Melasma

Overview

It is unclear whether Milk Thistle cream helps melasma, though early studies from two trials are encouraging. A 1.4% milk thistle extract cream applied twice daily for three months improved the appearance of melasma about as well as hydroquinone or laser treatment.

More research is needed to confirm these benefits and safety. See the evidence reviews below for details.

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Milk Thistle	★★★★★	Low

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Studies

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1 supplement for rated at least stars. All purchase bands. No minimum star filter.

Milk ThistleView supplement →

Reconsider purchase★★★★★

How we scored this

Effect SizeLowEvidenceLowTrustMedium

Evidence Review

It is unclear if milk thistle cream helps melasma, but early studies are encouraging.
Using a cream with 1.4% milk thistle extract twice a day for 3 months improved the look of melasma about as well as a common bleaching cream (hydroquinone) or a special laser treatment.
Milk thistle’s antioxidant effects may help reduce skin darkening caused by sun damage.
More research is needed to confirm these benefits and safety.

Browse 2 studies

RCTA Randomized, Double-Blind, Split-Face Study of Topical Silymarin vs 2% Hydroquinone Cream in Melasmas2022n=25

A 3-month split-face RCT of 25 Asian melasma patients found 1.4% topical silymarin produced comparable pigmentation reduction to 2% hydroquinone with fewer side effects.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 3 months
Population: Adults
Participants: 25

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RCTEfficacy and Safety of Topical Silymarin Versus Low Fluence 1064-nm Q Switched Nd:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Melasma: A Comparative Randomized Trial2021n=25

An RCT of 50 women with melasma found topical silymarin improved severity similarly to low-fluence 1064-nm Q-switched Nd:YAG laser over short-term follow-up.

Effect: Benefit
Duration: 3 months
Population: ALL patients
Participants: 25

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Evidence visualised

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Effect-size distribution

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Study distribution across 1 supplements for melasma (2 studies total).
Supplement	DEX	Studies	Meta-analyses	Share
Milk Thistle	★★★★★44%	2	0	100%

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Overview

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