hydroquinone
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.
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.
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What are the side effects of Hydroquinone cream?
Common Side Effects
- Skin dryness
- Skin redness
- Cracking of the skin
- Stinging
Other Side Effects
- Skin rash
- Itching
Serious Side Effects
- Allergic reaction: itchy, red rash (hives), shortness of breath, chest tightness, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or eyes
Source: DailyMed
The following 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
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.
Frequently asked questions about Hydroquinone cream
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What are the 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 forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28.35g of 4% | 1 tube | $26.00 | $26.00 |
Typical dosing 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?
Hydroquinone cream contraindications
Pregnancy
Children 12 years old and younger
What is the latest news about Hydroquinone cream?
Hydroquinone cream images
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican 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.
Marlex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). HYDROQUINONE cream [package insert]. DailyMed.
Owolabi, J. O., et al. (2020). Effects of skin lightening cream agents – hydroquinone and kojic acid, on the skin of adult female experimental rats. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology.
Putra, I. B., et al. (2022). Skin changes and safety profile of topical products during pregnancy. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Schlessinger, D. I., et al. (2023). Biochemistry, melanin. StatPearls.
Schwartz, C., et al. (2023). Hydroquinone. StatPearls.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). FDA works to protect consumers from potentially harmful OTC skin lightening products.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2022). Skin product safety.
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