Evaluating the adjunctive effects of tranexamic acid and nicotinamide containing sunscreen in Chinese subjects with facial hyperpigmentation

Xiaolei Qin, Lingyan Liu, Qi Yang

BACKGROUND

Advanced Brightening UV Defense SPF 50 (AB-UV) provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays to prevent UVinduced discoloration. As a sunscreen containing 1% tranexamic acid and 2% niacinamide, it shows the potential to reduce facial discoloration and increase skin radiance as well.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and tolerance of AB-UV for facial hyperpigmentation compared with a skin discoloration serum.

INTRODUCTION

Discoloration, primarily characterized by skin unevenness and dark spots (1), plays a critical role in perceptions of age, beauty, allure, and overall health. Skin color management is commonly achieved by ingredients that target the biological process of melanin synthesis and distribution (2). AB-UV containing broadspectrum UV filters, is also enriched with anti-melanogenic ingredients including niacinamide, tranexamic acid and Vitamin E. Niacinamide has proven efficacy in diminishing hyperpigmentation by inhibiting the transfer of melanin from melanocytes to keratinocytes (3). Tranexamic acid can inhibit melanogenesis through activation of autophagy in melanoma cells to mitigate UV-induced melanogenesis (4).