The Efficacy of Topical Cosmetic Containing Alpha-Arbutin 5% and Kojic Acid 2% Compared With Triple Combination Cream for the Treatment of Melasma: A Split-Face, Evaluator-Blinded Randomized Pilot Study.

Background: While the gold standard treatment for melasma is triple combination cream (TCC), arbutin and kojic acid demonstrate their benefits and may be used as an alternative.

Aims: To investigate the efficacy of cream containing alpha-arbutin 5% and kojic acid 2% (AAK) compared with TCC for melasma treatment.

Patients/methods: A split-faced, randomized study was conducted among 30 participants with melasma, and all were randomized to receive AAK or TCC on each side of their face for 12-week along with 4-week follow-up period.