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
DirectionalVitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
vs Hydroquinone
for Pigmentation Reduction
Early or indirect evidence suggests vitamin C and hydroquinone may perform equally for reducing pigmentation and improving skin tone, based on indirect comparison.
1.00x
Effect ratio
Neither
Favored
4
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.
1 linked trialIngredient trial
Source Studies (4)
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
Comparing the efficacy of Myjet‐assisted tranexamic acid and vitamin C in treating melasma: A split‐face controlled trial
randomized, double-blind, split-face