Port Louis

Researchers are evaluating the skin tolerance and lightening effects of a cosmetic depigmenting serum compared to a 4% hydroquinone cream in adults aged 18 to 65 with mild to moderate epidermal or mixed-type melasma. This randomized, double-blind trial aims to determine if the cosmetic serum can reduce melasma severity while being better tolerated than hydroquinone, which is the current standard but can cause side effects like irritant dermatitis. Participants are assigned to one of two groups for 84 days. Group 1 applies the Depiwhite Serum both morning and evening along with a sunscreen cream in the morning and a placebo cream in the evening. Group 2 applies a placebo serum with sunscreen in the morning and hydroquinone 4% cream in the evening. The serum contains multiple active ingredients targeting pigmentation through various pathways, and all products are applied topically. Participants visit the clinic at the start, day 56, and day 84 for assessments including clinical evaluations by a dermatologist using the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index mMASI, standardized facial photographs analyzed for pigmentation changes, self-assessment questionnaires, and quality-of-life surveys. Dermatological tolerance and any local skin reactions are monitored throughout. The study measures changes in melasma severity and skin reaction to evaluate product efficacy and safety over the 12-week period.