Azelaic Acid Versus Hydroquinone for Managing Patients With Melasma: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.
controlled
EVIDENCE COMPARISON
DirectionalLotus Sprout Extract
vs Azelaic Acid
for Pigmentation Reduction
Early or indirect evidence suggests lotus sprout extract may reduce pigmentation 23% more effectively than azelaic acid for improving skin tone, based on indirect comparison.
1.23x
Effect ratio
Lotus Sprout Extract
Favored
2
Studies
Indirect
Comparison
ExploratorySubjective endpointTone
Limits: Indirect comparison · Includes subjective endpoint · 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.
How to read this claim
Kept public as exploratory because it indirect comparison; includes subjective endpoint; early-stage evidence tier.
Some study-specific context may affect how broadly this comparison generalizes.