01 — Aesthetic Cosmetology · mesoestetic Depigmentation Therapy

Cosmelan™ — depigmentation therapy for melasma and pigmentation

Cosmelan is a highly effective, medical mesoestetic depigmentation therapy that regulates melanin production to reduce and eliminate pigmentation, brightening and evening out skin tone while lowering the risk of new pigment spots forming. It is also effective for melasma, chloasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation.

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In-clinic mask + Cosmelan 2two-step depigmentation therapy

Inhibits tyrosinasecontrols melanin production

Melasma · chloasma · pigmentationa cornerstone of pigmentation therapies

2 clinicsCity Centre · Mokotów

02 — About the treatment

What the Cosmelan therapy involves

Cosmelan is a highly effective depigmentation therapy that regulates melanin production in the skin, brightening and evening out skin tone, reducing and eliminating pigment spots and sun-induced pigmentation, and lowering the risk of new spots forming. It is one of the most extensively researched depigmentation protocols used for melasma and chloasma.

The treatment is also used in intensive anti-acne and anti-ageing therapies — it restores balance to oily and combination skin, regulates sebum secretion and stimulates collagen renewal. The therapy is divided into an in-clinic phase (application of a potent mask) and a home-care phase (treatment with Cosmelan 2 cream). To achieve the intended results, the full two-step therapy must be completed.

See the details

Cosmelan vs laser pigmentation removal — which to choose

Cosmelan is the medical cornerstone of pigmentation and melasma therapy at Velvet Skin Clinic. It is especially effective for melasma (chloasma) and hormonal pigmentation, where light-based methods can be risky. When the pigmentation is vascular or sun-induced and light-based treatment is indicated, take a look at laser pigmentation removal. We often combine both methods within a single treatment plan.

Cosmelan pairs well with brightening peels — such as the Vitamin C DermaQuest peel as antioxidant support. You will find the full map of acids in our chemical peels hub. The choice of method is made by a specialist after assessing the type and depth of the pigmentation.

03 — Pigmentation therapies at Velvet Skin Clinic

393pigmentation therapies performed (since 2013)

232clients have used pigmentation therapies

2013year — the start of pigmentation therapies

2clinics — therapies available at both

Source: Versum and Booksy reports, as of 30.06.2026. Data for the family of pigmentation and melasma therapies at Velvet Skin Clinic (laser therapy, brightening peels, Cosmelan); approximate matching. Cosmelan is the medical depigmentation protocol within this family. No revenue data included.

04 — How it works

How Cosmelan works

Dual mechanism

On one hand, it corrects the visible appearance of pigmentation by eliminating excess melanin; on the other, it controls its overproduction, lowering the risk of new pigment spots appearing.

Tyrosinase inhibition

The active substances inhibit tyrosinase — the key enzyme in melanogenesis — and hinder the migration of melanosomes to keratinocytes, limiting UV-driven stimulation.

In-clinic + home-care phase

The Cosmelan 1 mask, applied in the clinic (3–12 hours), plus the Cosmelan 2 home-care cream — this combination is what determines how long the depigmentation effect lasts.

The formula includes kojic acid, arbutin, phytic acid, azelaic acid, retinol palmitate and vitamins A and C, among others. The product contains no fragrance or preservatives. The mask exposure time is determined by the cosmetologist after assessing skin phototype and sensitivity.

05 — Indications

Indications for Cosmelan therapy

melasma and chloasmasun-induced pigmentationfreckles and uneven skin tonepost-inflammatory pigmentation (post-acne)photoageingenlarged pores and seborrhoeaacne and combination skinloss of skin elasticity

What we help with

What Cosmelan helps with

We use this treatment for 2 indications. It works a little differently in each of them — below we describe exactly what it does in each case.

Skin pigmentation

Cosmelan does not remove pigmentation with energy — instead, it inhibits the enzyme responsible for melanin production. For recurring pigmentation, or a tendency towards it, this is the only method that helps guard against new spots forming, not just correct existing ones — though it does require a consistent home-care routine.

Read about this indication → 02

Melasma and chloasma

With melasma, inhibiting melanin production matters more than removing what has already formed — because the problem is recurrent and hormonal. That is why Cosmelan is the lead treatment here, rather than one of several equally suitable options.

Read about this indication →

Unsure which indication describes your situation? See all the indications or ask during a consultation.

07 — Formula composition

Active ingredients in the Cosmelan formula

Cosmelan is a technologically advanced medical formula with a multi-directional depigmenting action. The timing and protocol are chosen by a specialist after a skin assessment.

Tyrosinase-inhibiting ingredients

6 active ingredients with high efficacy and tolerability

Melanogenesis blockade

inhibits DOPA-tautomerase and eumelanin formation

Vitamin complex

antioxidants, collagen stimulation and cellular renewal

UV filters + exfoliation

sun protection and an ingredient that accelerates epidermal renewal

08 — Consultation

Melasma, chloasma or stubborn pigmentation? Book a consultation and plan your Cosmelan therapy.

Book a consultation

09 — Scientific research

What research says about depigmentation and melasma treatment

The publications below concern the active ingredients and treatment strategies for melasma and pigmentation that Cosmelan-type depigmentation therapy is based on.

Azelaic acid · melasma · Meta-analysis

Azelaic acid in melasma treatment

A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrated the efficacy of azelaic acid in melasma treatment, comparable with hydroquinone.

Albzea et al., Cureus 2023 · PubMed →

Melasma · review · Treatment strategies

A combined approach to melasma

A narrative review describes an effective approach to melasma combining topical agents (including azelaic acid and retinoids), chemical peels and rigorous photoprotection.

Piętowska et al., IJERPH 2022 · PubMed →

Expert consensus · Recommendations

International consensus on melasma

A Delphi consensus of international experts confirms that melasma treatment requires a long-term plan combining topical therapy with sun protection.

Sarkar et al., JEADV 2026 · PubMed →

The cited studies concern active ingredients and treatment strategies for melasma/pigmentation, not a specific product. The number of treatments is determined by a specialist; results vary from person to person and depend on the type and depth of the pigmentation.

10 — The procedure

Step by step — the Cosmelan therapy

After a health history interview and skin analysis, the cosmetologist thoroughly cleanses and degreases the skin, then applies the Cosmelan 1 mask to the entire face. The mask stays on the skin for 3 to 12 hours (depending on skin type, phototype and goal), after which the patient washes it off themselves at home. Two days later, the home-care phase with Cosmelan 2 cream begins.

Consultation and skin analysis

A health history interview and assessment of the type of pigmentation, ruling out contraindications.

Cleansing and degreasing

Removing sebum for better penetration of the active substances.

Cosmelan 1 mask

Applied in the clinic; 3–12 hours of exposure, washed off at home.

Cosmelan 2 home-care

Cream applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then as maintenance — as directed.

11 — Aftercare

Aftercare guidelines for Cosmelan therapy

The Cosmelan home-care phase is an essential part of the therapy. During this time the skin can be sensitive, red and lightly flaking — this is an expected reaction. Consistent protection and strict adherence to your specialists guidance are essential.

Strict SPF protection

A high-factor sunscreen every day; avoid sun exposure and sunbeds — photoprotection determines the result.

Intensive moisturising

Use moisturising creams and gentle cleansers that do not damage the skin barrier.

Gentle skincare

Stop using retinol and acids outside the protocol; do not exfoliate the skin mechanically.

Expected reactions

Warmth, mild stinging and flaking are normal; if symptoms are severe, contact your specialist.

Stick to the protocol

The full effect comes from completing both phases and using Cosmelan 2 regularly.

Educational information. Detailed guidance is provided by your specialist; results and the course of treatment vary from person to person.

12 — Prices and parameters

Cosmelan — price of the therapy in Warsaw

The price includes the in-clinic treatment with the Cosmelan 1 mask and the home-care product. The number of supporting treatments depends on the type and depth of the pigmentation. We agree the therapy plan during a consultation.

Key parameters

Performed by

Cosmetologist

Duration

30 minutes

Number of sessions

1–6

Price

from 1800 zł

Full price list or book a consultation →

13 — Related therapies and alternatives

Contraindications for Cosmelan therapy

Every case is assessed individually by the cosmetologist during the consultation interview. The main contraindications:

pregnancy and breastfeeding

allergy to an ingredient in the product

oral retinoids (wait 6 months)

active skin inflammation and herpes

viral, bacterial or fungal infections

tendency to form hypertrophic scars and keloids

autoimmune diseases and cancer

recent dermatological/laser treatment (2–3 weeks)

16 — Questions and answers

Frequently asked questions — Cosmelan

What is Cosmelan?

Cosmelan is a medical mesoestetic depigmentation therapy that regulates melanin production — it brightens pigmentation, evens out skin tone and lowers the risk of new spots forming. It consists of an in-clinic mask (Cosmelan 1) and a home-care phase with Cosmelan 2 cream.

Does Cosmelan help with melasma and chloasma?

Yes. Cosmelan is one of the most widely used protocols for melasma and chloasma — it works by inhibiting tyrosinase and controlling melanin overproduction. In hormonal melasma it can be a safer choice than aggressive light-based methods; a specialist decides on the right approach.

What does the Cosmelan 2 home-care therapy involve?

Two days after washing off the mask, you start using Cosmelan 2 cream — initially twice daily for 2 weeks, then once a day. The cream controls melanin production and locks in the depigmentation effect. This is a key part of the therapy.

How does Cosmelan differ from laser pigmentation removal?

Cosmelan is a therapy using melanin-inhibiting preparations, especially effective for melasma. Laser works with light and is well suited to sun-induced and vascular pigmentation. The methods can be combined — the choice depends on the type and depth of the pigmentation.

Does the skin flake after Cosmelan?

During the home-care phase, the skin may be sensitive, red and lightly flaking, and a feeling of warmth may occur. This is an expected reaction. Intensive moisturising and high SPF protection, as directed, are essential.

How much does Cosmelan cost in Warsaw?

The price of Cosmelan therapy starts from 1800 zł and includes the in-clinic treatment and the home-care product. We agree the exact quote and therapy plan during a consultation; you will find the full price list on our pricing page.

17 — Who performs the treatments

Treatments are performed by our cosmetologists

Treatments at Velvet Skin Clinic are performed by certified cosmetologists with many years of experience in laser therapy, hi-tech devices and skin care treatments. After a consultation, we match the method and the specialist to your skin and your goal.