Can a daily pill and night serum fade dark spots? new trial aims to find out
NCT ID NCT07477275
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether taking an oral supplement and applying a retinol serum at night can safely reduce dark spots and brighten skin in healthy women aged 30-60. Sixty-eight Malaysian women with skin pigmentation issues like freckles or sun spots will use the products for 12 weeks. Researchers will measure changes in skin spots and brightness, and watch for side effects like skin irritation or stomach upset.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- oral supplement and retinol serum
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a safe, at-home option for reducing dark spots and brightening skin.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 68 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and side effects like skin irritation or stomach discomfort are possible.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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68 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2024
- Finished
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Apr 2026
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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30 to 60 years
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy Malaysian women. * Aged 30 - 60 years old. * Fitzpatrick skin type III-V * Exhibiting signs of skin pigmentation such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, freckles and solar lentigines. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants with melasma. * Pregnant, breastfeeding women, or those planning pregnancy during the study period. * Participants with documented chronic medical conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, heart problems, liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and others. * Participants with documented autoimmune diseases. * Participants with inflammatory or allergic skin problems such as atopic dermatitis, rosacea, or psoriasis. * Use of topical agents for skin brightening within the past three months. * Consumption of food or supplement products containing L-glutathione, L-cysteine HCL monohydrate, polypodium leucotomos leaf extract, pine bark extract, or other similar supplements, as well as the use of topical products containing niacinamide, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract, retinol, or other products for skin brightening or rejuvenation within three months prior to the study. * Undergoing any cosmetic procedures such as botox, laser and light treatment, facial surgery, or any procedures aimed at improving skin conditions (e.g., skin brightening, elasticity, wrinkles, pores) prior to the study. * Consumption of any medical or hormonal treatments that could interfere with the study results, such as isotretinoin, tranexamic acid, and others. * Allergy to any ingredients that may be found in the product.
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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USMARI Research & Innovation Centre
Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 47810, Malaysia
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.