Hydroquinone: How It Works, What It's Studied For & Safety
Hydroquinone is a topical depigmenting agent that inhibits tyrosinase, used for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation; rules around OTC vs prescription have shifted in recent years. Clinicians consider it for melasma and chloasma. Compounded variants are dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network only after a clinician evaluation.
Also known as: 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene
How does Hydroquinone work?
Hydroquinone inhibits tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin biosynthesis, reducing melanocyte pigment production. Combination products with retinoids and corticosteroids (the Kligman formula) are commonly used for melasma.
What is Hydroquinone studied for?
- Melasma and chloasma
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- Solar lentigines
How is Hydroquinone taken?
OTC sales of hydroquinone in the US were restricted by the CARES Act of 2020; today most therapeutic preparations are prescription compounded products. Standard concentrations are 4%–8%.
Is Hydroquinone FDA-approved? Is it safe?
FDA-approved as a finished drug product when prescribed under its labeled indications. Compounded variants on this site are separate from the branded product and are dispensed only when a clinician determines a compounded preparation is appropriate. Long-term high-strength use can cause exogenous ochronosis. Sunscreen is essential during use. Compounded prescription-only preparations are dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network. Eligibility is decided by a licensed clinician based on intake and labs, not by checkout. Compounded products on this site are not FDA-approved and are not generic equivalents of any branded medication.
In the Regen Therapy catalog
This compound does not currently appear in an active Regen Therapy protocol. Browse the full catalog for adjacent options.
What does the research say about Hydroquinone?
Strong evidence for melasma; pigmentation rebounds without maintenance.
Citations & further reading
Considering Hydroquinone as part of a protocol?
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