ArticleDermatology and therapy2026
Evaluation of the Efficacy of a 2-MNG-Containing Serum on Improving Skin Tone and Hyperpigmentation.
Article in Dermatology and therapy, 2026. 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
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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.
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.
- Decoding Hyperpigmentation from Biological Mechanisms to Actives with Clinically Proven Topical Efficacy: A Narrative Review.Dermatology and therapy · 2026Review
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Authors and funding
16 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
introductionHyperpigmentation disorders and skin tone unevenness are a very frequent concern worldwide, especially in China; 2-mercaptonicotinoyl glycine (2-MNG, Melasyl
methodsTwo clinical studies were conducted in China. Clinical study 1, a randomised controlled intra-individual study, included 32 healthy individuals (individual typology angle, ITA° value within 20-41° at test back area), using a ultraviolet (UV)-induced pigmentation model. Three areas were selected and treated with either the tested serum, a positive control, or a negative control. Skin pigmentation was assessed over 4 weeks of product use, comparing the results of treated areas with the negative control. Clinical study 2, an open label study, included 42 healthy female individuals presenting at least one dark spot on their face, treated during the 56 days with the tested serum twice a day. Skin colour and melanin index were assessed over time including 7 days after discontinuation. Individual typology angle, ITA°, is a parameter for characterising human skin colour by measuring skin L*a*b* colour-space data with a skin colorimeter or a reflectance spectrophotometer. Melanin index, MI, is a parameter for characterising skin melanin content by measuring the absorption of specific wavelengths at the skin surface.
resultsThe 2-MNG-containing serum can significantly improve ITA° value, MI and visual skin colour score. It also significantly improves skin brightness and reduces melanin content in facial skin and dark spots. Additionally, it offers moisturising benefits, helps improve the appearance of wrinkles and shows good tolerance.
conclusionsThe 2-MNG-containing serum reduces melanin content in the skin and leads to significant improvements on dark spots and skin brightening. It also has good tolerance and is suitable for sensitive skin.
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