Melasma, commonly known as the “mask of pregnancy,” affects 36.4% to 75% of pregnant women and causes significant emotional distress due to brown or gray patches on the face. Tinto-MH cream, represents a scientifically-proven triple combination therapy specifically approved by CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) for treating moderate to severe melasma.​

This prescription-only medication combines three powerful active ingredients—Hydroquinone 2% w/w, Tretinoin 0.025% w/w, and Mometasone Furoate 0.1% w/w—in a synergistic formulation that addresses multiple pathways of pigmentation. Clinical studies confirm that triple combination creams demonstrate significantly superior results compared to hydroquinone monotherapy, with 35% of patients achieving skin tone equivalent to surrounding areas versus only 5% with single-agent treatment.

What is Tinto-MH Cream

Tinto-MH cream is a Schedule H prescription dermatological medication formulated to treat facial melasma through a multi-mechanism approach. The cream belongs to the class of depigmenting agents and combines skin lightening, anti-inflammatory, and cellular renewal properties in a single topical application.​

The formulation is available as a 15gm tube with an MRP of ₹159, making it accessible through major Indian online pharmacies including Apollo Pharmacy, Netmeds, and 1mg. Discounted prices range from ₹135.15 to ₹143.10 with membership programs, representing a 10-15% savings.

Composition and Active Ingredients

Hydroquinone (2% w/w)

Hydroquinone serves as the primary depigmenting agent by inhibiting tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme responsible for melanin synthesis. This skin-lightening mechanism reduces the amount of melanin pigment that causes darkening and hyperpigmentation. The 2% concentration provides effective melanin reduction while minimizing irritation potential compared to higher concentrations.​

Tretinoin (0.025% w/w)

Tretinoin, a derivative of Vitamin A (retinoid), accelerates epidermal and dermal cell turnover, promoting rapid loss of pigmented cells. This ingredient serves multiple functions: it inhibits tyrosinase enzyme activity, facilitates hydroquinone penetration into deeper skin layers, and increases keratinocyte proliferation to promote natural exfoliation. Additionally, tretinoin neutralizes the stratum corneum thinning effects caused by corticosteroids.​

Mometasone Furoate (0.1% w/w)

Mometasone is a mid-potency corticosteroid that acts inside skin cells to inhibit the release of prostaglandins and other chemical messengers responsible for redness, itching, and swelling. The steroid component minimizes the irritation potential of both hydroquinone and tretinoin while contributing its own pigment-inhibiting effects.

How Tinto-MH Cream Works

The triple combination therapy operates through complementary mechanisms that address melasma from multiple angles. Hydroquinone blocks melanin production at the enzymatic level, while tretinoin accelerates the removal of existing pigmented cells through enhanced skin renewal. Mometasone reduces inflammatory responses that can trigger melanocyte activation and provides anti-irritant properties that improve patient tolerance.​

This synergistic action explains why triple combination formulations demonstrate superior efficacy compared to monotherapy. Studies show that patients using triple combination creams experience significantly better clinical results from the fourth week onward, with lesions becoming approximately equivalent to surrounding skin tone

Approved Medical Uses

Tinto-MH cream is officially approved by CDSCO exclusively for the treatment of melasma, specifically moderate to severe facial hyperpigmentation. Melasma develops due to a combination of hormonal factors, sun exposure, and genetic predisposition. The condition occurs more frequently in Asian and Hispanic women with darker skin types, particularly during childbearing years.​

Important clarification: While some sources mention benefits for dark circles or acne, these are not approved indications. The medication should only be used for melasma treatment under dermatological supervision. Using this combination for unapproved conditions may result in steroid-induced complications including skin thinning, telangiectasia, and perioral dermatitis.​

Dosage and Application Instructions

Correct Application Method

Apply a thin layer of Tinto-MH cream to affected areas once daily in the evening. The standard recommended amount is a pea-sized quantity sufficient for facial application. This precise dosage prevents excessive absorption that can lead to systemic side effects and skin weakening.

Step-by-Step Application

1. Cleanse the face thoroughly and pat dry
2. Apply a pea-sized amount to affected dark patches
3. Gently spread in a thin, even layer
4. Use once daily at bedtime
5. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, nose, and vaginal areas

Treatment Duration

The maximum recommended duration is 4-8 weeks of continuous use. After 6 weeks of application, mometasone should be applied on alternate nights to minimize corticosteroid-related side effects. Prolonged use beyond recommended periods can result in complications such as Cushing’s syndrome, increased blood sugar levels, and skin atrophy.​

Precautions and Contraindications

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Triple combination therapy is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to tretinoin and hydroquinone components, which pose potential risks to fetal development. Despite melasma being common during pregnancy (affecting up to 75% of pregnant women), treatment should be deferred until after delivery and nursing periods.​

Contraindications

Do not use Tinto-MH cream if you have:​

• Allergies to hydroquinone, mometasone, tretinoin, or any inactive ingredients
• Skin conditions including eczema, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis
• Viral or fungal skin infections
• Skin ulcers or tuberculosis
• Skin tumors or family history of skin cancer
• Need for prolonged sun exposure without adequate protection

Sun Protection Requirements

Sunlight exposure triggers melanin production and represents the primary melasma trigger. The cream must always be used in conjunction with sun-avoidance measures including broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), protective clothing, and wide-brimmed hats. Ultraviolet protection should begin from the first trimester in pregnant women prone to melasma.​

Side Effects and Safety Profile

Common Side Effects

Typical reactions include:​

• Erythema (redness)
• Desquamation (peeling)
• Burning sensation at application site
• Dryness and skin irritation
• Pruritus (itching)
• Acne-like rash or acneiform eruptions

Serious Side Effects

Prolonged or excessive use may cause:​

• Skin thinning and atrophy
• Telangiectasia (visible blood vessels)
• Cushing’s syndrome symptoms (weight gain, moon face, purple skin patches)
• Elevated blood sugar levels
• Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight

If rashes, infections, or severe irritation develop after using the medication, discontinue use and consult your dermatologist immediately.​

Storage Instructions

• Store Tinto-MH cream properly to maintain its efficacy:​
• Check expiration date before use
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Store at room temperature (below 25°C)
• Keep out of reach of children
• Do not freeze

Price and Availability

Tinto-MH cream is available at the following prices across major Indian pharmacies:​

Apollo Pharmacy: ₹159 MRP; ₹135.15-₹143.10 with Circle membership
Netmeds: ₹159 for 15gm tube
1mg: Available with prescription requirement
Generic Alternative: Jan Aushadhi stores offer the same formulation at ₹24 per 20gm tube (85% cost savings), but quality may compromised.​

All online pharmacies require a valid prescription as Tinto-MH is a Schedule H medication.​

Clinical Evidence and Efficacy

Triple combination therapy remains the most effective treatment for melasma according to evidence-based reviews analyzing 113 studies with 6,897 participants. Research demonstrates that patients using triple combination creams achieve significantly better results from week four onward compared to hydroquinone monotherapy.​

A 12-month extension study involving 569 patients confirmed the safety profile of triple combination therapy, though side effects including erythema, peeling, and burning sensation were documented. The modified MASI (Melasma Area and Severity Index) scores showed significant decreases with high patient satisfaction rates in recent 2025 studies.​

Expert Recommendations

Dermatologists emphasize that Tinto-MH cream should be used for short-term treatment only (maximum 8 weeks) under medical supervision. The medication works most effectively when combined with comprehensive photoprotection strategies and lifestyle modifications. Patients should maintain realistic expectations, as melasma can recur if sun exposure continues or hormonal triggers persist.​

Overusing the medicine can result in excessive absorption leading to skin thinning and systemic side effects. After initial treatment success, maintenance therapy may be required, typically involving alternate-night application or intermittent use as directed by a dermatologist.​

Also Available;

FASTER GEL (Linseed Oil 3%, Diclofenac Sodium 1%, Methyl Salicylate 10 %, and Menthol 5% Gel)

LOBULAR-GM: (Clobetasol Propionate 0.5%, Neomycin Sulphate 0.5 %, Miconazole Nitrate  2% Cream.

ITCO-200: (Itraconazole capsules 200 mg)

LOBULAR PLUS: Ofloxacin 0.75%,Ornidazole 2.00%,Itraconazole1.00%, . Clobetasol 0.05%w/w

Conclusion

Tinto-MH cream represents a scientifically-validated, CDSCO-approved treatment for moderate to severe facial melasma. The triple combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin, and mometasone provides superior efficacy compared to single-agent therapies through complementary mechanisms of action. However, this prescription medication requires strict adherence to dosage guidelines, sun protection measures, and medical supervision to maximize benefits while minimizing potential side effects. Always consult a qualified dermatologist before starting treatment and report any adverse reactions promptly.

WhatsApp Number: +91-9812446733

FAQs

References

1. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Fixed Dose Combinations Approved by DCG (I). Available at: https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/resources/UploadCDSCOWeb/2018/UploadApprovalNewDrugs/dciApprovedfdc.pdf
2. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. New Drugs Approved by CDSCO. Available at: https://cdscoonline.gov.in/CDSCO/Drugs
3. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation. Public Notice dated 04.02.2025 – Annexure A. Available at: https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/resources/UploadCDSCOWeb/2018/UploadPublic_NoticesFiles/Public%20Notice%20dated%2004.02.2025.pdf
4. 1mg. Hydroquinone + Mometasone + Tretinoin: View Uses, Side Effects, Price and Substitutes. Published June 12, 2023. Available at: https://www.1mg.com/generics/hydroquinone-mometasone-tretinoin-401915
5. RxList. Tri-Luma (Hydroquinone 4% Cream): Side Effects, Uses, Dosage, Interactions, Warnings. Published October 16, 2023. Available at: https://www.rxlist.com/tri-luma-drug.htm
6. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Mometasone-based triple combination therapy in melasma. PMC3051297. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3051297/
7. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Triple Combination of Hydroquinone, Tretinoin and Mometasone Furoate in Melasma. PMC2800888. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2800888/
8. PubMed. Triple combination of hydroquinone, tretinoin and mometasone furoate in the treatment of melasma. PMID: 20049286. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20049286/
9. Dermatology Times. Triple combination cream improves melasma. Published November 12, 2020. Available at: https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/triple-combination-cream-improves-melasma
10. PubMed. A large 12-month extension study of an 8-week trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a unique combination of tretinoin 0.05%, hydroquinone 4%, and fluocinolone acetonide 0.01% for melasma. PMID: 16167418. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16167418/
11. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Topical Treatments for Melasma and Their Mechanism of Action. PMC9122278. Published 2021. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9122278/
12. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Evidence-Based Treatment for Melasma: Expert Opinion and a Review. PMC4257945. Published September 30, 2014. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4257945/
13. PubMed. Melasma Treatment: An Evidence-Based Review. PMID: 31802394. Published April 7, 2020. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31802394/
14. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Different therapeutic approaches in melasma: advances and perspectives. PMC11019021. Published April 1, 2024. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11019021/
15. Taylor & Francis Online. Emerging topical therapies for melasma: a comparative analysis. Published November 26, 2025. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09546634.2025.2591502
16. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A Scoping Review on Melasma Treatments and Their Outcomes. PMC12015840. Published April 10, 2025. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12015840/
17. Apollo Pharmacy. TINTIN MH CREAM | Uses, Side Effects, Price. Published December 9, 2024. Available at: https://www.apollopharmacy.in/medicine/tintin-mh-cream-15gm
18. 1mg. Tintin MH Cream: View Uses, Side Effects, Price and Substitutes. Published September 30, 2025. Available at: https://www.1mg.com/drugs/tintin-mh-cream-206055
19. Netmeds. TINTIN MH Cream 15gm. Available at: https://www.netmeds.com/product/tintin-mh-cream-15gm-m20ymr-8549902
20. Medkart. SKINLITE CREAM 15 GM Price, Uses, Side Effects & Substitutes. Published January 30, 2024. Available at: https://www.medkart.in/order-medicine/skinlite-cream-15-gm
21. Jan Aushadhi Store. Hydroquinone, Mometasone and Tretinoin Cream. Published November 30, 2021. Available at: https://janaushadhistore.in/shop/hydroquinone-mometasone-and-tretinoin-cream/
22. PharmEasy. Skinlite Tube Of 25gm Cream: Uses, Side Effects, Price & Dosage. Published August 8, 2025. Available at: https://pharmeasy.in/online-medicine-order/skinlite-tube-of-25gm-cream-224022
23. 1mg. Tisto MH Cream: View Uses, Side Effects, Price and Substitutes. Published February 17, 2025. Available at: https://www.1mg.com/drugs/tisto-mh-cream-1034386
24. TeleTest. Medication – Triple Therapy. Published November 10, 2024. Available at: https://docs.teletest.ca/cosmetic-dermatology/medication-triple-therapy
25. IndiaMART. Tintin Mh Face Cream, Tube, Pigmentation. Published July 10, 2021. Available at: https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/tintin-mh-face-cream-25413062033.html
26. PharmEasy. Triplivate MH Cream: Uses, Side Effects, Price, Dosage & More Info. Published September 29, 2025. Available at: https://pharmeasy.in/online-medicine-order/triplivate-mh-cream-20gm-214948
27. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Prevention of Melasma During Pregnancy: Risk Factors and Recommendations. PMC11490249. Published October 14, 2024. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11490249/
28. American Academy of Dermatology. Melasma: Causes. Published January 17, 2026. Available at: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-causes
29. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a triple combination cream in the treatment of facial melasma. PMC6580938. Published June 9, 2019. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6580938/
30. Apikos Pharma. Hydroquinone, Tretinoin & Mometasone Cream Manufacturer. Published August 5, 2024. Available at: https://www.apikospharma.com/product/facever-ht/

Disclosure: 

As a pharmaceutical professional involved in manufacturing different types of medicines including creams and ointment. I do not have any personal interests or conflicts of interest. However, it is possible that the information consumed by me as a reference for this post is based on the available scientific research and publication in the public domain and on the internet. There are possibilities of being the information biased by some pharmaceutical companies who funded the studies. Therefore, it is important to critically evaluate the source of information. 

I have assessed and reviewed several studies from reputed sources and websites to support the authenticity of the information provided. The sources were selected on the basis of the relevancy and authority of the websites in the niche. If you require additional information, please let me know by leaving a comment and I will do my best to provide it to you. 

Disclaimer:

Disclaimer: All the information and articles available on this site are for educational purposes only. The information given here should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or disease without expert advice. The advice of a qualified medical practitioner should always be sought for medical examination and treatment.

Reviewed by:

Dr. Yogesh Chaudhary (B. Pharma)

Senior Pharmacist at S.N. Medical College, Agra-(UP)