This prospective, randomized, comparative, open label study is to compare efficacy, safety and tolerability of Cysteamine 5% cream with Hydroquinone 4% cream in melasma patients. After obtaining written informed consent, patients will be screened and eligible patients with melasma will be randomized into either Cysteamine 5% cream arm or Hydroquinone 4% cream arm. Study drug will be applied for 30 min for 112 days and comparator will be applied at bedtime.

Efficacy evaluations (MSI score, mMASI score) will be done at baseline, Day 14, Day 28, Day 56 and Day 112.

Safety will be assessed for any adverse or serious adverse events, patient reported symptoms and recorded by the treating physician and also if the physician deemed the event to be related to either study drug or comparator. Mexametry to determine melanin content of the skin will be done at Baseline, Day 56 and Day 112. Dermatological assessment for skin tolerability will be done in all visits along with MASI ,mMASI score will be determined at all visits. Quality of Life questionnaire to determine change in quality of lifestyle related to melasma and number of events will be obtained from patients at baseline, Day 56 and Day 112.

In the maintenance phase, patient will be followed up every two weeks telephonically up to 12 weeks or time of relapse, whichever is earlier. Patient complaining of relapse will be asked for physical examination at the site.