Actively Recruiting
Prospective Evaluation of Topical Almond Oil vs Hydroquinone on the Appearance of Facial Pigmentation and the Stability of the Microbiome
Led by University of California, Davis · Updated on 2025-09-12
50
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying changes in facial pigmentation and skin microbiome after applying topical almond oil compared to 2% hydroquinone cream. This study involves 50 premenopausal women with specific skin types and aims to evaluate these treatments over a 4-month period to understand their effects on skin appearance and microbial balance. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one applying almond oil nightly and the other applying 2% hydroquinone cream nightly. The treatments will be used throughout the study duration, which spans from consent through five visits including assessment visits for skin pigment, hydration, and sebum rates. During the study, participants will undergo imaging and measurements to monitor facial pigment intensity, skin hydration, sebum excretion, microbiome diversity, and redness. Subjective tolerability will also be assessed. The study includes a two-week washout from certain topical products before visits, and adherence to study treatments and restrictions will be monitored over the total 4-month participation period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Prospective Evaluation of Topical Almond Oil vs Hydroquinone
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Premenopausal women of Fitzpatrick skin types 3 to 6
You will not qualify if you...
- Nut allergy
- Current smokers, those who have smoked within the past year, or former smokers with over a 20 pack year history
- Autoimmune photosensitive conditions or genetic conditions affecting collagen production such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Hormonal medications or therapies not stable for at least 2 months
- Recent cosmetic facial procedures within 4 months or deeper chemical peels within 1 year prior to enrollment
- Unwillingness to discontinue vitamin E supplements and food sources during the study
- Unwillingness to stop using topical cosmetic products during the study
- Unwillingness to engage in a two-week washout of topical treatments affecting pigmentation, including retinoids, antioxidants, pigment-reducing agents (except study-provided hydroquinone), and products containing nut oils or extracts
- Use of other topical products restricted one week prior to each visit except study agents supplied
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 4 months
Participants apply either topical almond oil or 2% hydroquinone cream nightly to analyze changes in facial pigmentation and skin microbiome.
5 visits for imaging and skin measurements
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UC Davis Department of Dermatology, Clinical Trials Unit
Sacramento, California, United States, 95816
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
I
Iryna Rybak
A
Alexis Carrington
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
OTHER
Number of Arms
2
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