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
DirectionalTranexamic Acid
vs Silymarin
for Pigmentation Reduction
Early or indirect evidence suggests silymarin may reduce pigmentation slightly more effectively than tranexamic acid for improving skin tone, based on indirect comparison.
1.06x
Effect ratio
Silymarin
Favored
5
Studies
Indirect
Comparison
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.
Tone
How to read this claim
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.
2 linked trialsIngredient trial
Source Studies (5)
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
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Split-Face Study of Topical Silymarin vs 2% Hydroquinone Cream in Melasmas.
randomized, double-blind, split-face
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Split-Face Study of Topical Silymarin vs 2% Hydroquinone Cream in Melasmas.
randomized, double-blind, split-face