Trial reportJournal of cosmetic dermatology2025
Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Serum Containing Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Vitamin C, and Hydroxy Acid Compared to 4% Hydroquinone in the Management of Melasma.
Trial report 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 1 paper.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
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.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Clinical Applications of Vitamin C in Dermatology: A Systematic Review.The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
Abstract
introductionMelasma is a common skin condition that remains challenging to treat. Hydroquinone at 4% (HQ4%) is a frequently prescribed depigmenting compound that has been associated with potential side effects.
objectiveThis study assessed the benefit in melasma of an anti-hyperpigmentation serum (Serum B3 containing 5% niacinamide, 1% tranexamic acid, 0.2% of a stabilized form of vitamin C, and different hydroxy acids) compared to HQ4%. MATERIALS AND
methodsIn a single-site, investigator-blind, randomized study, 60 females aged between 20 and 50 years with facial melasma received Serum B3 for 5 months (Group 1) or HQ4% for 3 months followed by Serum B3 for an additional2 months (Group 2). Endpoints were Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI), modified MASI (mMASI), Investigational Global Assessment, erythema, clinical cutaneous parameters, and safety. Subjects assessed quality of life (QoL) and cosmetic acceptability. Confocal reflecting microscopy was performed.
resultsA significant (p < 0.001) reduction in pigmentation was seen in both groups after 3 months. A higher erythema score was noted in Group 2. Hydration and skin barrier function performed better in Group 1. QoL significantly (p < 0.001) improved in both groups after 84 days. Serum B3 was tolerated better than HQ, and subjects appreciated Serum B3. Melanin density reduction was similar for both groups after 3 and 5 months.
conclusionSerum B3 used for 5 months and HQ4% applied for 3 months, followed by a 2-month use of Serum B3, had a similar efficacy profile, with Serum B3 having a better local tolerance and patient acceptability.
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Registered trials
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