Several studies recently published in peer reviewed journals demonstrate the safety and efficacy of stabilized-cysteamine 5% cream (Cyspera), the novel, non-hydroquinone, topical pigment regulator from Scientis

In a randomized, double-blinded study of 50 melasma patients assigned to either Cyspera for daily 15-minute exposure or modified Kligman’s formula (mKF, 4% hydroquinone, 0.05% retinoic acid and 0.1% betamethasone) overnight exposure for four-months, Cyspera was associated with signifcianctly greater reductions from baseline in modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) scores. While IGA and patient self-assessment scores were similar for both treatments, reports of irritation were lower at weeks 8 and 16 with Cyspera, compared to mKF.

In a second, randomized, single-blinded study, 54 melasma patients assigned to either Cyspera daily for 16-weeks or in-office tranexamic-acid mesotherapy (mesoTXA, 0.05 mL,4mg/mL) every four weeks for three sessions. There were no significant differences in improvement of melasma between the two groups, and no subjects had recurrence at four- or eight-week follow-up. However, erythema, itching, burning and irritation were less common in the Cyspera group.

A third study found a slightly better improvement in mMASI scores for Cyspera, compared to hyroquinone. For the randomized, double-blinded trial, 20 melasma patients assigned to either Cysera for 15-minute exposure or 4% hydroquinone (HQ4%) for daily use for 16-weeks.