A method for maintaining the clinical results of 4% hydroquinone and 0.025% tretinoin with a cosmeceutical formulation

Abstract

Facial dyspigmentation treatment is an unmet need in dermatology with increasing challenges due to the questionable safety of hydroquinone. This research examined a new OTC formulation containing hydroxyphenoxy propionic acid, ellagic acid, yeast extract, and salicylic acid on subjects who previously completed 12 weeks of treatment with 4% hydroquinone and 0.025% retinoic acid. The goal of this study was to evaluate the skin lightening and tolerability profile of a 20-week maintanence therapy with a cosmeceutical formulation during the summer months. 33 healthy subjects ages 25-60 years with moderate facial dyspigmentation defined as a score of 3 on a 5-point scale were enrolled. There was statistically significant improvement at week 20 in terms of even skin tone (P<0.001), spot intensity (P<0.001), spot size (P<0.05) and overall hyperpigmentation (P=0.002).

(Journal of Drugs in Dermatology 2015;14(4):386-390)

Zoe Diana Draelos, MD; Susana Raab, BS; Margarita Yatskayer, MS; Nannan Chen, PhD; Yevgeniy Krol, BS; Christian Oresajo, PhD.