Efficacy and Tolerability of a Topical Pigment-Correcting Serum in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) are common disorders of hyperpigmentation of key aesthetic concern. This study assessed the efficacy and tolerability of a serum formulated with lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid, and niacinamide (LTN serum) for the treatment of melasma and PIH secondary to acne.

A 16-week, single-center, open-label study enrolled women (≥20 years of age) with mild to severe melasma or PIH. Participants applied LTN serum twice daily on the full face. Endpoints included assessments of overall hyperpigmentation, skin tone unevenness, and tactile roughness, modified Melasma Area Severity Index (mMASI), Mexameter measurements of melanin content in target lesions, Melasma Quality of Life Questionnaire (MelasQoL), participant self-assessment questionnaires, and tolerability.

Of 30 female participants (n=15 per group), 57% self-identified as Black or African American, and 70% had Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) IV–VI. At week 16, significant decreases versus baseline were observed in both groups for overall hyperpigmentation (37% and 31% for the melasma and PIH groups, respectively; P<0.009 for both groups), skin tone unevenness (38% and 33%; P<0.008), and tactile roughness (67% and 52%; P≤0.005). mMASI and MelasQoL scores were significantly improved starting at week 4, with continuing significant improvement through week 16 (P≤0.05 and P>0.005, respectively). Mean change in melanin content was −36.5 at week 16 (melasma and PIH groups combined; P<0.0003). All tolerability parameters remained below mild.

The LTN serum is an effective treatment for improving melasma and PIH, particularly among participants with FST IV–VI.  .