Melasma is a chronic cutaneous condition that not only affects the appearance of patients but also has an immense psychosocial impact on patient quality of life. Although many treatment options are currently available, there is no single universal treatment regimen that works for all patients. Significant attention has been recently focused on the development and use of topical treatments that can lighten the dark patches associated with melasma. One such ingredient that has received growing attention in recent years is cysteamine. It works through several mechanisms to influence the melanogenesis pathway. This commentary reviews the information on this topical ingredient and offers relevant clinical insights.