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Skin concern

Hyperpigmentation

Primary source

Hyperpigmentation: an umbrella term for patches of skin that are darker than the surrounding area because too much pigment is made or deposited. It ranges from sun-induced spots to post-inflammatory marks and melasma, and its causes go beyond melanin alone (visible light, inflammation, hormones). The strongest evidence comes from a 2026 human trial: In 200 people with facial hyperpigmentation, a 0.2% Thiamidol cream reduced mMASI scores by 36.1% at week 12 versus 16.1% with the vehicle cream (all time points P < 0.001). 1 ingredient has evidence for Hyperpigmentation: Niacinamide.

The studies here targeted specific pigment problems (melasma, PIH, solar lentigines) and measured color or melanin changes over weeks to months. Hyperpigmentation is an umbrella, melasma and acne-marks pages cover its main subtypes.

Where the definition comes from

Source wording

“Pigmentary disorders, including hyperpigmentation, are among the most common dermatologic diagnoses; our understanding has extended beyond melanocyte hyperactivity alone to visible light, inflammatory and hormonal signaling, and — in melasma — basement-membrane disruption.” — Taylor, J Drugs Dermatol 2026 (PMID 42826152).

Fundamentals of Hyperpigmentation Disorders: Causes, Concerns, and Treatment Strategies, Particularly in Skin of Color Patients Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (Taylor S)

Ingredients at a glance

2026 · 200 people · adults with facial hyperpigmentation (196 completed) · PMID 41566113

Ingredient Measured outcome Based on Certainty Year
— Skin effect Human trial High 2026
Niacinamide Skin effect Human trial Moderate 2025

Studies and results

  1. 1 Niacinamide Skin effect
    A Novel Dermocosmetic Routine Containing Vitamin B3 and 2-Mercaptonicotinyl Glycine Significantly Improves Melasma After 3 Months of Daily Use

    In 91 women with melasma, a skincare routine containing vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and 2-mercaptonicotinyl glycine significantly reduced MASI after 3 months, with roughly 38-41% reduction by 6 months.

    Human trial · 2025 · 91 people · women with melasma · Women aged about 44 with melasma, phototypes III-IV, using the routine twice daily with daily SPF50+ sunscreen. · A clinically relevant difference favoured Kligman's triple combination in the first 3 months; industry-funded; skin radiance and fine wrinkles also improved.

    PMID 41036635

    Read the full finding →
    Source:A Novel Dermocosmetic Routine Containing Vitamin B3 and 2-Mercaptonicotinyl Glycine Significantly Improves Melasma After 3 Months of Daily Use

Study limits

Study conditions and measured outcomes.

  • ev-hyperpigmentation-thiamidol-rct Human trial · 2026

    Similar between-group difference in freckles or solar lentigines, patient global assessment, or digital colour analysis.

  • Niacinamide Human trial · 2025

    A clinically relevant difference favoured Kligman's triple combination in the first 3 months; industry-funded; skin radiance and fine wrinkles also improved.

Products with a basis for this

23 products · 10% Niacinamide Booster · Acne Control Cleanser · 2026 · 200 people · adults with facial hyperpigmentation (196 completed) · PMID 41566113

Research-backed approaches

These studies measured finished products and whole routines.

  1. 1 Skin effect
    Efficacy and Tolerability of 0.2% Thiamidol Cream for Facial Hyperpigmentation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Vehicle-Controlled Study

    In 200 people with facial hyperpigmentation, a 0.2% Thiamidol cream reduced mMASI scores by 36.1% at week 12 versus 16.1% with the vehicle cream (all time points P < 0.001).

    Human trial · 2026 · 200 people · adults with facial hyperpigmentation (196 completed) · Adults with facial hyperpigmentation applying the cream for 12 weeks, assessed by physician-blinded mMASI and standardised photography. · Similar between-group difference in freckles or solar lentigines, patient global assessment, or digital colour analysis.

    PMID 41566113

    Read the full finding →
    Source:Efficacy and Tolerability of 0.2% Thiamidol Cream for Facial Hyperpigmentation: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Vehicle-Controlled Study

Common questions

Which ingredients have been studied for Hyperpigmentation?
Ingredients with evidence for Hyperpigmentation: Niacinamide.
How many people were studied?
2 findings · 2026 · 200 people · adults with facial hyperpigmentation (196 completed) · PMID 41566113
What can I use for Hyperpigmentation?
Niacinamide · 2026 · 200 people · adults with facial hyperpigmentation (196 completed) · PMID 41566113
Can I use these every day for Hyperpigmentation?
Women aged about 44 with melasma, phototypes III-IV, using the routine twice daily with daily SPF50+ sunscreen（2025 · 91 participants · 91 women with melasma · PMID 41036635）
Can I use these alongside other products for Hyperpigmentation?
Women aged about 44 with melasma, phototypes III-IV, using the routine twice daily with daily SPF50+ sunscreen（2025 · 91 participants · 91 women with melasma · PMID 41036635）

Other concerns

Acne marks and scars Acne and breakouts Barrier damage Blackheads Bumps and rough texture Closed comedones Combination skin Dark circles Dark spots Skincare for deeper skin tones Dehydrated skin Dryness Dull skin Eczema and atopic dermatitis Large pores Loss of firmness Melasma Skincare for men Oily skin Skincare while on acne medication Peeling and flaking Perioral dermatitis Skincare during pregnancy Psoriasis Facial redness Rosacea Sebaceous filaments Sensitive skin Sun damage Sun protection Teenage skin Uneven skin tone Wrinkles and fine lines