Illuminate Cream (Mayo Clinic)

Illuminate Cream, also identified by the code 2013-MCN-333, is a topical compounded medication developed by the Mayo Clinic for the treatment of moderate to severe melasma. It is a triple combination therapy consisting of hydroquinone (6%), tretinoin (0.05%), and fluocinolone acetonide (0.01%). This formulation is a modification of the standard triple combination (Kligman's formula), utilizing a higher concentration of hydroquinone (6% compared to the standard 4% found in FDA-approved products like Tri-Luma) to enhance its depigmenting effect. Hydroquinone acts as a tyrosinase inhibitor, blocking the conversion of tyrosine to melanin. Tretinoin, a retinoid, promotes epidermal cell turnover and facilitates the penetration of hydroquinone. Fluocinolone acetonide is a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and irritation associated with the other components. The cream was evaluated in a Phase 2 open-label pilot study (NCT02013336) conducted by the Mayo Clinic to assess its clinical efficacy and safety profile in adults with melasma.

Brand names

Illuminate Cream

Other names

Triple combination creamfluocinolone acetonide + hydroquinone + tretinoinmometasone furoate + hydroquinone + tretinoinKligman's formula