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Skin concern

Uneven skin tone

Primary source

Uneven skin tone: a cosmetic description for skin whose color looks patchy or inconsistent — usually from scattered pigment, redness or residual marks. In dermatology it maps to “skin-tone evenness”, one of the recognized dimensions of skin quality. The strongest evidence comes from a 2022 human trial covering chinese adults in a randomized, double-blind half-face clinical study: In a 12-week randomized, double-blind half-face study, a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide improved hyperpigmentation spots (L*), the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and skin firmness significantly more than niacinamide alone. 2 ingredients have evidence for Uneven skin tone: Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid.

These trials measured colour and melanin changes in melasma or PIH groups: 2022 · PMID 34958693; 2026 · 30 people · PMID 42406361. The evidence on even tone comes from hyperpigmentation and acne-mark studies.

Where the definition comes from

Source wording

“Skin quality is described by emergent perceptual components, of which skin-tone evenness is a primary dimension applicable across ethnicities.” — Goldie et al., Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2021 (PMID 34163203).

Skin Quality - A Holistic 360° View: Consensus Results Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (Goldie K)

Ingredients at a glance

2022 · Chinese adults in a randomized, double-blind half-face clinical study · PMID 34958693

Ingredient Measured outcome Based on Certainty Year
Niacinamide Skin effect Human trial Moderate 2022
Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid Skin effect Human trial Low 2026

Studies and results

  1. 1 Niacinamide Skin effect
    Superior even skin tone and anti-ageing benefit of a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide

    In a 12-week randomized, double-blind half-face study, a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide improved hyperpigmentation spots (L*), the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and skin firmness significantly more than niacinamide alone.

    Human trial · 2022 · Chinese adults in a randomized, double-blind half-face clinical study · Chinese adults using the combination cream twice daily for 12 weeks in a split-face design. · Industry-funded (Unilever R&D); part of the evidence comes from in-vitro melanocyte and 3D skin models.

    PMID 34958693

    Read the full finding →
    Source:Superior even skin tone and anti-ageing benefit of a combination of 4-hexylresorcinol and niacinamide
  2. 2 Niacinamide Tranexamic acid Skin effect
    Efficacy and Tolerability of a Topical Pigment-Correcting Serum in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation

    In 30 women with melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, a serum combining lotus sprout extract, tranexamic acid and niacinamide reduced skin tone unevenness by 38% and 33% respectively over 16 weeks (P < 0.008).

    Human trial · 2026 · 30 people · women (15 melasma, 15 PIH), 70% Fitzpatrick IV-VI · Women with melasma or PIH, 70% with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, applying the serum twice daily for 16 weeks. · 30 participants; "skin tone unevenness" is a sponsor-defined endpoint.

    PMID 42406361

    Read the full finding →
    Source:Efficacy and Tolerability of a Topical Pigment-Correcting Serum in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation

Study limits

Study conditions and measured outcomes.

  • Niacinamide Human trial · 2022

    Industry-funded (Unilever R&D); part of the evidence comes from in-vitro melanocyte and 3D skin models.

  • Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid Human trial · 2026

    30 participants; "skin tone unevenness" is a sponsor-defined endpoint.

Products with a basis for this

24 products · Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum · Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% · 2022 · Chinese adults in a randomized, double-blind half-face clinical study · PMID 34958693

Common questions

Which ingredients have been studied for Uneven skin tone?
Ingredients with evidence for Uneven skin tone: Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid.
How many people were studied?
2 findings · 2022 · Chinese adults in a randomized, double-blind half-face clinical study · PMID 34958693
What can I use for Uneven skin tone?
Niacinamide, Tranexamic acid · 2022 · Chinese adults in a randomized, double-blind half-face clinical study · PMID 34958693
Can I use these every day for Uneven skin tone?
Chinese adults using the combination cream twice daily for 12 weeks in a split-face design（2022 · Chinese adults in a randomized, double-blind half-face clinical study · PMID 34958693） Women with melasma or PIH, 70% with Fitzpatrick skin types IV-VI, applying the serum twice daily for 16 weeks（2026 · 30 participants · 30 women (15 melasma, 15 PIH), 70% Fitzpatrick IV-VI · PMID 42406361）

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 Hyperpigmentation 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 Wrinkles and fine lines