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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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