Self‐applied topical interventions for melasma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of data from randomized, investigator‐blinded clinical trials
randomized, split-face
EVIDENCE COMPARISON
Gold StandardHydroquinone
vs Tranexamic Acid
for Pigmentation Reduction
Studies show hydroquinone and tranexamic acid provide equal pigmentation reduction for improving skin tone.
1.00x
Effect ratio
Neither
Favored
3
Studies
Direct
Comparison
Tone
How to read this claim
Direct comparison with enough study context for public-facing comparative wording, with limits noted for mixed endpoint quality.
The published evidence does not currently show a major generalization warning beyond the listed study limits.
1 linked trialIngredient trial
Source Studies (3)
The effectiveness and safety of 3% tranexamic acid cream vs. 4% hydroquinone cream for mixed-type melasma in skin of color: a double-blind, split-face, randomized controlled trial.
randomized, double-blind, split-face
… and efficacy of niosomal and conventional tranexamic acid/niacinamide vs. hydroquinone creams in melasma: A randomized, double-blind, case-controlled clinical …
randomized, double-blind