RCT
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
RCTJournal of cosmetic dermatology2025n=30
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Research Facts
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
RCT · Strong · 2025 · Journal of cosmetic dermatology · n=30
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: RCT
Sample: n=30
Evidence: Strong
Journal: Journal of cosmetic dermatology
Methodology

Researchers tested both treatments on different sides of 30 people's faces for 12 weeks, then tracked whether melasma returned after they stopped. They measured darkness levels, severity scores, and how doctors rated the results.

Funded By

Funding not disclosed in abstract