Cysteamine
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.
Cysteamine inhibits tyrosinase and peroxidase activity, neutralizes the hydrogen peroxide that amplifies melanocyte stimulation, and chelates the copper ions required for tyrosinase function — targeting pigmentation at four distinct points in the melanogenesis pathway for comprehensive, long-lasting results.
4 melanogenesis pathways simultaneously
3% — stabilized in leave-on formula
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 an easy-to-use non-rinse serum easy to integrate into any daily skincare routine.
Cysteamine is a particularly well-suited active ingredient for anyone dealing with persistent melasma or hyperpigmentation, combining proven efficacy with an excellent tolerability profile.
Melasma Reduction
Reduces melasma and diffuse hyperpigmentation by acting on multiple melanin synthesis pathways simultaneously.
All Skin Phototypes
Suitable for all skin phototypes, including darker skin tones — Fitzpatrick V and VI.
Leave-on Efficacy
Leave-on formulation maximizes bioavailable contact time without the constraints of rinse-off protocols.
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