Study: Iron Oxide Formulation Improved Radiance in Melasma-Prone Skin

Key Takeaways

• Iron oxide-containing sunscreen regimens were associated with improvements in photodamage and melasma appearance vs. SPF 50+ alone, new data suggest.

• The authors reported 36% of melasma patients using SPF50+FeO showed improved radiance vs. 0% in the SPF-only group at week 12.

A new study published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology evaluated the incorporation of iron oxide (FeO) into a daily sun care routine could offer protection and any benefit for patients with melasma and photodamage.

Researchers conducted a 12-week mini-zone study in healthy female participants with Fitzpatrick skin types (FST) III to VI were randomized to either a SPF 50+ sunscreen alone or SPF 50+ combined with an FeO-containing foundation sun protection regimen. The study population included individuals with either photodamage or melasma, conditions known to be exacerbated by visible light exposure.

Clinical assessments and colorimetric measurements showed both regimens improved skin appearance from baseline to week 12. By week 4, the photodamage subgroup using SPF50+FeO showed improvements in skin roughness. In the melasma subgroup, the FeO regimen was linked with early enhancements in overall skin health.

36% of melasma participants showed improvement in radiance vs. none in the SPF-only group at week 12. Patients on the FeO regimen also reported improved quality of life.

"This study demonstrated the importance of including visible light protection into a daily sun care routine, especially for melasma: masking and improving existing conditions indoors and outdoors at the same time," the authors wrote in the study.

Source: Grimes P, et al. J Drugs Dermatol. 2025;24(7):662-667. doi:10.36849/JDD.9240