# In Vitro, Ex Vivo and Clinical Trial of Brightening Serum Using a Novel Delivery System on Subjects With Moderate to Severe Dyschromia

**Authors:** Ashish C. Bhatia, Arisa Ortiz, Swati Kannan, Amir Moradi, Tina Fleck, Robert Love, Stacy Osborne

PMC · DOI: 10.1111/jocd.70686 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology · 2026-02-05

## TL;DR

A new brightening serum with a novel delivery system was tested in lab and clinical studies and showed significant improvements in skin tone and pigmentation.

## Contribution

A novel Tiered-Release Vesicle delivery system for a brightening serum was developed and tested in multiple studies.

## Key findings

- In vitro tests showed a 37.5% reduction in melanin production after 2 weeks.
- Raman spectroscopy confirmed tranexamic acid penetration into the epidermis.
- Clinical trials showed significant improvements in erythema and melanin indices.

## Abstract

Pigmentary problems are common and can arise from sun exposure, skin inflammation, changes in hormones, and certain medications. Because they are visible, these pigmentary problems can be very distressing for individuals, and they are often challenging to manage. Three studies were conducted, ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo.

An in vitro study of brightening/lightening in skin models; an ex vivo skin study using Raman spectroscopy; and a 12‐week clinical study of a novel complexion brightening serum with Tiered‐Release Vesicle (CBS‐TRV) delivery technology in adults with moderate to severe photodamage and uneven skin tone. Assessments included clinical grading, melanin and erythema measurements by Mexameter, digital imaging, and a patient self‐assessment questionnaire. Standard safety and tolerability assessments were also performed.

The in vitro 3D skin study showed that a 2 μL/cm2 application of CBS‐TRV (the recommended and clinical application volume) slowed melanin production by 37.5% compared to untreated tissues after 2 weeks. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy provided evidence for tranexamic acid penetration into the epidermis of ex vivo human skin. Clinical grading revealed significant improvements at the majority of visits, which were accompanied by improvements of erythema index and melanin index on mexameter. In addition, subjects provided positive feedback regarding the clinical results as well as the formulation's aesthetics. Finally, the CBS‐TRV product was safe and well tolerated.

The multiple active ingredients in CBS‐TRV target melanogenesis in a variety of ways, and both in vitro and clinical studies demonstrated significant improvements in skin tone and pigmentation.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** tranexamic acid (PubChem CID 5526)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** TYRP1 (tyrosinase related protein 1) [NCBI Gene 7306] {aka CAS2, CATB, GP75, OCA3, TRP, TRP1}, TRV-AAC1-4 (tRNA-Val (anticodon AAC) 1-4) [NCBI Gene 7239] {aka TRNAV1, TRV, TRV1}, CNOT8 (CCR4-NOT transcription complex subunit 8) [NCBI Gene 9337] {aka CAF1, CALIF, Caf1b, POP2, hCAF1}, PLG (plasminogen) [NCBI Gene 5340] {aka HAE4}, TYR (tyrosinase) [NCBI Gene 7299] {aka ATN, CMM8, OCA1, OCA1A, OCAIA, SHEP3}, CBS (cystathionine beta-synthase) [NCBI Gene 875] {aka HIP4}
- **Diseases:** Melasma (MESH:D008548), genetic disorders (MESH:D030342), dryness (MESH:D014987), facial dyschromia (MESH:D005153), pigmentation (MESH:D010859), acne medications (MESH:D000152), irritation (MESH:D001523), erythema (MESH:D004890), skin cancer (MESH:D012878), itching (MESH:D011537), inflammation (MESH:D007249), Fitzpatrick skin types I, II, III, V, and VI (MESH:C536047), skin irritation (MESH:D012871), edema (MESH:D004487), stinging (MESH:D001733), injury (MESH:D014947), Facial hyperpigmentation (MESH:D017495), pigmentary disorders (MESH:C535508)
- **Chemicals:** Vitamin C (MESH:D001205), 4-butylresorcinol (-), retinoids (MESH:D012176), linoleic acid (MESH:D019787), Melanin (MESH:D008543), Kojic acid (MESH:C011890), isotretinoin (MESH:D015474), prostaglandins (MESH:D011453), Niacinamide (MESH:D009536), Retinyl linoleate (MESH:C047611), TXA (MESH:D014148), CO2 (MESH:D002245), hydroquinone (MESH:C031927), steroid (MESH:D013256), Vitamin A (MESH:D014801), ester (MESH:D004952)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12877427/full.md

## References

24 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12877427/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12877427