A split-face, double-blind, randomized and placebo-controlled pilot evaluation of a novel oligopeptide for the treatment of recalcitrant melasma.

Melasma is a cutaneous disorder associated with an overproduction of melanin by the tyrosinase enzyme. A proprietary oligopeptide (Lumixyl) was previously shown to competitively inhibit mushroom and human tyrosinase without the associated toxicity of hydroquinone. The aim of this split-face, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled pilot study was to determine the effect of twice-daily topical application of this oligopeptide (0.01% w/w) on moderate, recalcitrant melasma over a 16-week course. Five female participants with Fitzpatrick phototype IV and moderate recalcitrant melasma enrolled and completed the study. Improvement in melasma and overall facial aesthetics as well as assessment of volunteer satisfaction was measured using 10- and five-point grading scales, respectively. Treatment was well tolerated with no visible signs of irritation or allergy. All five participants demonstrated statistically significant improvement in the appearance of melasma and overall facial aesthetics with high patient satisfaction. Results suggest that the oligopeptide may be useful in the treatment of melasma and warrants further evaluation.