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 for fading melasma over 12 weeks. The real win: the alpha-arbutin combo had less melasma come back 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

Alpha-Arbutin →