HAKU (Shiseido)
Shiseido HAKU Melanofocus IV
HAKU メラノフォーカスIV
skincare brightening serum
Japan's #1 brightening serum. 21 consecutive years as the top selling whitening serum in Japan. Contains 4MSK + m tranexamic acid (Shiseido patented combo). Medicated quasi drug targeting melanin production. @cosme Best Cosme 2025 winner with 174 cumulative awards. Latest generation (IV) of the Melanofocus line.
Key Ingredients
4MSK Tranexamic Acid
FAQ
Is this really Japan's number one brightening serum?
Yes. HAKU has been the top selling whitening serum in Japan for 21 consecutive years. The @cosme Best Cosme 2025 winner with 174 cumulative awards. These aren't marketing claims, they're verified sales rankings from Japanese beauty data.
What makes this different from budget tranexamic acid serums?
HAKU combines 4MSK (a Shiseido patented ingredient) with m tranexamic acid in a specific synergy formulation. It's also a medicated quasi drug, which means the brightening claims have regulatory approval in Japan. Budget tranexamic acid serums use the ingredient alone without the 4MSK combination.
Can you use this with vitamin C or other brightening products?
Yes. Tranexamic acid and 4MSK work through different mechanisms than vitamin C, so they can be layered. Many people use HAKU in the morning and vitamin C (like Melano CC) at night, or vice versa.
What does medicated quasi drug mean?
In Japan, medicated cosmetics (quasi drugs) sit between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. They contain active ingredients at concentrations proven effective and require government approval. HAKU's brightening claims aren't just marketing, they're backed by Japanese regulatory standards.
Where to Buy in the US
Available from 2 retailers
