J Drugs Dermatol. 2026 Jan 1;25(1):25-29. doi: 10.36849/JDD.9222.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have documented the capacity of malassezin to brighten the skin. It represents a novel agent for the treatment of hyperpigmentation.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of a topical 0.75% malassezin formulation to 4% hydroquinone, the gold standard for treating melasma.
METHODS: A randomized, controlled, split-face, double-blind study was conducted in 20 adult female subjects with symmetrical mild-to-moderate melasma. Subjects were randomized 1:1 to determine the allotted side of the face treated twice per day with malassezin or hydroquinone for 12 weeks. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by measuring brightening effects, global improvement, split-face Melasma Area Severity Index (hemi-MASI) scores, colorimetry measurements, and photography.
RESULTS: Twenty subjects completed the study. Compared to baseline, both malassezin and hydroquinone-treated facial areas showed significant efficacy at 12 weeks in brightening (1.85 and 1.95, P=0.027 and 0.008); global improvement (2.2 and 2.3, P=0.004 and 0.001); and hemi-MASI reduction (2.49 and 2.33; P<0.001 and P<0.001), respectively. However, there were no statistically significant differences when comparing the malassezin-treated side to the hydroquinone-treated side at each visit. Side effects in both groups were mild throughout the study.
CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that malassezin shows comparable efficacy to the gold standard, hydroquinone. Our results further support malassezin as a promising new treatment for patients with melasma.  .
PMID:41493251 | DOI:10.36849/JDD.9222
