25440437
BACKGROUND	Lignin peroxidase is a cosmetic skin-lightening alternative that breaks down plant cell walls and melanin .
OBJECTIVE	This research examined the topical efficacy of lignin peroxidase in pigment lightening .
METHODS	Sixty women aged 18 to 65 years with mild to moderate facial dyspigmentation were enrolled for 12 weeks in 2 cohorts .
METHODS	Cohort 1 applied lignin peroxidase to 1 randomized side of the face and nothing to the opposite side .
METHODS	Cohort 2 applied lignin peroxidase to 1 facial side and generic hydroquinone to the other .
METHODS	Investigator , subject , and dermospectrophotometer measurements were obtained .
RESULTS	In cohort 1 , improved skin texture ( P < .001 ) , roughness ( P < .001 ) , and overall appearance ( P = .002 ) was noted at week 2 with lignin peroxidase versus no treatment .
RESULTS	By week 12 , there was a decrease in spot size with lignin peroxidase versus no treatment ( P = .014 ) .
RESULTS	This was confirmed by a statistically significant reduction in melanin scores with the dermospectrophotometer on lignin peroxidase-treated side at weeks 4 , 8 , and 12 ( P = .003 ) and a similar reduction in Melasma Area Severity Index score .
RESULTS	Cohort 2 demonstrated parity between lignin peroxidase and hydroquinone , but lignin peroxidase was statistically superior in skin texture and roughness .
CONCLUSIONS	The sample size was limited .
CONCLUSIONS	Lignin peroxidase might be an over-the-counter skin-lightening preparation with efficacy parity to hydroquinone .

