What is Cysteamine Cream?
Cysteamine cream is a skin-lightening agent used to treat hyperpigmentation disorders such as age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists have recommended it for several years since it became available in the UK.
Cyspera Cysteamine Cream was the first brand available in 2019, and it became popular due to published evidence supporting its effectiveness. A few years later, it was discontinued and replaced by Cyspera Intensive, which has also been discontinued in the UK.
In 2023, Senté created an alternative version, Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector.
In 2024, Dermaquest launched their Cysteamine products DermaQuest MelaQuest Cysteamine Serum and DermaQuest MelaQuest Cream with Cysteamine these products are different to the original products as they can be left on the skin and no not need to be washed off.
What is the difference between DermaQuest Cysteamine Serum and Cream, Cyspera and Cysteamine HSA
The original Cyspera contained 5% Cysteamine cream and came in a 50g tube. Cyspera Intensive, contained 7% Cysteamine cream with added ingredients such as AHAs to enhance pigmentation reduction, Isobionic-Amide, which is an anti-inflammatory B3 derivative and other ingredients to mask the smell slightly because the ingredients could not be combined in the tube it comes in a 30ml dual pump. This product has been discontinued in the UK. These were both mask treatments which needed to be washed off after 15 minutes.
Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector contains 5% Cysteamine Cream in a 50ml tube. It also contains B3 niacinamide and HSA, which in combination improve skin tone by treating pigmentation and reducing redness or inflammation. Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector should be applied like a mask on the problem area and washed off after 15minutes.
DermaQuest MelaQuest Cysteamine Serum and DermaQuest MelaQuest Cream with Cysteamine also contain antioxidants- Glutathione and Ginko Biloba to reduce inflammation and skin sensitivity, a tyrosine inhibitor – Kojic Acid to help reduce pigmentation and Snow Algae, which improves the skin’s collagen and cellular defence.
DermaQuest MelaQuest Cysteamine Serum contains 4% Cysteamine, which is shown to be as effective as prescription 4% hydroquinone and DermaQuest MelaQuest Cream with Cysteamine contains 3% Cysteamine. Both of these products can be left on the skin, which makes your daily routine easier. They still have an aroma, but this is masked by some of the other ingredients. For best results, Dermaquest advises you to use the serum and then the cream twice daily.
Some people may try the serum first on its own and add on the cream if they would like to enhance the results.
Skin Sensitivity with the Different Cysteamine Creams
Cysteamine is known to cause irritation for some users, which is why the latest versions include ingredients to counteract it.
Sante, however, uses its HSA compound to provide a soothing repair base for the Cysteamine cream, making it more suitable for sensitive and red skin.
Dermaquest uses glutathione and Ginkgo biloba to reduce inflammation and skin sensitivity,
How to use the different Cysteamine Creams
For all products: If you have never used it, begin with a patch test. Then, apply every other day to the treatment area and increase to everyday use as tolerated.
For Cyspera and Senté products:
- Do not wash the skin before application.
- If it is necessary to wash, you must wait for one hour before applying Cyspera and 20 minutes before applying Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector
- Apply a thin layer on the pigmented skin you wish to treat
- Leave on for 15 minutes
- Remove by washing the area with a gentle face cleanser.
- Gently pat your face dry and apply a gentle moisturiser and SPF if in the day
Do not leave on for more than 15 minutes.
- Intensive phase: Once per day for up to 16 weeks.
- Maintenance phase: Twice-weekly, once per day, indefinitely.
- Use a high SPF sunblock to prevent activating the pigmentation.
For DermaQuest Serum and Cream:
- Cleanse the skin with DermaQuest MelaQuest Facial Cleanser
- Apply the serum twice daily DermaQuest MelaQuest Cysteamine Serum
- For best results, then, apply DermaQuest MelaQuest Cream with Cysteamine
For best results, you need to make sure you are consistent and apply products daily.
How does Cysteamine work?
As the name implies, the cream contains cysteamine, a metabolite of L-cysteine and a natural cellular component. L-cysteamine inhibits melanin production in the skin in several ways, which is why it is so effective.
It works as an Antioxidant and inhibits the Tyrosinase enzyme, reducing melanin precursors and therefore decreasing pigment production.
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial confirmed the efficacy of cysteamine cream in treating epidermal melasma.
Pigmentation usually reduces after six weeks of consistent use. It takes 8 to 16 weeks of regular use to achieve optimal results
Contraindications to use:
Cysteamine cream should not be used if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can I use Cysteamine in the summer?
You can use this treatment any time of year, regardless of sunlight intensity; it is not a photosensitiser.
I have a dark skin tone; can I still use it?
Yes, it is suitable for all skin types and skin tones.
What are the side effects and risks?
Local side effects at the site of application may include:
- Temporary heating up or burning sensation and redness
- More persistent irritation and dryness, which you can treat with an emollient.
This reaction may happen during the first few days of application and are generally mild with the newer products.
If you experience sustained redness, irritation, or dry skin, stop using Cysteamine and hydrate the area with your basic hydration cream. You can try to resume gradual application once your skin has recovered.
Cheshire Lasers’ prices for Cysteamine Cream
View the Prices for our Cysteamine Creams here:
Find out more from Senté Cysteamine HSA Pigment & Tone Corrector manufacturers website here
If you have not used Cysteamine Cream before and want to purchase it, you are welcome to arrange a consultation to discuss how to use it and add it to your routine.
Book a Skin Assessment Consultation