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 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: RCT
Sample: n=30
Evidence: Strong
Journal: Journal of cosmetic dermatology
Methodology

Researchers tested both treatments on opposite sides of 30 people's faces for 12 weeks, then tracked what happened for 4 weeks after. They measured melanin levels, melasma severity, and how satisfied patients were.

Funded By

Funding not disclosed in abstract