ArticleJournal of cosmetic dermatology2025
Efficacy and Safety of a Topical Formulation Containing Trihydroxybenzoic Acid Glucoside and α-Arbutin, Applied Along With a Sunscreen: A Noncomparative, Prospective, Interventional Study in Indian Females With Facial Melasma or Dark Spots.
Article in Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Role of arbutin and acetoside against Parkinson's disease.Indian journal of pharmacology · 2026Review
- Targeting Melasma: Innovations in Pigment Deposition and Photoaging in Cosmetic Dermatology.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundSkin hyperpigmentation is a dermatological concern for pigmented skin phototypes. Despite availability of multiple treatment options, hyperpigmentation management continues to be a challenge.
aimsEfficacy and safety assessment of the skincare regimen [topical formulation of trihydroxybenzoic acid glucoside 10% (THBG) and α-arbutin 2% (twice-daily) + sunscreen (once daily)] in Indian females with pigmentary spots (facial dark spots or melasma).
methodsThis prospective, open-label, single-arm, interventional study was conducted in Indian females (n = 124), aged 18-45 years, having FitzPatrick skin type III-IV, dull skin, and facial dark spots or melasma. Efficacy of 90-day skincare regimen was evaluated using mexameter, modified melasma area and severity index (mMASI) score, cross-polarized light photography, chromameter, and color-luminosity-brightness-transparency (CLBT) technique. Student's t-test (paired data) was used for statistical analysis.
resultsIn efficacy analysis [modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population], 120 subjects were included. Melanin content of pigmentary spots (on mexametry) significantly reduced (-16.3%, p < 0.001) at Day 90 versus baseline. Significant reduction in severity of melasma was observed (-18.4% in mMASI score) at Day 90. Significant improvement in ΔEab (-8.7%) (change in color difference between pigmentary spot and normal skin) on cross-polarized photographs, in skin-brightening parameters L* (relative brightness/lightness) (-2.7%), ITA° (individual typology angle) (-37.7%), and ΔE* (skin-tone evenness) (-19.0%) using chromameter. Significant improvement in skin radiance was observed in CLBT parameters, color (pink: 32.8%, yellow: -5.5%, and olive: -7.8%), luminosity (6.0%), brightness (4.6%), and transparency (0.2%). Regimen did not cause itching, burning, or irritation.
conclusionsSkincare regime of 10% THBG and 2% α-arbutin along with sunscreen was effective in reducing pigmentary spots (dark spots and melasma) and was well tolerated in Indian women.
trial registrationClinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI Reg. No. CTRI/2021/11/038345; date: 30/11/2021).
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