Microneedling-assisted delivery of metformin versus tranexamic acid in treating melasma: a randomized controlled study.
controlled
EVIDENCE COMPARISON
DirectionalMetformin (Topical)
vs Topical Tranexamic Acid
for Pigmentation Reduction
Early or indirect evidence suggests topical metformin may improve skin tone through pigmentation reduction about twice as effectively as tranexamic acid.
2.05x
Effect ratio
Metformin (Topical)
Favored
1
Study
Direct
Comparison
ExploratorySubjective endpointTone
Limits: Includes subjective endpoint · Early-stage evidence tier
How to read this claim
Kept public as exploratory because it includes subjective endpoint; early-stage evidence tier.
Some study-specific context may affect how broadly this comparison generalizes.