The Efficacy of Topical Cosmetic…domized Pilot Study.

🔬 Peer-reviewed
The Efficacy of Topical Cosmetic Containing Alpha-Arbutin 5% and Kojic Acid 2% Compared With Triple Combination Cream for the Treatment of Melasma: A Split-Face, Evaluator-Blinded Randomized Pilot Study.
Pimpa Tantanasrigul, Apinya Sripha, Bunchai Chongmelaxme
Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025
Findings

Alpha-arbutin 5% + kojic acid 2% worked just as well as the gold-standard triple combination cream (TCC) for treating melasma over 12 weeks, with one major advantage: it had significantly less recurrence after stopping treatment and caused fewer side effects like redness and stinging.

Design
Randomized Controlled Trial
Sample
n=30
Evidence
Strong
Journal
Journal of cosmetic dermatology
Ingredients studied