Cysteamine

Also known as Cyspera, cysteamine hydrochloride

What is cysteamine?

Cysteamine is an antioxidant your own cells make, and in a cream it lowers the amount of pigment your skin produces. It treats melasma and dark spots that haven't responded to other brighteners. Most formulas, like Cyspera, go on for a short time and then get washed off.
Best forMelasma Stubborn dark spots Hyperpigmentation Uneven tone

Products with cysteamine

Shop all 10
Cyspera Switzerland Total Skin open jar with Tyrocutin Complex capsules and silver lid pigment correction dietary supplement 60 capsules Cyspera Cyspera Total Skin $80.00 Cyspera Switzerland Intensive Pigment Correction Rinse-Off Cream with Cysteamine Isobionic-Amide in white and coral pump bottle Cyspera Cyspera Intensive Pigment Corrector $180.00 Cyspera Switzerland Sensitive Pigment Correction Rinse-Off Cream with Cysteamine Isobionic-Amide in white and peach pump bottle Cyspera Cyspera Sensitive Pigment Corrector $180.00 Cyspera Switzerland Ageless Skin Resilience Face Cream with Isobionic-Amide in white and blue gradient pump bottle Cyspera Cyspera Ageless $120.00

Pairs well with

  • Sunscreen
  • Niacinamide
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Ceramides

Use with caution

  • Freshly washed skin (it stings more)
  • Retinol and acids on the same night
  • Broken or irritated skin

Cysteamine FAQs

Apply a thin layer to unwashed skin once a day, leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse and moisturize. Follow the directions on your product, since newer formulas differ.

Most people see lighter patches in 8 to 12 weeks of daily use. After that, twice a week keeps the results.

Studies show cysteamine fades melasma about as well as hydroquinone. You can use it long term, which isn't advised for hydroquinone.

Cysteamine contains sulfur, which gives it a strong smell. The smell rinses away when you wash the cream off.

Related reading

Dermatologist-approved melasma treatments Hyperpigmentation 101: types, causes, and treatments Keeping hyperpigmentation away in summer

This content on this page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Always speak to a dermatologist before starting a new skincare routine.