freckles

• Are concerned about uneven-looking pigmentation

• Prefer skincare with approved medicated active ingredients

• Want a brightening serum supported by SHISEIDO's research

• Are looking for a moisturising serum that blends smoothly into the skin

• Want to maintain a clearer, more radiant-looking complexion

• Prefer a preventative approach to long-term pigmentation care

HAKU also presents the serum as an option for people considering dark spot prevention after cosmetic laser procedures. However, suitability immediately after treatment is not established by the supplied product information. Follow your dermatologist's instructions before introducing active skincare after a procedure.

How to Use

Incorporate HAKU Melanofocus IV into your regular facial skincare routine.

1. Cleanse your face and apply your usual lotion or toner.

2. Dispense an appropriate amount of serum.

3. Gently spread across the face, paying attention to areas of pigmentation concern.

4. Allow the serum to settle before continuing with your moisturiser.

5. During the day, finish your skincare routine with broad-spectrum sunscreen.

The supplied information references an official application video but does not specify the exact dosage or application sequence in text. The steps above are general serum-use guidance rather than a verified transcription of HAKU's official directions.

For effective dark spot prevention, daily sun protection remains an important part of skincare.

Product Details

• Brand: SHISEIDO HAKU

• Product Name: Melanofocus IV

• Japanese Name: HAKU メラノフォーカス IV

• Category: Medicated Brightening Serum

• Classification: Japanese Quasi-Drug (医薬部外品)

• Net Weight: 45g

• Release Date: February 2025

• Brightening Active 1: Tranexamic Acid (m-Tranexamic Acid)

• Brightening Active 2: 4MSK (Potassium 4-Methoxysalicylate)

• Anti-Irritation Active: Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate

• Primary Benefit: Helps suppress melanin production to prevent dark spots and freckles

• Additional Benefit: Helps prevent skin irritation

• Texture: Smooth, Melting Serum

• Skincare Focus: Dark Spot Prevention & Moisturising Care

People Also Ask

What does HAKU Melanofocus IV do?

HAKU Melanofocus IV is a medicated brightening serum that helps suppress melanin production to prevent dark spots and freckles. It also contains an active ingredient that helps prevent skin irritation.

What are the active ingredients in HAKU Melanofocus IV?

The serum contains three approved active ingredients: Tranexamic Acid, 4MSK and Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate. The first two target melanin production, while the third helps prevent skin irritation.

Can HAKU Melanofocus IV remove existing dark spots?

Its approved brightening benefit is to help prevent dark spots and freckles by suppressing melanin production. It is not a medical treatment for removing existing pigmentation.

What is the difference between HAKU Melanofocus IV and previous Melanofocus serums?

Melanofocus IV is the February 2025 generation of HAKU's long-running brightening serum series. It incorporates the brand's evolving pigmentation research and features three medicated active ingredients. A precise formula-by-formula comparison would require the ingredient information for earlier versions.

Is HAKU Melanofocus IV suitable for daily use?

It is positioned as a regular brightening skincare treatment. Follow the directions on the product packaging and use appropriate sunscreen during the day.