Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Hydroquinone WorksSkin Conditions That Benefit From Its UseIs a Skin-Lightening Cream Safe for All Skin Types?How to Use ItPotential Risks and Side EffectsNatural Alternatives to HydroquinoneFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Hydroquinone Works
Skin Conditions That Benefit From Its Use
Is a Skin-Lightening Cream Safe for All Skin Types?
How to Use It
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Natural Alternatives to Hydroquinone
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydroquinoneis a topical treatment for conditions that discolor theskin, such asmelasma,eczema,age spots, andacne scars. Available over the counter as well as in prescription-strength formulations, this cream or gel works to lighten and fade away darker spots and patches on the skin.
In use since the 1960s, the safety of hydroquinone remains controversial. Because of links to malignancy and toxicity at high doses in animals, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) even proposed a ban on the product in 2006.In light of additional research, it withdrew the call, and the treatment remains available in the United States.
This article provides a quick look at how hydroquinone works and the skin conditions it treats. It also discusses how to use it safely, potential side effects, and potential alternatives.
Guido Mieth / Getty Images
Applied over time, hydroquinone has a twofold effect. Not only does it interrupt the production of melanin, but it also interferes with the reproduction of melanocytes, reducing their number.This leads to the desired lightening effect of treated areas.
A wide range of dermatological conditions cause darker spots, patches, and blemishes on the skin, which is clinically referred to ashyperpigmentation. With regular application, hydroquinone lightens the skin to correct this set of issues. Here’s a quick breakdown of the conditions that this treatment can improve.
Melasma
Most commonly seen in younger women with brown or light brown skin, though anyone can develop it, melasma most often results from:
In some cases, melasma patches and spots go away on their own. For instance, pregnant people may see them fade after delivery.
Eczema
Also known asdermatitis,eczemarefers to a set of inflammatory responses in the skin. This causes scaly, dry, and itchy skin, as well as rashes on the face, elbows, knees, and on hands, and feet.Eczema is especially problematic because scratching affected areas can lead to bleeding or infection.
Acne Scars
As the affected skin heals, a thicker substance called collagen develops, which can cause permanent scarring and discoloration of the skin. Several types of scarring occur, including:
You’re more prone to developacne scarswhen the acne is more severe, you pick or pop whiteheads or blackheads, the condition is long-standing, or you have a family history of them.
Psoriasis
Age Spots
Getting an Expert OpinionThough the skin conditions hydroquinone treats aren’t themselves serious, they can resemble symptoms of more serious health conditions. If you’re concerned, be sure to seek out a diagnosis from a dermatologist or your health provider.
Getting an Expert Opinion
Though the skin conditions hydroquinone treats aren’t themselves serious, they can resemble symptoms of more serious health conditions. If you’re concerned, be sure to seek out a diagnosis from a dermatologist or your health provider.
Broadly speaking, hydroquinone creams and gels are well tolerated and safe to use for all skin types. Despite reports of toxicity in animal studies, when performed under a dermatologist’s supervision, the risk of side effects or negative effects is minimal.Most complications arise with unsupervised, over-the-counter use.
This treatment may not be effective in every case. Discomfort can worsen when applied to sensitive or very dry skin and may be prone to additional irritation when using hydroquinone.Prolonged use may also cause the discoloration to worsen if you have darker skin.
As noted, hydroquinone creams or gels come in over-the-counter 2% and prescription-strength 4% solutions, such as Tri-Luma.Generally, it’s advised to test the solution on a smaller area first to see if there’s irritation or any side effects before full application.
Here’s a quick rundown of how to apply hydroquinone:
Critical for successful treatment is protection from the sun. You’ll need to wear strong sunscreen and hats every day and work to avoid directsunlight. Exposure further damages the skin and can prompt hyperpigmentation to return.
What Happens When You Stop
Though hydroquinone has cemented its place in thetreatment of hyperpigmentation, it isn’t the only approach to lightening skin. Even though it isn’t dangerous, some people may have concerns about the idea of applying a chemical daily or find treatment ineffective. As laid out below, there are several natural alternatives to hydroquinone.
Antioxidants Such as Vitamins A and C
Present in a range of beauty products and foods, antioxidants, especially vitamins A and C, may also help treat hyperpigmentation on the face. Researchers have found vitamin C, also known asascorbicacid, to inhibit the production of melanin and be effective against blemishes and spots.
Vitamin A and compounds of its family (retinoids) can also treat spots and blemishes.Topical creams with this antioxidant are considered a viable alternative to hydroquinone for skin lightening.
Plant-Based Acids
Plants also produce antioxidants and acids that can help with hyperpigmentation. Often found in cosmetic solutions and creams, a range of naturally derived, botanical extracts and agents may help, including:
Vitamin B3
Summary
Hydroquinone is a topical agent for treating discoloration on the skin due to age spots and acne scars, as well as dermatological conditions likemelasmaandeczema.Available as a cream or gel, it’s available both over the counter or with a prescription. Over time, the use of hydroquinone causes blemishes to fade, though prolonged use can cause side effects. Though there have been concerns about safety, used properly, it’s been found to be well-tolerated and effective.
A Word From Verywell
Though the skin conditions hydroquinone treats aren’t dangerous, blemishes, patches of discoloration, and other issues can significantly impact self-esteem and quality of life. Nowadays, there is much you can do to correct these issues and restore your self-confidence. If you’re unsatisfied with how your skin looks—or aren’t sure what’s on your skin—it’s worth reaching out to a dermatologist and exploring your options.
There are several approaches to getting rid of dark spots or blemishes on your face. Among the primary options are:Hydroquinone:Applied as a topical gel or cream, hydroquinone solutions are first-line treatments for dark spots or other blemishes. Oftentimes, it’s combined with other compounds.Topical retinoids and other compounds:Vitamin A and similar compounds, known as retinoids, are especially effective in combination with corticosteroids. Topical azelaic acid (AzA) and kojic acid, among others, are additional hydroquinone alternatives.Chemical peel:This treatment involves applying acidic compounds to the face and peeling off the upper layers of the skin. These treatments can be particularly effective for those with darker skin.Laser therapy:Dermatologists use carefully guided laser beams to correct blemishes, scars, and other pigment issues. These have the effect of inhibiting the production of melanin, which is what gives skin color.Naturally derived approaches:Plant-derived compounds and antioxidants, such as vitamins B3, C, and A also inhibit pigmentation. Other potentially beneficial extracts include arbutin, coffeeberry, aloe, and grapeseed.
There are several approaches to getting rid of dark spots or blemishes on your face. Among the primary options are:
Though hydroquinone is unsafe to eat and can hurt your eyes, it’s designed for use on the face. Despite some concerns about its toxicity in animals, this treatment has proved safe and well tolerated.
Learn MoreWhat Is Skin Lightening Cream?
Learn MoreWhat Is Skin Pigmentation?
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hydroquinone.Stephens TJ, Babcock M, Bucay V, Gotz V.Split-face evaluation of a multi-ingredient brightening foam versus a reference control in women with photodamaged facial skin.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(10):24-28.Sofen B, Prado G, Emer J.Melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Management update and expert opinion.Skin Therapy Lett. 2016;21(1):1-7.MedlinePlus.Melasma.MedlinePlus.Eczema.Gozali MV, Zhou B.Effective treatments of atrophic acne scars.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015;8(5):33-40.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Psoriasis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Liver spots.Desai SR.Hyperpigmentation therapy: A review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(8):13-17.Gandhi V, Verma P, Naik G.Exogenous ochronosis after prolonged use of topical hydroquinone (2%) in a 50-year-old Indian female.Indian J Dermatol. 2012;57(5):394-395. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.100498Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation — A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hydroquinone.Stephens TJ, Babcock M, Bucay V, Gotz V.Split-face evaluation of a multi-ingredient brightening foam versus a reference control in women with photodamaged facial skin.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(10):24-28.Sofen B, Prado G, Emer J.Melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Management update and expert opinion.Skin Therapy Lett. 2016;21(1):1-7.MedlinePlus.Melasma.MedlinePlus.Eczema.Gozali MV, Zhou B.Effective treatments of atrophic acne scars.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015;8(5):33-40.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Psoriasis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Liver spots.Desai SR.Hyperpigmentation therapy: A review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(8):13-17.Gandhi V, Verma P, Naik G.Exogenous ochronosis after prolonged use of topical hydroquinone (2%) in a 50-year-old Indian female.Indian J Dermatol. 2012;57(5):394-395. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.100498Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation — A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hydroquinone.Stephens TJ, Babcock M, Bucay V, Gotz V.Split-face evaluation of a multi-ingredient brightening foam versus a reference control in women with photodamaged facial skin.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(10):24-28.Sofen B, Prado G, Emer J.Melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Management update and expert opinion.Skin Therapy Lett. 2016;21(1):1-7.MedlinePlus.Melasma.MedlinePlus.Eczema.Gozali MV, Zhou B.Effective treatments of atrophic acne scars.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015;8(5):33-40.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Psoriasis.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Liver spots.Desai SR.Hyperpigmentation therapy: A review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(8):13-17.Gandhi V, Verma P, Naik G.Exogenous ochronosis after prolonged use of topical hydroquinone (2%) in a 50-year-old Indian female.Indian J Dermatol. 2012;57(5):394-395. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.100498Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation — A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Hydroquinone.
Stephens TJ, Babcock M, Bucay V, Gotz V.Split-face evaluation of a multi-ingredient brightening foam versus a reference control in women with photodamaged facial skin.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018;11(10):24-28.
Sofen B, Prado G, Emer J.Melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation: Management update and expert opinion.Skin Therapy Lett. 2016;21(1):1-7.
MedlinePlus.Melasma.
MedlinePlus.Eczema.
Gozali MV, Zhou B.Effective treatments of atrophic acne scars.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015;8(5):33-40.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Psoriasis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Liver spots.
Desai SR.Hyperpigmentation therapy: A review.J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(8):13-17.
Gandhi V, Verma P, Naik G.Exogenous ochronosis after prolonged use of topical hydroquinone (2%) in a 50-year-old Indian female.Indian J Dermatol. 2012;57(5):394-395. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.100498
Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS.The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation — A systematic review.J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020;24(2):374-382. doi:10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20
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