Tackling hyperpigmentation can sometimes feel like trying to solve a difficult puzzle. There’s hundreds of skincare products on the market that claim to eliminate those pesky dark spots, uneven skin tone, and discoloration — but which ingredients work and which are just hype
In our opinion, it’s best to look for evidenced-based ingredients, such as hydroquinone, niacinamide, and vitamin C. Those are just some of the ingredients used to formulate Musely The Spot Cream, a prescription dark spot correcting cream that promises to fade dark spots and brighten the complexion.
But is Musely The Spot Cream right for you? To help you decide, we’ll give you all the details on the key ingredients in this formula, as well as the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care. We’ll also share some Musely reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.
What Are The Key Ingredients in Musely The Spot Cream?
There’s actually four different formulations of Musely The Spot Cream — Erase, Nurture, HQ Free+, and M+ — which include the following key ingredients:
Erase
- Hydroquinone 12%
- Niacinamide 2%
- Hydrocortisone 1% (for Initial 2-month only)
Nurture
- Hydroquinone 6%
- Vitamin C 1%
- Niacinamide 2%
HQ Free+
- Tranexamic Acid 6%
- Azelaic Acid 10%
- Niacinamide 2%
M+
- Hydroquinone 12%
- Tretinoin 0.05%
- Niacinamide 2%
- Hydrocortisone 2.5% (for Initial 2-month only)
Below we’ll give you the details on the benefits of each of these key ingredients.
Hydroquinone
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, hydroquinone produces reversible lightening of the skin by interfering with melanin production by the melanocytes.
Specifically, inhibition of the enzymatic conversion of tyrosine to DOPA (dihydroxyphenylalanine) results in the desired chemical reduction of pigment. Ultimately, this causes a decrease in the number of melanocytes and decreased transfer of melanin leading to lighter skin.
There are numerous studies that have demonstrated that hydroquinone is an effective treatment for hyperpigmentation. For example, in a 2003 study published in The International Journal of Dermatology, hydroquinone was found to reduce signs of hyperpigmentation associated with melasma by 76.9%, beating another skin whitening complex at 66.7%.
Normally hydroquinone is very well tolerated, however, there is still a potential for side effects. Common side effects include dryness, redness, irritation, and itching.
One thing to know before using Differin Dark Spot Corrector (or any product that contains hydroquinone) is that there is a potential for exogenous ochronosis to occur, especially if you have dark skin. Ochronosis is a reaction where the skin darkens in areas where the hydroquinone was applied; the exact opposite of what it is intended to do!
Interestingly, this phenomenon has only been documented in darker-skinned patients. However, ochronosis is extremely rare and usually occurs with long term use of hydroquinone (especially in high concentrations or from adulterated products).
Niacinamide
Did you know that niacinamide is a B-vitamin derivative? It’s the amide form of vitamin B3 (niacin).
Niacinamide is a multi-tasking skincare ingredient, and one of the benefits it offers is brightening the complexion. It works by inhibiting melanosome transfer from melanocytes (melanin producing cells) to keratinocytes (skin cells in the epidermis).
In a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology, niacinamide was found to significantly decrease hyperpigmentation and increase skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use.
Niacinamide also functions as a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help the skin combat free radicals, the unstable molecules that contribute to the formation of premature wrinkles and fine lines on the skin.
Another benefit of niacinamide is its ability to help with acne because of its antimicrobial and sebostatic effects, meaning it can help protect against the bacteria that cause acne while also helping to reduce oil production.
Tranexamic Acid
Tranexamic acid is a synthetic analog of the amino acid lysine that functions as a skin-lightening agent for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. It is believed to work by inhibiting plasmin, which means that it helps to break down proteins in the skin that contribute to melanin (skin pigment) production.
Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid increases skin turnover to unclog pores, calm inflammation, and reduce discoloration, which is why it is an effective treatment for acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.
Tretinoin
Also known as Retin-A, tretinoin is a prescription retinoid that helps with acne, dark spots, and signs of aging.
When tretinoin first came to market more than 50 years ago, it was prescribed to treat acne only, not for anti-aging purposes. This was because of its ability to unclog pores, preventing them from becoming clogged with oil, dirt, and debris, which also makes pores appear smaller.
According to a publication in the Journal of International Medical Research, soon after topical tretinoin was made available, elderly patients using it to treat acne noted a general improvement in the quality of their skin. It was discovered that by increasing cell turnover and increasing collagen production, tretinoin could also provide anti-aging benefits such as smoothing fine lines and wrinkles and reducing visible signs of hyperpigmentation.
Hydrocortisone
Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This ingredient is only included in the first two-month supply of Musely The Spot Cream in order to address any inflammation associated with dark spots.
How to Use Musely The Spot Cream?
After cleansing skin, apply one pump to the hyperpigmented area and gently massage. It can be used as a spot treatment, all over face, or as directed by your doctor. Use a gentle hydrating moisturizer after applying. Be sure to wear a mineral-based sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 daily, as your skin will be extra sensitive to sun exposure.
Where to Buy Musely The Spot Cream?
Musely The Spot Cream and other Musely skin care products are exclusively sold on the brand’s website (musely.com).
How Much is Musely The Spot Cream?
Musely The Spot Cream costs $64 USD for a two-month supply.
Is Musely Cruelty Free?
Yes, Musely is cruelty free.
Our Verdict
Overall, we think that Musely The Spot Cream is formulated well with evidence-based ingredients, and it could be worth a try if you want to use prescription-strength lightening ingredients.
Pros
- Formulated with evidence-based ingredients (hydroquinone, vitamin C, niacinamide, etc.)
- Many positive Musely The Spot Cream reviews
- Musely is cruelty free
Cons
- Some Musely The Spot Cream reviews mention that the product did not work
References:
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology “Hydroquinone”
Int J Dermatol. 2003 Feb;42(2):153-6.
