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A 4-week Study Investigating Two Targeted Brightening Serum (A and B) Versus 4% Hydroquinone in Women With Mild to Severe Full-face Hyperpigmentation

A Multi-Center, Randomized, Blinded, Split-Face, Controlled Clinical Study to Assess Two Targeted Brightening Serum (A and B) Paired With 4% Hydroquinone

Status
Completed
Phases
Unknown
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT07644871
Enrollment
18
Registered
2026-06-12
Start date
2025-08-11
Completion date
2025-11-12
Last updated
2026-06-12

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Dark Spots, Hyperpigmentation, Melasma

Brief summary

This a short four-week pilot study to measure the efficacy and tolerance of two brightening serums (cosmetics) versus 4% hydroquinone. The study was conducted in two sites across the USA, one in PA and in one in CA. The goal was to run the pilot study in the summer to understand the role of these two potential brightening serums in helping the appearance of skin tone evenness.

Detailed description

This is a four-week multi-center, single-blind, randomized, split-face, controlled pilot study conducted to assess the efficacy and tolerance of two pigment correction formulations (Brightening Serum A and Brightening Serum B) compared to 4% Hydroquinone split face when used over the course of 4 weeks by healthy females with clinically determined mild to severe facial hyperpigmentation, including melasma on the global face. Subjects will be randomized into 2 cells which will receive the following split face treatments: * Cell 1: Brightening Serum A versus 4% Hydroquinone * Cell 2: Brightening Serum B versus 4% Hydroquinone It was hypothesized that the Brightening Serum A and B will produce statistically significant improvements at post-baseline timepoints when compared with baseline, and comparable improvements versus the standard of care 4% Hydroquinone across the primary endpoint, secondary and tertiary endpoints. Additionally, the Sponsor's test materials will be well tolerated by subjects, with no statistically significant increases in scores for tolerability/safety parameters, specifically erythema and dryness, at any study timepoint when compared with baseline scores. Furthermore, the Sponsor's test materials will be well perceived by subjects according to analyses of self-assessment questionnaires, with a statistically significant proportion of favorable responses compared to unfavorable responses and/or a statistically significant improvement in subject response values when compared with baseline.

Interventions

Gentle Foaming Cleanser to wash the face two times a day (am/pm)

Basic Moisturizer applied in the evening after the treatment (brightening serum a, or b or the 4% HQ).

OTHERSunscreen SPF 55

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 applied in the am as the last step

Sponsors

Revision Skincare
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Masking description

* Brightening Serum A and Brightening Serum B will be packaged in a 1.7 oz white airless package and labelled "Brightening Serum A" / "Brightening Serum B". * The 4% Hydroquinone will be packaged in the designated package from the pharmacy. * The study products will be dispensed/administered by clinic personnel other than the evaluator(s)/ investigator (board-certified dermatologist). Additionally, staff in charge of study product dispensation/administration and subjects will be instructed not to discuss study products with the Investigator or other evaluator(s). * The randomization list will be secured in a cabinet and/or computer file accessible to a data committee consisting of selected representatives from the testing facility. * Investigators will be blinded to the treatment of each patient. The investigators will not be allowed to review the products used by the patients. * The products will be labeled with "R" Right or "L" Left to indicate facial side of application per random

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
FEMALE
Age
20 Years to 60 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* In good general health (physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease/infirmity), according to subject self-report. * Having Fitzpatrick skin type I-VI (refer to Appendix I: Fitzpatrick Skin Type) * Age 20 to 60 years. * Subjects with self-perceived hyperpigmented facial skin * Having mild to severe (score of 3-9 according to a modified Griffiths scale,2 where 0 = none, 1 to 3 = mild, 4 to 6 = moderate, 7 to 9 = severe) full-face hyperpigmentation, including melasma. Hyperpigmentation and melasma must present at equal severity and size on each facial side. * Willing to maintain visit 1/baseline condition of eyebrows and eyelashes (do not noticeably change brow/lash appearance) during the study. * Willing to provide written informed consent and able to read, speak, write, and understand English. * Willing to sign a photography release. * Having not had any facial treatments in the past 6 months and are willing to withhold all facial treatments during the course of the study including facials, facial peels, photo facials, laser treatments, dermabrasion, botulinum toxin (Botox®), injectable filler treatments, intense pulsed light (IPL), acid treatments, tightening treatments, facial plastic surgery, or any other treatment administered by a physician or skin care professional designed to improve the appearance or firmness of facial skin. Waxing and threading are allowed but not facial laser hair removal.

Exclusion criteria

* Having been diagnosed with known allergies to skin care products. * Having a known reactivity to tranexamic acid, niacinamide, sunflower seed, coconut, rosemary, barley, goji, sandalwood, licorice root, radish root, beeswax, yeast, ascorbic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, and/or any of the ingredients in the study products. * Breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant during the study according to subject self-report. * Having a history of skin cancer within the past 5 years. * Currently taking oral or topical prescription medications for melasma such as Triluma, compounded hydroquinone, retinoids, and tranexamic acid. * Currently using oral or topical prescription medications for acne such as doxycycline, minocycline, clindamycin, bactrim, tetracycline, erythromycin, vibramycin, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, Dapsone, or sodium sulfacetamide.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Measurement of Clinical Efficacy Parameters by Clinical GraderBaseline, week 2, week 4Clinical grading efficacy parameters measured by blinded clinical grader including skin tone evenness, hyperpigmentation on the global face, and overall appearance. Grading was performed on a 10-point Griffith's scale, where 0 = best possible outcome 9= severe skin condition. A decrease in score/ value indicates an improvement.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Measurement of Global Melasma Severity Assessment Score (GMSA)baseline and weeks 2 and 4The expert grader (Board-Certified Dermatologist) will evaluate the right and left facial side using a Global Melasma Severity Assessment (GMSA) according to the following numerical definitions. Half-point scores may be used as necessary to more accurately describe the skin condition. 0 = clear 1. = mild 2. = moderate 3. = severe

Countries

United States

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Jun 13, 2026