Evaluation of the anti-pigmenting efficacy of the association of vitamin B3, vitamin C and AHA in a topical serum, compared to the reference ingredient in the management of melasma

J. Rocio, M. Sachdev, C. Deloche-Bensmaine, S. Leclerc-Mercier, C. Valpaços, A. Nascimento, P. Correia, B. Sant’Anna and T. Passeron

INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES

The management of melasma remains challenging. Despite therapeutic options that act at different stages of melanogenesis, results are sometimes disappointing, and relapses are common. For hydroquinone, the ingredient showing the most effective results, there is a concern regarding its tolerability and the possibility of prolonged use.^(1-4) The study aimed at evaluating the anti-pigmenting efficacy of a topical serum (B3) containing an association of 5% vitamin B3, vitamin C and 8% AHA in the treatment of melasma for 5 months and its comparison with hydroquinone 4% (HQ4).