The Science of Brightening

Cysteamine is one of the only antioxidants the body produces on its own. DermaQuest harnesses it without hydroquinone to fade discoloration at the source and restore even, radiant tone.

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What is Cysteamine?

Cysteamine is a naturally occurring antioxidant found in every cell. In skincare, it helps regulate melanin production at the source to target dark spots, sun damage and melasma without bleaching or resurfacing the skin.

DermaQuest’s MelaQuest formulas use micro-encapsulated cysteamine, releasing gradually as it penetrates the skin for more consistent brightening, improved tolerance and long-term daily use.

What consistent use looks like on the skin

Cysteamine works gradually, most visible changes build over weeks of regular application.

Targets stubborn discoloration

Helps interrupt excess melanin production at the source, addressing dark spots, sun damage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Softens the look of melasma

A recognized option for stabilizing and treating melasma and related pigmentation disorders, with a gentler profile than many alternatives.

Protects against oxidative stress

Defends skin cells from environmental damage that contributes to premature aging and uneven tone over time.

Unifies overall skin tone

With regular use, helps reduce blotchiness and patchiness, gradually restoring a more even, radiant complexion.

Powerful visible results

73%

Saw visibly more even tone by week 8

3.5x

Lower inflammatory potential compared with hydroquinone

81%

Noted reduced appearance of dark spots at week 12

Formulated with intention

Three principles guide every MelaQuest formula, from the serum to the eye cream.

Deep, gradual release

Micro-encapsulation lets cysteamine penetrate further and release slowly, improving comfort and extending its brightening effect between applications.