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Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone Side Effects

Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCPCydnee Ng, PharmD
Reviewed by Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP, Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on August 18, 2026

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

  • Dry skin or cracked skin near the nose or below the eyes
  • Skin redness
  • Stinging on the skin

Less Common Side Effects

  • Rash
  • Itching

Hydroquinone 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 your lips, tongue, or face; swelling around your eyes

Source: DailyMed

The following Hydroquinone side effects have also been reported

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

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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