L’Oréal has launched Melasyl, a molecule designed to address localized pigmentation issues that lead to age spots and post-acne marks.
L’Oréal formulations containing the proprietary ingredient work inclusively, across all skin tones, to address pigmented marks on the skin and improve their appearance.
The underlying technology was reportedly validated in a number of studies. One randomized controlled clinical study noted that Melasyl, known as 2-mercaptonicotinoyl glycine (2-MNG), "prevents UV-induced skin darkening and delayed tanning in healthy subjects."
The report concluded, "2-MNG inhibited both UV-induced skin pigmentation mechanisms in vivo. The association of 2-MNG with LHA plus MSX showed the highest efficacy on melanin-rich skin with pigmentation induced by UV exposure."
Another publication, "A Bayesian network meta-analysis of 14 molecules inhibiting UV daylight-induced pigmentation," concluded:
The BNMA revealed a rapid and lasting efficacy of 2-MNG 0.5% on the anti-pigmenting and depigmenting phases of the clinical protocol. 2-MNG 0.5% ranked first, with immediate and lasting effect compared to 13 other references. This study is the first allowing comparison between reference anti-pigmenting and depigmenting agents and will help clinicians for proposing the most effective approach for their patients.
Melasyl is now available in La Roche Posay’s Mela B3 franchise, including MelaB3 serum and MelaB3 SPF30.
The Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum with Melasyl + Niacinamide reportedly "visibly reduces a range of skin discoloration, including sunspots, age spots, post-acne marks (or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), and even the most stubborn dark spots" for all skin tones.
The Mela B3 UV Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 with Melasyl + Niacinamide is designed to simultaneously "protect skin against visible signs of sun damage caused by UVA and UVB exposure" while addressing the appearance of dark spots with Melasyl and 5% niacinamide.
Anne Colonna, global head of advanced research at L’Oréal Groupe, said, "With half of all people reporting skin pigmentation issues and a third of these experiencing lower quality of life as a result, the impact of visible spots or post-acne marks is clearly more than skin-deep. Melasyl is a first-of-its kind ingredient that helps to address localized skin pigmentation issues, with proven efficacy and wide accessibility that will enable more people to regain their selfconfidence.”Melanin enables the vast spectrum of human skin tones in all their diversity, with melanin production increasing following sun exposure to protect skin cells. Many factors can upset normal melanin production, which can lead to localized pigmentation issues such as age spots and post-inflammatory marks. L’Oréal formulations containing Melasyl improve the appearance of existing dark spots, including persistent ones, with clinically demonstrated efficacy and safety across all skin tones."
