Cosmelan and MelanoPro are two of the best-known professional peels for stubborn pigmentation, including melasma, sun spots and the brown marks left behind by acne. Both start with a mask applied in clinic and left on the skin for several hours, followed by a period of homecare. The differences lie in the ingredients, the homecare and how each treatment fits around your life.
Cosmelan vs MelanoPro at a glance
| Cosmelan | MelanoPro | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | mesoestetic | Dermalogica |
| In-clinic mask | Left on for 8 to 12 hours | Left on for up to 8 hours |
| Key actives | A blend of depigmenting actives | Azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, retinol, niacinamide, plus salicylic, glycolic and lactic acids |
| Homecare | cosmelan 2 cream, used in phases over the following months | Continuous Resurfacing Cream, used for up to six weeks |
| Downtime | Intense peeling in the first week, with home cream continuing for several months | Moderate peeling in the first week, with gentle shedding while you use the home cream for up to six weeks |
| Typical cost in Derby | Around £1,200 to £1,250 at local clinics | £350 at Neo Elegance, including your in-depth consultation, three treatments and home care kit |
| Skin tones | Brand states suitable for all skin types | Brand states suitable for all skin tones, including skin prone to post-inflammatory pigmentation |
| At our Derby clinic | Not currently offered | Three-treatment package, £350 |
How Cosmelan works
Cosmelan begins with a depigmenting mask applied in clinic, which you leave on at home for 8 to 12 hours, depending on your skin. From two to three days later, you start the cosmelan 2 home cream, used several times a day at first and then less often as your skin settles. The home phase is what keeps pigment from returning, so it needs real commitment over several months.
How MelanoPro works
MelanoPro is a clinical-strength peel system that combines azelaic acid and tranexamic acid, which target pigment, with retinol, niacinamide and a mix of exfoliating acids that renew the skin’s surface. At our clinic the peel is left on the skin for up to 8 hours. From day three you use the Continuous Resurfacing Cream at home for up to six weeks, which keeps the results moving between treatments.
Which one is right for you?
Both peels can deliver excellent results. The right choice depends on your skin, not on the brand:
- Your type of pigmentation. Melasma, sun damage and post-acne marks sit at different depths and have different triggers, so diagnosis comes first.
- Your skin tone and sensitivity. Darker and more reactive skin needs a careful approach to avoid post-inflammatory pigmentation. MelanoPro is not suitable for highly sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema.
- Your homecare commitment. Cosmelan relies on months of home cream. MelanoPro’s home phase is shorter, at up to six weeks.
- Your diary. Both masks stay on for several hours, and both bring a few days of flaking, so plan around work and events.
Why pigmentation comes back
Pigment cells respond to signals from UV light, heat, hormones and inflammation. That is why melasma often returns after a holiday, during pregnancy or in a stressful period, whichever peel you choose. Calming inflammation, protecting the skin barrier and wearing SPF every day are what keep results lasting.
Our MelanoPro Pigment Peel package in Derby
We built our package around MelanoPro to fade pigmentation while improving texture and overall skin health. It includes three treatments, spaced a month apart, and a home skincare kit:
- MelanoPro peel. The overnight peel, left on the skin for up to 8 hours.
- Tranexamic acid and cysteamine peel. A targeted pigmentation peel to build on the first session.
- HydroCLEANSE Super Facial. To hydrate, brighten and restore bounce.
The package starts with an in-depth consultation and patch test, so the £350 covers everything: your consultation, all three treatments and the home care kit.
Book the MelanoPro package · £350
If your pigmentation is mainly brown marks left by breakouts, read about our acne treatment in Derby, explore our pigmentation treatment in Derby, or see our other chemical peels.
Not ready to book the package?
Our Pigmentation Consultation and Personalised Plan looks at your pigmentation in depth and maps out the right treatments for your skin.
Sources: Dermalogica, MelanoPro Peel System · mesoestetic, cosmelan treatment