Is hydroquinone cream safe?

Though not common, some people have reported [serious side effects from using hydroquinone cream](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-works-protect-consumers-potentially-harmful-otc-skin-lightening-products), including rashes, swelling of the face, and blue-black skin discoloration. Because of this, you should only use hydroquinone cream if you're under the care of a healthcare provider. Typically, your provider will only prescribe hydroquinone cream to you for a short period of time. Talk with your provider if you have questions about the safety of hydroquinone cream.

How long does it take for hydroquinone cream to work?

When you first start hydroquinone cream, your provider will typically ask you to use this medication for 2-3 months. If you don't notice any improvements on your dark spots after this time, your provider will talk with you about other treatment options. Have a discussion with your provider about how long you should use hydroquinone cream before you start treatment. This medication is only meant to be used [short-term](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-works-protect-consumers-potentially-harmful-otc-skin-lightening-products) to lower the risk of [serious side effects](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/skin-facts-what-you-need-know-about-skin-lightening-products/skin-product-safety), like rash and skin discoloration.

Does hydroquinone cream cause cancer?

It's not clear whether hydroquinone cream will cause cancer in humans. But animal studies show that hydroquinone cream can cause cancer in animals. Keep in mind that hydroquinone cream can make your skin more sensitive to the sun and cause you to [absorb more ultraviolet (UV) radiation](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7147621/). To much exposure to UV rays can [raise the risk of skin cancer](https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/skin-cancer/skin-cancer-awareness-month). If you're concerned about your risk of cancer while using hydroquinone cream, talk to your healthcare provider.

Is hydroquinone cream a steroid?

No hydroquinone cream isn't a [steroid](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/topical-corticosteroids/what-to-know), it's depigmenting agent. It lightens your skin by [preventing your body from making the pigment melanin](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10723018/). Some of the side effects that you might experience with hydroquinone cream are similar to some [side effects of topical steroids](https://www.goodrx.com/classes/topical-corticosteroids/what-to-know), such as skin redness and discoloration.

Is hydroquinone cream safe to use during pregnancy?

Hydroquinone cream should be avoided in pregnancy. There aren't any studies that looked at the safety of using hydroquinone cream during pregnancy, so it's unknown if the medication can cause harm to your unborn baby. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your provider about [safer alternatives](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8884185/) to use during pregnancy.

hydroquinone

Generic Eldoquin Forte

Used for Skin Discoloration

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Contraindications Latest news Images References Prices Medicare

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.

Reviewed by:

Shifali Patel, PharmD

Connie Zheng, PharmD

Last reviewed on June 27, 2023

Basics Side effects Pros & cons Pharmacist tips FAQs Warnings Dosage Cost Contraindications Latest news Images References Prices Medicare

What is Hydroquinone cream?

What is Hydroquinone cream used for?

Lightening or bleaching of dark spots on skin (hyperpigmentation)

How Hydroquinone cream works

Hydroquinone cream is a depigmenting agent used to lighten skin color. It temporarily blocks your body from making melanin, a type of pigment that gives your skin its color.

When does Hydroquinone cream start working?Time passed since treatment started:

HOURS

DAYS

WEEKS

Initial effect

MONTHS

Full effect

Drug facts

Common BrandsEldoquin Forte(brand name no longer available)

Drug ClassDepigmenting Agent

Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication

Generic StatusLower-cost generic available

AvailabilityPrescription only

Side effects of Hydroquinone cream

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Skin dryness
Skin redness
Cracking of the skin
Stinging

Less Common Side Effects

Skin rash
Itching

Hydroquinone cream serious side effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

Allergic reaction: itchy, red rash (hives), shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes

Source: DailyMed

The following Hydroquinone cream side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Burning, itching, crusting, or peeling of treated skin

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

Change in skin color
Mild skin irritation, redness, or dryness

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$93.98(Save 73.48%)

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$24.92

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Pros and cons of Hydroquinone cream

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

Pharmacist tips for Hydroquinone cream

If you're using hydroquinone cream with other medications that make you more sensitive to sunlight, you'll need to take extra care to protect your skin. Examples of this type of medication include tretinoin (Retin-A), doxycycline (Vibramycin), and methotrexate. Before starting hydroquinone cream, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider if it's safe to combine it with your current prescription and over-the-counter medications, including any creams or lotions.
Hydroquinone cream should only be used on the outer layer of your skin. Avoid using the medication in or around your eyes, nose, mouth, and lips as this can cause irritation in those eyes. If medication accidentally comes into contact with these areas, use water to rinse the areas well. If you or your child accidentally swallow hydroquinone cream, get emergency medical help or call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
Hydroquinone cream can cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you're using this medication for the first time, test your skin by applying a small amount of medication to an area of your skin that's not damaged or broken. Wait 1 day to see if you develop a skin reaction, such as itching, blisters, or a rash. If you don't have a reaction or only experience minor redness, you can use this medication. If you do have a reaction, let your healthcare provider know right away and don't use hydroquinone cream.
Store hydroquinone cream at room temperature in a secure place out of reach from children at all times. If the seal on your medication is missing, broken, or damaged, don't use it because it might've possibly been tampered with. If you're feeling unsure or uneasy about the packaging of your product, let your pharmacist know right away.

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Common questions about Hydroquinone cream

People usually apply hydroquinone cream twice a day. It can take 2 to 3 months of daily use to show results. If you don’t see results after 3 months, you may be advised to stop using the treatment.Learn more

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that reduces dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and melasma. It works by blocking the enzyme tyrosinase, which is needed to produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). By slowing melanin production, hydroquinone helps fade discoloration and evens skin tone over time. But long-term or improper use can lead to skin irritation or bluish-gray skin discoloration.Learn more

The controversy surrounding hydroquinone stems from its safety concerns and regulatory status. While it's an effective skin-lightening agent, its long-term use has been linked to potential risks, including bluish-gray skin discoloration and skin irritation. Due to these risks and regulatory changes associated with the CARES Act, the FDA banned over-the-counter hydroquinone products in 2020. While Tri-Luma (fluocinolone / hydroquinone / tretinoin) is the only FDA-approved product containing hydroquinone, compounded formulations or prescription-only hydroquinone creams may still be available under medical supervision.Learn more

Yes you need a prescriptoin for hydroxychloroquine. Hydroxychloroquine is available with a prescription from your healthcare provider. It’s not available over the counter. If your healthcare provider writes you a prescription for it, you can take it to a pharmacy near you.Learn more

Risks and warnings for Hydroquinone cream

Hydroquinone cream can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Allergic reaction

Risk factors: Sulfite allergy or sensitivity | Hydroquinone cream allergy | Asthma

Hydroquinone cream contains sulfites, which can cause a life-threatening, allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction includes itchy, red rash (hives), trouble breathing, and chest tightness. Your risk is higher if you have a history of asthma or a sensitivity to sulfite-containing products. If you have asthma, let your healthcare provider know before using hydroquinone cream. For your safety, always tell your pharmacist and provider about all of your allergies.

If you're using hydroquinone cream for the first time, you're recommended to apply a little of the medication over a small skin area. Wait for about 24 hours to see if you experience any skin reactions. You can expect mild itching or redness, but let your provider know if you develop large patches of raised rashes or welts.

Blue-black skin discoloration

Risk factors: Black people

Hydroquinone cream can cause blue-black discoloration or darkening of your skin. The risk is higher if you're black, but it can also occur in people from other races, such as Caucasian or Hispanic people. If you notice your skin color turning a blue or black color, stop using hydroquinone cream and let your dermatologist or healthcare provider know right away.

Skin darkening

Risk factors: Exposure to sunlight | Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light | Not using sunscreen

If you're exposed to sunlight or UV light while using hydroquinone cream, dark spots or patches can reappear on your skin. To prevent this, it's important to protect areas of your skin treated with hydroquinone cream, both during and after you apply the medication. Wear clothing that protects your skin from direct sunlight, such as a hat. Limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours from 10 AM to 4 PM. If you must go outside, use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, even on cloudy days. You should also avoid exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from UV lamps or tanning beds. If you have questions about how to best protect your skin, ask your dermatologist or healthcare provider for guidance.

Hydroquinone cream dosage

The average cost for 1 tube of 28.35g of 4% of Hydroquinone cream is $24.92 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 73.48% off the average retail price of $93.98.

Tube of cream

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
28.35g of 4%	1 tube	$24.92	$24.92

Typical dosage for Hydroquinone cream

Adults and children older than 12 years: Hydroquinone cream is typically applied to affected areas of your skin twice daily, or as directed by your provider.

How much does Hydroquinone cream cost?

To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

Hydroquinone cream (generic)

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$24.92

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Hydroquinone cream contraindications

Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Hydroquinone cream will not be safe for you to take.

Pregnancy
Children 12 years old and younger

News about Hydroquinone cream

Melasma in Women With Darker Skin Tones: Here’s Why It’s Often Worse (With Images)

Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation that occurs more commonly in people with darker skin tones. Explore the causes and learn how to treat melasma.

What Is It Like to Use Hydroquinone Skin-Bleaching Cream for Dark Spots?

Discover how hydroquinone cream treats dark spots and melasma. Real stories and expert advice on safe, prescription-only use and potential side effects.

Hyperpigmentation in Darker Skin Tones: Pictures, Causes, and Treatment

Hyperpigmentation is the clinical term for darker skin discoloration. See what hyperpigmentation looks like on Black and brown skin, plus ways to treat it.

What Causes Dark Circles Under the Eyes?

Many people worry about dark circles under the eyes. Treatments range from creams to cosmetic procedures. But do they work? Here’s what you need to know.

Hydroquinone cream images

This medicine is Colorless Tube Of Cream.

References

Best studies we found

American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. (n.d.). Hyperpigmentation.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Sun safety.

Fabian, I.M., et al. (2023). Topical hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation: A narrative review. Cureus.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

hydroquinone