Efficacy of liposome-encapsulated 4-n-butylresorcinol and resveratrol cream in the treatment of melasma.

Backgrounds: We previously reported the efficacy of 0.1% 4-n-butylresorcinol (4nBR) cream in the treatment melasma and synergistic effect of 4nBR and resveratrol (RSV) to inhibit melanogenesis in vitro.

Aims: To evaluate efficacy and safety of a cream which contains liposome-encapsulated 4nBR and RSV in the treatment of melasma.

Patients/methods: A total of 21 female patients with melasma were treated with the cream for 4 weeks. At baseline, week 2, and week 4, melanin index (MI) of the lesional and preauricular nonlesional skin was measured and two blinded, independent dermatologists assessed the overall severity by 5-point scale.

Results: The lesional MI was significantly decreased at weeks 2 and 4 compared with the baseline while no significant change in the nonlesional MI was observed throughout the study. The mean investigator's global assessment score was also significantly improved at weeks 2 and 4. In patient's self-assessment, 8 (38.1%) and 11 (52.3%) patients answered moderate to significant improvement in their melasma at weeks 2 and 4, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusion: The cream containing liposome-encapsulated 4nBR and RSV was shown to be effective and safe for the treatment of melasma with its effect appearing as early as 2 weeks.