Blog10 Best Creams for Melasma in India [August, 2024]
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The best cream for melasma in India can make all the difference when it comes to treating those stubborn dark patches on skin. Melasma or chloasma is an extremely common pigmentation disorder in the Indian subcontinent, afflicting women more due to hormonal influences. Finding the ideal skin brightening and anti-pigmentation formulation suitable for your skin can seem challenging given the myriad options in the market. This comprehensive guide to the best cream for melasma discusses specialized creams with proven ingredients to lighten melasma along with tips for adjunct care.
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- EQUALSTWO 100% Natural Melasma Cream
- Wheezal Mel X Melasma Cream – Set of 3 Cream
- S for Skin – Depigmentation Cream
- Glutaflo Cream Glutathione Face Cream For Melasma
- iRony-Skin Whitening Cream -The Whitening FASTLANE cream
- Fixderma Epifager Cream
- Derma Essentia Skin Brightening Cream
- Minimalist 3% Tranexamic Acid Face Serum for Melasma
- Gorgesqin Anti Pigmentation Cream
- DERMATOUCH Bye Bye Pigmentation Cream
- Comparison for best cream for melasma in India
- Guide to Choosing the Best Melasma Cream
- Types of Melasma Creams
- Usage and Maintenance Tips for Melasma Creams
- FAQs about best cream for melasma
- Types of Melasma
- When to See a Dermatologist
- Conclusion
1. EQUALSTWO 100% Natural Melasma Cream
Description
The EQUALSTWO melasma cream is a 100% natural formulation that helps reduce hyperpigmentation and evenly tone the skin. It comes in a 100 gram pack.
Key Features
- 100% natural ingredients
- Reduces hyperpigmentation and evens out skin tone
- 100 gram pack
Our Expert Opinion
This natural melasma cream from EQUALSTWO leverages the power of nature to combat uneven skin tone and dark spots. The generous 100 gram pack ensures long-lasting usage. As one of the few completely natural formulations in this category, it makes for an excellent choice for those looking to avoid chemicals on their skin.
2. Wheezal Mel X Melasma Cream – Set of 3 Cream
Description
The Wheezal Mel X melasma cream comes in a set of 3 travel-friendly packs of the skin brightening and anti-pigmentation formulation.
Key Features
- Set of 3 cream packs
- Skin brightening and anti-pigmentation formula
- Travel-friendly packs
Our Expert Opinion
The Wheezal Mel X melasma cream offers a pack of 3 travel-friendly variants, making it easy to use the skin brightening and anti-pigmentation cream on the go. The quantity is apt for carrying it in your bag for reapplication when required.
3. S for Skin – Depigmentation Cream
Description
The S for Skin depigmentation cream comes in a 20 gram pack and helps treat melasma, acne marks, dark spots, blemishes and more for achieving an even skintone.
Key Features
- 20 gram pack
- Targets melasma, acne spots, dark spots, uneven skin tone
- For face, neck, ankles, knuckles, armpits, elbows
Our Expert Opinion
The S for Skin depigmentation cream takes a comprehensive approach targeting multiple causes of skin pigmentation like melasma, acne, age spots etc. The 20 gram pack is ideal for a trial before purchasing their larger variant. The cream claims to be effective on face and body areas prone to pigmentation like neck, ankles, knuckles etc.
4. Glutaflo Cream Glutathione Face Cream For Melasma
Description
This glutathione face cream from Glutaflo combats melasma and skin pigmentation issues like dark spots with its antioxidant-rich ayurvedic formulation containing turmeric, sandalwood etc. It is suitable for all skin types.
Key Features
- Glutathione-rich formulation for skin brightening
- Anti-ageing properties
- Treats melasma, dark spots, hyperpigmentation
- Kojic acid, vitamin C, E and B3
- Aloe vera, sandalwood, turmeric extracts
- Unisex cream suitable for all skin types
Our Expert Opinion
True to its name, the hero ingredient of this face cream is glutathione that inhibits melanin production to reduce pigmentation and brighten complexion. The addition of other antioxidants like vitamin C and powerhouses like kojic acid, sandalwood and turmeric makes this a force to reckon with when it comes to tackling melasma and related issues. The ayurvedic formulation makes it safe for all skin types.
5. iRony-Skin Whitening Cream -The Whitening FASTLANE cream
Description
This skin whitening and brightening cream from iRony combats acne, dark spots, dark circles, melasma etc. Its airless 30 gram packing preserves the active ingredients.
Key Features
- Skin brightening, whitening and glowing cream
- Treats acne, dark spots, melasma
- Airless 30 gram pack
Our Expert Opinion
As the name suggests, this whitening cream from iRony lives up to its promise of fast results against uneven skintone, melasma etc by harnessing the synergy of its effective natural botanicals. The airless pump packaging gives the formula an extra edge by increasing its shelf life. The quantity is also ideal for trying out the formulation.
6. Fixderma Epifager Cream
Description
This skin lightening cream from Fixderma contains UV filters along with whitening agents to treat melasma, age spots, uneven skintone etc. The 60 gram tube comes in a non-steroidal preparation.
Key Features
- Skin lightening cream with UV protection
- 60 gram tube
- Reduces melasma, evens skintone
- Non-steroidal preparation
Our Expert Opinion
The Fixderma Epifager cream brings together the best of both worlds with its smart combo of UV protection and skin lightening. This addresses two root causes of melasma and skin darkening. The quantity is also generous for long term usage. As a non-steroid, it makes for a safer option compared to steroid-based preparations which can have side effects.
7. Derma Essentia Skin Brightening Cream
Description
The Derma Essentia skin brightening cream combats hyperpigmentation, melasma and dark spots with active ingredients like tetrahydrocurcumin, niacinamide and more. The 30 gram tube is suitable for both men and women.
Key Features
- Skin brightening cream for face
- 30 gram tube
- Fights melasma, skin pigmentation
- Key actives – tetrahydrocurcumin, niacinamide, alpha arbutin
- Unisex formula
Our Expert Opinion
Powered by an impressive lineup of antioxidant and skin brightening agents, this Derma Essentia cream offers comprehensive protection against uneven skintone, melasma and darkening. The quantity is apt for trying out the formulation for both men and women. If you’re looking for an unisex skin brightening cream packing some serious punch, this fits the bill.
8. Minimalist 3% Tranexamic Acid Face Serum for Melasma
Description
This face serum from Minimalist contains a 3% concentration of tranexamic acid along with HPA that helps minimise melasma and related pigmentation. The 30 ml bottle comes with a pump dispenser.
Key Features
- 3% tranexamic acid face serum
- 30 ml bottle with pump
- Reduces melasma and pigmentation
- Also treats acne scars, PIH, PIE
Our Expert Opinion
In this minimal yet mighty face serum, tranexamic acid is the star player that reduces melanin synthesis to tackle melasma and pigmentation. The fact that Minimalist has packed it at an optimised 3% concentration shows the brand has got the formulation spot-on. And the addition of HPA enhances the results further. The quantity with pump packaging gives you the control to easily dose out the serum. If you want a no-fuss pigmentation fighter, this fits the description.
9. Gorgesqin Anti Pigmentation Cream
Description
This 10 gram anti-pigmentation cream from Gorgesqin claims to reduce and remove pigmentation in just 7 days with regular usage.
Key Features
- 10 gram tube
- Anti-pigmentation cream for face
- Reduces pigmentation in 7 days
Our Expert Opinion
When a product promises results as swiftly as just 7 days, you know it means business. While more testing will be needed to validate the claim, the Gorgesqin anti pigmentation cream does seem a worthy contender if you’re looking for fast treatment of uneven skintone and dark spots on the face. The 10 gram pack gives you the chance to trial it first.
10. DERMATOUCH Bye Bye Pigmentation Cream
Description
This Dermatouch Bye Bye Pigmentation cream works on various causes of skin darkening and uneven tone with its combo of niacinamide, lime pearl extracts and more. The 20 gram tube is suitable for both women and men.
Key Features
- Pigmentation reducing cream
- 20 gram tube
- Key ingredients – niacinamide, B-white, lime pearl extracts
- Unisex formula
Our Expert Opinion
This Dermatouch skin brightening formulation brings together some hard-hitting ingredients that address pigmentation right from the root. Niacinamide, B-white work to block melanin production while lime pearl extracts offer antioxidant activity to combat skin damage from UV exposure and pollution. This smart and comprehensive approach makes this cream worthy of consideration for keeping melasma, blemishes and uneven skintone at bay.
Comparison for best cream for melasma in India
| Product | Type | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| EQUALSTWO | Cream | Natural |
| Wheezal Mel X Cream | Cream | Botanical |
| S for Skin | Cream | Arbutin, Lactic Acid |
| Glutaflo Cream | Cream | Glutathione, Sandalwood,Turmeric |
| iRony-Skin Whitening Cream | Cream | Mulberry, Liquorice, Damask rose |
| Fixderma Epifager Cream | Cream | Silymarin, Sunscreen |
| Derma Essentia | Cream | Vitamin E, Alpha Arbutin |
| Minimalist Tranexamic Acid | Serum | 3% Tranexamic Acid, HPA |
| Gorgesqin Anti Pigmentation Cream | Cream | Niacinamide, Mulberry, Cucumber |
| DERMATOUCH Bye Bye Pigmentation Cream | Cream | Niacinamide, Lime Pearl Extracts |
Guide to Choosing the Best Melasma Cream
With a myriad of options available, choosing the best melasma cream for your needs can get confusing. Here are some key pointers to keep in mind:
Ingredients
Look for creams with proven skin lightening and brightening agents like kojic acid, vitamin C, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid etc. Tranexamic acid and niacinamide are also emerging as effective options.
Formula Choose creams over lotions or gels for maximum effectiveness and staying power on the skin. Pick non-comedogenic creams if you have acne prone skin.
Accessibility Since melasma usually requires long term treatment, choose creams that are easily available or affordable for continuous use.
Sun Protection UV exposure worsens melasma. So choose creams with built-in broad spectrum sunscreen for extra protection. Or wear separate sunscreen under it.
Types of Melasma Creams
Hydroquinone Creams Creams with hydroquinone concentrations up to 2% are proven to lighten melasma. But they require medical guidance and their use is limited due to side effects.
Triple Combination Creams These contain a mix of hydroquinone, tretinoin and corticosteroid that blocks melanin synthesis and exfoliates skin to effectively treat melasma.
Natural Ingredient Creams Creams harnessing antioxidants like vitamin C, alpha arbutin, kojic acid derived from natural sources offer milder and safer action against melasma.
Usage and Maintenance Tips for Melasma Creams
- Perform a patch test before trying out new melasma creams and start with a small quantity
- Apply melasma cream only on pigmented areas instead of whole face
- Apply creams only as per prescribed frequency. Overuse can cause irritation
- Use broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen diligently along with melasma cream
- Avoid laser treatments and chemical peels when using certain active creams as they can worsen pigmentation
- Stay compliant with treatment duration advised by your dermatologist
FAQs about best cream for melasma
Q. Which cream is best for melasma?
Some of the best creams available in India for treating melasma based on their formulations and ingredients are:
- Minimalist 3% Tranexamic Acid Face Serum
- Derma Essentia Skin Brightening Cream
- Fixderma Epifager Cream
- Wheezal Mel X Melasma Cream
- Glutaflo glutathione face cream
Q. What is the best cream for melasma treatment?
Creams containing proven skin lightening and brightening ingredients like tranexamic acid, vitamin C, kojic acid, alpha arbutin, azelaic acid etc along with sun protection are considered best for treating melasma. Hydroquinone creams also effectively lighten melasma under medical supervision.
Choose creams versus lotions or gels for optimal results. Consult a dermatologist regarding the best melasma treatment cream suited for your skin and needs.
Q. What ingredients make the best cream for melasma?
Some of the most effective ingredients clinically shown to reduce melasma and skin pigmentation include:
- Tranexamic acid – Inhibits production of melanin
- Hydroquinone – lightens skin by slowing down melanin production
- Vitamin C – Strong antioxidant that protects from UV damage and pigmentation
- Kojic acid, arbutin, etc – Derived from natural sources to block melanin
- Glycolic acid – Chemical exfoliant helps remove damaged skin layer
Q. Can melasma creams lighten skin permanently?
With consistent use for the recommended duration along with diligent sun protection, certain melasma creams can provide long-lasting brightening of skin and reduction in pigmentation and melasma. However, permanent lightening is usually not possible as melasma is a chronic condition that can relapse if proper precautions are not taken.
Q. How long does it take to see results from using a melasma cream?
On average, over the counter creams take 8-12 weeks of regular twice a day usage to show visible reduction in melasma and improve skin tone when used with sun protection. Serums and creams with higher concentrations of actives like tranexamic acid demonstrate faster reduction in 4-6 weeks. Prescription melasma creams also act quicker.
Q. Should melasma creams be used daily?
Yes, melasma creams have to be used regularly twice daily for best and sustained results. As skin lightening requires consistent use of actives to inhibit melanin production, daily usage is vital. Depending on the ingredients and your skin tolerance, your dermatologist will advise the ideal frequency and treatment duration, generally between 8-12 weeks.
Types of Melasma
Before choosing a melasma cream, it’s important to understand the different types of melasma that can develop:
Epidermal Melasma This occurs in the top layer of skin or epidermis when melanocytes produce excess melanin. Creams with ingredients like glycolic acid and vitamin C that work on the skin’s surface help treat this type.
Dermal Melasma This stems from increased melanin in the dermis or inner skin layer. Ingredients that penetrate deeper like Tranexamic acid, azelaic acid and kojic acid are more suitable here.
Mixed Melasma As the name indicates, mixed melasma consists of both epidermal and dermal components. A combination approach using both surface and deeper penetrating ingredients may work best.
Sun Exposure Melasma As the name suggests, this is triggered and aggravated by UV exposure and insufficient sun protection. Choosing melasma creams with built-in broad spectrum protection is vital.
When to See a Dermatologist
While over the counter creams can help manage mild melasma, it’s best to see a dermatologist in case of:
- Severe and rapidly spreading pigmentation
- Melasma not responding to OTC creams after the recommended duration
- Development of melasma during or after pregnancy
- Suspicion of underlying hormone imbalance or health issue
- Visible skin damage, irritation, peeling due to improper product usage
The dermatologist can prescribe stronger customized topical treatments or tackle underlying causes in such cases. Procedures like chemical peels and lasers may also be recommended under medical guidance for severe, resistant melasma.
Conclusion
Melasma can be quite stubborn to treat. But the wide range of anti-pigmentation creams now available, both natural and clinical, offer safer ways to gradually lighten and even out skin. Choosing one suiting your skin type and melasma type is key for maximum results. And being consistent with application while avoiding UV exposure gives these creams the complementary support they need. In most cases, patient usage over 8-12 weeks can effectively control melasma without drastic measures or side effects. So do give these over the counter formulations a try before considering advanced treatments.
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