title: A split-face evaluation of a novel pigment-lightening agent compared with no treatment and hydroquinone.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lignin peroxidase is a cosmetic skin-lightening alternative that breaks down plant cell walls and melanin.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This research examined the topical efficacy of lignin peroxidase in pigment lightening.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty women aged 18 to 65 years with mild to moderate facial dyspigmentation were enrolled for 12 weeks in 2 cohorts. Cohort 1 applied lignin peroxidase to 1 randomized side of the face and nothing to the opposite side. Cohort 2 applied lignin peroxidase to 1 facial side and generic hydroquinone to the other. Investigator, subject, and dermospectrophotometer measurements were obtained.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In cohort 1, improved skin texture (P < .001), roughness (P < .001), and overall appearance (P = .002) was noted at week 2 with lignin peroxidase versus no treatment. By week 12, there was a decrease in spot size with lignin peroxidase versus no treatment (P = .014). This was confirmed by a statistically significant reduction in melanin scores with the dermospectrophotometer on lignin peroxidase-treated side at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P = .003) and a similar reduction in Melasma Area Severity Index score. Cohort 2 demonstrated parity between lignin peroxidase and hydroquinone, but lignin peroxidase was statistically superior in skin texture and roughness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The sample size was limited.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Lignin peroxidase might be an over-the-counter skin-lightening preparation with efficacy parity to hydroquinone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina. Electronic address: zdraelos@northstate.net.
authors.forename: Zoe Diana
authors.initials: ZD
authors.lastname: Draelos
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006873:Hydroquinones / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010544:Peroxidases / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006873:Hydroquinones; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations; D010544:Peroxidases; C042858:lignin peroxidase; C031927:hydroquinone
keywords: hydroquinone alternatives; lignin peroxidase; skin lightening