Tolerability and efficacy of a novel formulation in the treatment of melasma

Background: Topical agents containing mixtures of hydroquinone and glycolic acid often cause irritation in patients with melasma. Objective: The authors assessed the safety and efficacy of a new cream containing hydroquinone (HQ), glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid for epidermal melasma. Methods: Fifteen Latin American women with bilateral epidermal melasma underwent twice-daily full face application with the study cream for 12 weeks. A moisturizer was added if irritation developed. Results: Mexameter data revealed that 14 of 15 patients (93%) improved, and there was a significant decrease in MASI (melasma area and severity index) scores of 64% over the course of the study. Fifty-three percent of the patients required a moisturizer after eight weeks of treatment. The majority of adverse events were mild. Patient and physician global evaluation showed moderate, obvious or very marked improvement in all patients. Limitations: Open, uncontrolled trial in a small number of patients. Conclusion: A cream containing hydroquinone, glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid demonstrates improvement in patients with melasma.