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 about as well as the gold-standard triple cream for fading melasma over 12 weeks, with one key advantage: it caused less redness and stinging. More importantly, melasma was less likely to come back after stopping the alpha-arbutin formula compared to the triple cream.
Design
Randomized Controlled Trial
Sample
n=30
Evidence
Strong
Journal
Journal of cosmetic dermatology
Ingredients studied