⚡ Quick Answer — What is Demelan Cream?
Demelan Cream is een non-hydroquinone multi-active depigmenting cream from Glenmark containing thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid), Emblica officinalis extract, kojic acid, arbutin and glycolic acid. Used for melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), sun-induced pigmentation, and uneven skin tone — particularly in patients who cannot tolerate hydroquinone, or who want a longer-term maintenance product after a Kligman-type HQ course. Apply a thin layer once daily at night to the cleansed, dry, affected area; rinse off in the morning. Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every morning is mandatory — any depigmenting product fails without sun protection. Expect visible improvement over 12-16 weeks with consistent use. NOT FDA-approved as a drug in the US; sold as a cosmeceutical in India and similar markets. Unlike hydroquinone, this combination can be used for longer maintenance periods without the risk of exogenous ochronosis.
📦 Elke bestelling is gedekt door onze Reshipment Assurance Policy — als uw pakket niet binnen 20 werkdagen arriveert, sturen wij het opnieuw.
Waarom bestellen bij MedsBase
Onze generieke medicijnen zijn afkomstig van WHO-GMP gecertificeerde fabrikanten en worden wereldwijd verzonden in discrete, eenvoudige verpakkingen — geen medicijnnaam op de buitenkant van het pakket. Betalingen met kaart worden verwerkt via een gereguleerde processor (betalingsoverzichten vermelden een gereguleerde kaartbetalingprocessor — nooit “MedsBase” of een medicijnnaam). Crypto en SEPA bankoverschrijvingen worden ook geaccepteerd. Elke bestelling wordt ondersteund door ons Reshipment Assurance Policy.
What Is Demelan Cream?
Demelan Cream is a topical depigmenting cream from Glenmark, supplied in a 20 g tube. The formulation contains thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid), Emblica officinalis extract, kojic acid, arbutin and glycolic acid. Unlike Kligman-type prescription creams (hydroquinone + tretinoin + corticosteroid), Demelan Cream is hydroquinone-free and relies on a multi-active approach that targets several steps of melanogenesis simultaneously. This allows longer-term use without the ochronosis, rebound hyperpigmentation, or steroid-induced skin atrophy risks that limit prescription HQ triples.
Demelan Cream is positioned in the cosmeceutical category — a product sold over the counter that contains actives with pharmacological effect on the skin, but that is not licensed as a drug. It is widely used in Indian dermatology practice as a first-line option for mild-moderate pigmentation, as a maintenance product following a short HQ course, and as an option for patients (pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, adolescents) for whom prescription HQ is unsuitable.
How Does Demelan Cream Work?
Demelan Cream works through several complementary mechanisms:
- Thioctic acid (alpha-lipoic acid) — a potent lipid- and water-soluble antioxidant that regenerates reduced vitamin E and vitamin C in the skin. Modulates melanogenesis via inhibition of tyrosinase and reduction of oxidative triggers of melanocyte activation.
- Emblica officinalis (amla) extract — a polyphenol-rich fruit extract with emblicanin A/B and stable vitamin C. Provides direct antioxidant protection and additional tyrosinase-inhibiting activity.
- Kojic acid — a fungal-derived tyrosinase inhibitor that reduces melanin production at the melanocyte. Well-studied for melasma and PIH.
- Arbutin — a naturally-occurring beta-D-glucoside of hydroquinone that acts as a reversible tyrosinase inhibitor. Provides HQ-like depigmenting activity without the ochronosis risk of free hydroquinone.
- Glycolic acid (alpha-hydroxy acid) — accelerates shedding of pigmented corneocytes and supports penetration of the other actives. Contributes to overall skin brightening and smoother texture.
The multi-active approach targets melanogenesis at three levels: (1) tyrosinase enzyme inhibition (kojic acid, arbutin, thioctic acid), (2) melanosome transfer and keratinocyte turnover (glycolic acid via AHA exfoliation), (3) antioxidant support against UV-induced melanogenesis (Emblica, thioctic acid). Because no single active is pushed to high doses, irritation is lower and tolerability is better than single-active HQ at matched depigmenting efficacy for mild-moderate pigmentation.
Begin: subtle improvement in skin tone and brightness can appear within 4-6 weeks of consistent use; measurable lightening of focal pigmentation typically takes 12-16 weeks, sometimes longer for deep dermal melasma. Response on epidermal pigmentation is better than on dermal pigmentation.
When Demelan Cream Is Used
Demelan Cream is appropriate for:
- Mild-to-moderate melasma — particularly epidermal-pattern melasma. Dermal and mixed-pattern melasma may need adjuncts (tranexamic acid, microneedling, or combined HQ courses under dermatology direction).
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) from acne, eczema, contact dermatitis, insect bites, trauma
- Sun-induced (solar) hyperpigmentation — ephelides (freckles), solar lentigines, sunspot lightening
- Uneven skin tone without focal lesions
- Maintenance after a Kligman-type HQ course — Demelan Cream can be used as long-term maintenance once HQ has been stopped, without the need for the HQ cycling and break periods
- Patients who cannot use HQ — pregnancy, breastfeeding, HQ allergy, those with a history of ochronosis, or those in jurisdictions where HQ requires a prescription and is not readily available
Demelan Cream is NOT voor:
- Severe or dermal-pattern melasma — needs dermatology evaluation, usually combined HQ/tretinoin + oral tranexamic acid + procedural options
- Active inflammatory skin disease (rosacea flare, acute eczema, contact dermatitis, broken skin) — the glycolic acid component will sting and worsen inflammation
- Hyperpigmentation of unknown cause — some pigmented lesions need biopsy first (e.g. dermal melanocytosis, pigmented actinic keratosis, lentigo maligna)
- Cosmetic whole-body lightening — not the indication; skin lightening as an ethnic/cosmetic goal is outside the licensed and clinically appropriate scope of this product
Demelan Cream How to Apply
- Evening routine: cleanse the face gently with a mild cleanser; pat dry completely — applying to damp skin increases irritation from the glycolic acid component.
- Breng een dunne laag ter grootte van een erwt aan to the affected areas. For focal pigmentation (melasma patches, PIH spots), apply only to the pigmented area and a 1-2 mm margin. For diffuse uneven tone, apply a thin layer over the whole affected zone.
- Avoid the eyelids, corners of the mouth, nostrils, and any broken/inflamed skin.
- Leave on overnight. If intolerable stinging occurs for more than 5-10 minutes after application, or the skin becomes red and scaly, reduce frequency to alternate nights, or rinse off after 30-60 minutes for the first 1-2 weeks until tolerance builds.
- Morning routine (non-negotiable): wash off; apply moisturiser; apply broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen every morning, re-applied every 2-3 hours of UV exposure. Any depigmenting cream applied without daily sunscreen will fail — UV reverses the treatment in real time.
- Typical course: 12-16 weeks for measurable pigmentation lightening; continue for maintenance long-term as needed. Unlike HQ, Demelan Cream does not require cycling breaks.
Kinderen: not indicated under 12. Zwangerschap en borstvoeding: lower-risk than HQ products; generally considered acceptable under dermatology supervision but specialist advice is still preferred because individual components (particularly glycolic acid at higher strengths) have limited pregnancy data.
Bijwerkingen
- Common (mild): transient stinging on application (glycolic acid), dryness, mild peeling, temporary redness
- Minder vaak voorkomend: irritant contact dermatitis, photosensitivity, mild burning
- Zeldzaam: allergic contact dermatitis (most commonly to kojic acid in sensitised individuals), acneiform eruption
- Paradoxical post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if the skin becomes severely irritated — over-application can worsen the very problem you are treating. Use sparingly and build tolerance.
Contra-indicaties & waarschuwingen
- Known hypersensitivity to any listed active ingredient
- Active inflammatory skin disease (rosacea flare, active eczema, contact dermatitis, acute sunburn, broken skin)
- Recent chemical peel, laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion, or waxing of the treatment area (wait 7-14 days)
- Cannot be combined at the same time as other actives — do not layer with tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or niacinamide serum at the same application. Separate routines (AHA at night, tretinoin different nights) or at minimum 30 minutes apart.
Geneesmiddelinteracties
- Tretinoin or other topical retinoids — do not apply on the same night. Alternate nights is the standard combination approach.
- Hydroquinone-containing creams — do not use simultaneously unless under specific dermatology direction. Sequential use (HQ course first, then Demelan Cream for maintenance) is common and safe.
- Topical corticosteroids — not generally combined; topical steroids on facial skin for prolonged periods cause atrophy, telangiectasia and rebound dermatitis.
- Strong photosensitising medications (oral doxycycline, amiodarone, thiazides) — increased photosensitivity risk; extra rigorous sun protection needed.
Opslag en houdbaarheid
Store Demelan Cream below 25°C in the original tube, away from direct sunlight and humidity. Replace cap tightly. Keep out of reach of children. Use within 6 months of first opening or before the printed expiry, whichever is sooner.
Veelgestelde vragen
How long before I see results from Demelan Cream?
Subtle brightening and even tone can emerge within 4-6 weeks of consistent nightly use. Measurable lightening of specific pigmented patches (PIH spots, melasma patches, sun spots) typically takes 12-16 weeks. Deep dermal pigmentation responds more slowly and may need combination therapy. If you have seen no change after 16 weeks of consistent use + daily SPF 50+, see a dermatologist — the pigmentation may have a dermal component or a specific diagnosis that needs a different approach.
Can I use Demelan Cream in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Demelan Cream is generally considered safer in pregnancy than hydroquinone because it does not contain HQ, and systemic absorption of its components is low. It is not fully risk-free — high-strength glycolic acid has limited pregnancy data. A dermatology review before starting is preferred. Many dermatologists in India and elsewhere do prescribe this class of product for melasma of pregnancy (chloasma) when appropriate.
How is Demelan Cream different from a Kligman cream (Melacare of A-Ret HC)?
Kligman creams contain prescription hydroquinone + tretinoin + low-potency corticosteroid. They are more potent for focal melasma and achieve lightening faster, but they must be cycled (8 weeks on, 8 weeks off) to avoid exogenous ochronosis and steroid atrophy. Demelan Cream is HQ-free and can be used continuously without cycling. The typical clinical workflow is: Kligman course first (usually 8-16 weeks for active melasma) then Demelan Cream for indefinite maintenance.
Is sunscreen really necessary every single morning?
Yes, absolutely. UV exposure is the single biggest driver of melasma, PIH, and solar hyperpigmentation. Any depigmenting cream applied without daily broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen is neutralised by the next UV exposure. Daily SPF 50+, re-applied every 2-3 hours of UV exposure, is more important than any cream. The cream is a tool; sunscreen is the foundation.
Can I use makeup over Demelan Cream?
Yes, because Demelan Cream is applied at night and washed off in the morning. Apply moisturiser + sunscreen + makeup in that order every morning. For evening routines, makeup should be removed before applying the cream.
What if it stings too much?
The glycolic acid component causes transient stinging in most users for the first 1-2 weeks. Mitigations: (1) apply to completely dry skin — wetness amplifies irritation; (2) start alternate nights for 2 weeks, then build to nightly; (3) apply a light moisturiser 10-15 minutes before the cream as a buffer; (4) if intolerable, rinse off after 30-60 minutes for the first 1-2 weeks. Severe, prolonged stinging (>30 minutes), frank burning or rash means stop and consult your dermatologist.
Can I use Demelan Cream with tretinoin?
Yes, alternating nights is a standard combination for stubborn melasma and PIH. Use tretinoin one night, Demelan Cream the next. Do not apply both at the same time on the same night — the stinging and irritation will compound. Daily sunscreen remains mandatory. Combination with a prescription retinoid should ideally be under dermatology supervision.
Where can I order Demelan Cream online?
You can order Demelan Cream from MedsBase in standard pack sizes (20 g tube). Orders ship worldwide with discreet packaging.
Related Pigmentation Products on MedsBase
- Melacare Crème — prescription Kligman triple for active melasma (HQ + tretinoin + steroid)
- Melalite Forte Crème — hydroquinone 4% monotherapy for focal pigmentation
- Eukroma Cream — hydroquinone 4% alternative
- Kojiglo Forte Cream — kojic acid mono-active
- A-Ret Gel (tretinoin) — tretinoin for combination alternate-night use
Handige lectuur: MedsBase klantbeoordelingen.
Gerelateerde alternatieven
Andere producten in Algemene gezondheid die klanten ook bekijken:



























Beoordelingen
Er zijn nog geen beoordelingen