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Hydroquinone vs. Retin-A

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

hydroquinone cream

 

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Retin-A

(tretinoin)

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Summary for Hydroquinone

Prescription only

Hydroquinone cream is used to bleach dark spots or patches on your skin (hyperpigmentation, or skin discoloration) from certain skin conditions, such as freckles, melasma, and aging. Hydroquinone cream is applied to the skin, typically twice daily. It's important to protect yourself from the sun while you use this skin-lightening medication because it makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. The most common side effects of hydroquinone cream include redness and stinging on the skin. Currently, hydroquinone cream is available by prescription only. The FDA no longer approves the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hydroquinone cream.

Indications for Hydroquinone

Pros and Cons for Hydroquinone

Pros

  • Available as a lower-cost generic medication
  • Applied to the skin
  • Can be stored at room temperature

Cons

  • Can cause skin dryness, redness, and stinging
  • Can cause blue-black skin discoloration, especially in black people
  • Must use sunscreen because exposure to sunlight can reverse effects of the medication

Common Side Effects for Hydroquinone

  • Skin dryness
  • Skin redness
  • Cracking of the skin
  • Stinging

Warnings for Hydroquinone

  • Allergic reaction
  • Blue-black skin discoloration
  • Skin darkening

Summary for Retin-A

Prescription only

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

Indications for Retin-A

  • Acne

Pros and Cons for Retin-A

Pros

  • Easy to apply onto your skin
  • Only need to apply once nightly
  • Available in a lower-cost generic form

Cons

  • Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
  • Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
  • Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

Common Side Effects for Retin-A

  • Skin peeling or discomfort
  • Warm feeling or stinging after applying
  • Skin redness
  • Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
  • Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

Warnings for Retin-A

  • Sunburns
  • Skin irritation in extreme weather
  • Skin reactions

Prices with our coupons for Hydroquinone vs. Retin-A

Price Card Drug Icon
Hydroquinone1 tube / 28.35g of 4%
$22.74$47.29
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Price Card Drug Icon
Tretinoin1 tube / 45g of 0.025%
$35.83$97.41
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