Azelaic Acid Versus Hydroquinone for Managing Patients With Melasma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
controlled
EVIDENCE COMPARISON
DirectionalEarly or indirect evidence suggests lignin peroxidase may reduce pigmentation 23% more effectively than azelaic acid for improving skin tone, based on indirect comparison.
Effect ratio
Favored
Studies
Comparison
Limits: Indirect comparison · Mixed endpoint quality · Early-stage evidence tier
This is an indirect comparison — the two ingredients were not tested head-to-head in the same trial. The ratio is derived from separate studies against a common comparator.
Kept public as exploratory because it indirect comparison; mixed endpoint quality; early-stage evidence tier.
Some study-specific context may affect how broadly this comparison generalizes.