Cosmelan Depigmentation Mask

The Cosmelan professional depigmentation protocol by Mesoestetic, combining an in-clinic mask application with a home maintenance programme. Targets melanin overproduction at multiple points in the melanogenesis pathway to treat melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and sun-induced dark spots.

Cosmelan is a medical-grade depigmentation system developed by Mesoestetic that addresses hyperpigmentation disorders through a dual-phase approach: a professional in-clinic mask application (Cosmelan 1) followed by a home maintenance cream (Cosmelan 2) used over several months. Unlike single-mechanism lightening agents, Cosmelan contains a complex of active ingredients — including azelaic acid, kojic acid, phytic acid, ascorbic acid, arbutin, and retinol — that inhibit tyrosinase enzyme activity at multiple points in the melanin synthesis pathway. This multi-target approach is why Cosmelan is considered one of the most effective non-hydroquinone depigmentation protocols available. The in-clinic phase involves applying the Cosmelan 1 mask — a thick, opaque occlusive preparation — directly onto the clean, degreased facial skin. The mask is left in place for a prescribed duration determined by the practitioner based on the patient's skin type, phototype, and severity of pigmentation. For lighter skin types (Fitzpatrick I-III), the mask may remain for 8 to 12 hours; for darker skin types (IV-VI), a shorter duration of 6 to 8 hours is used to minimise the risk of post-inflammatory rebound pigmentation. The patient leaves the clinic with the mask in place and removes it at home according to the practitioner's instructions. Following mask removal, the skin undergoes a controlled exfoliation phase over 3 to 5 days. Redness, tightness, and visible peeling are expected and indicate that the active ingredients have penetrated the epidermis and begun disrupting melanin-laden keratinocytes. During this phase, the skin is highly sensitive and must be protected from UV exposure with SPF 50+ sunscreen applied every 2 hours during daylight. The home maintenance phase begins once the initial peeling subsides. Cosmelan 2 cream is applied twice daily for the first month, then once daily for the following months. This phase is critical for sustained results — it continues to suppress tyrosinase activity and prevents melanin rebound, which is the primary reason depigmentation treatments fail when the maintenance phase is skipped. Visible lightening of pigmented patches typically begins within 2 to 4 weeks, with optimal results at 3 to 6 months of consistent use.