Cream showdown: which melasma treatment works best?

NCT ID NCT07522788

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study compares two topical creams—tranexamic acid and ethyl ascorbic acid—for treating melasma, a condition causing dark patches on the face. About 128 adults aged 18 to 50 with melasma will apply one cream nightly for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure improvement using the Melasma Area Index Score to see which cream reduces pigmentation more effectively.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

tranexamic acid and ethyl ascorbic acid (topical creams)

What this could lead to

If one cream works better, it could offer a simple, affordable option for reducing melasma dark patches.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 128 people. Results may not apply to everyone, and creams may cause skin irritation or not work for all.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for MELASMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Melanosis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••