Ingredient glossary
Cysteamine
INCI: Cysteamine · Also: Cysteamine Hydrochloride
Worth paying for
Does Cysteamine clash with what you already use? Check it →Strong results with strong evidence behind them. This is one genuinely worth having in a formula.
What it does
- brightening
- antioxidant
strong evidenceMultiple randomized trials and a systematic review show five percent cysteamine cream significantly reduces melanin indices and MASI scores and can match or outperform hydroquinone-based formulas with mostly mild reversible side effects.
On a label: usually effective at 5%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- pigmentation
- melasma
- postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Approach with care
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- very sensitive
- compromised barrier
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
Pregnancy: Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Plays well with
- sunscreens
- vitamin c
- niacinamide
This, for every label you own
One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.
Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.