Clinical Efficacy of 25% L-Ascorbic Acid (C'ensil) in the Treatment of Melasma

Background: L-Ascorbic acid is used to treat melasma; however, it is quickly oxidized in aqueous solutions. Thus, C'ensil, a formulation containing 25% L-ascorbic acid and a chemical penetration enhancer, was created to promote the penetration of L-ascorbic acid into the skin. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of C'ensil in patients with melasma. Methods: Forty subjects with melasma were treated with C'ensil during an open-label trial over a period of 16 weeks. Each subject's skin pigmentation was assessed every 4 weeks using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and mexameter score. In addition, transepidermal water loss, skin dryness and irritation, and quality of life (Melasma Quality of Life Scale [MelasQoL]) were evaluated. Results: After 16 weeks, a significant decrease was noted in the degree of pigmentation based on the patients' MASI and mexameter scores. MelasOoL scores also decreased, indicating an increase in the subjects' quality of life. Conclusion: Our data indicate that C'ensil is an effective treatment modality for melasma.