A novel proof-of-concept study assessing the lightening effects and safety of malassezin for treatment of facial hyperpigmentation

This is the supplementary data for the Research Letter (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology) DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2021.10.008 This data is provided by the authors to give readers additional information about their work. Purpose The primary objective of this seminal and first proof-of-concept, double-blind, dose-ranging study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of malassezin, a natural indole metabolite of Malassezia furfur, for mild, moderate, and severe facial hyperpigmentation secondary to photodamage or melasma.

Conclusion Malassezin is a highly active agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor with key homeostasis functions that may impact the mechanism of pigmentation reduction​ as shown by in vitro testing demonstrating that malassezin is not a tyrosinase inhibitor. The major strength of this investigation is the early onset of lightening visible at weeks 2 and 4 and the maintenance of improvement for 8 weeks after treatment, an outcome that has been rarely reported in other clinical trials.