Cystéamine

Stubborn hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma are among the most challenging conditions in dermatology — chronic, recurrent, and driven by the convergence of UV exposure, hormonal fluctuations, and oxidative stress across multiple melanin production pathways.

A game-changing molecule for melasma

Cysteamine has emerged as one of the most compelling molecules in complex hyperpigmentation treatments, with clinical studies confirming efficacy comparable to hydroquinone — and a significantly more favorable safety and tolerability profile for long-term use across all skin phototypes.

An endogenous aminothiol naturally produced by every human cell, cysteamine acts on melanin overproduction through several complementary mechanisms: inhibiting tyrosinase and peroxidase activity, neutralizing the hydrogen peroxide that amplifies melanocyte stimulation, and chelating the copper ions required for tyrosinase function — making it particularly relevant for melasma, where pigment overproduction is driven by several converging pathways simultaneously.

The formulation challenge

Cysteamine is inherently unstable in its free form — it oxidizes rapidly on air exposure and loses biological activity within hours. 

ALPHASCIENCE stabilized cysteamine at 3% in a leave-on formula — protected by patent N°BE1030501B1 — maintaining the molecule in its active, reduced form throughout the product’s lifespan in a easy to use non-rinse serum easy to integrate into any daily skincare routine.

Skin benefits

Cysteamine is a particularly well-suited active ingredient for anyone dealing with persistent melasma or hyperpigmentation, combining proven efficacy with an excellent tolerability profile.

• Reduces melasma and diffuse hyperpigmentation by acting on multiple melanin synthesis pathways simultaneously
• Suitable for all skin phototypes, including darker skin tones — Fitzpatrick V and VI
•  Leave-on formulation maximizes bioavailable contact time without the constraints of rinse-off protocols

ALPHASCIENCE formula containing Cysteamine
MELA BRIGHT [C+] Serum