Hydroquinone is a topical brightening agent used for the treatment of skin disorders associated with hyperpigmentation including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and freckles. It can be used alone, but is more frequently found in combination with other agents such as alpha-hydroxy acids, corticosteroids, retinoids, or sunscreen.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
Hydroquinone reduces melanin pigment production through inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme, which is involved in the initial step of the melanin pigment biosynthesis pathway. Hydroquinone takes several months to take effect.
- Primary indication
- Hydroquinone is used as an OTC topical lightening agent for disorders of hyperpigmentation including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmention, sunspots and freckles.Curator reviewed · 9 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C6H6O2 · 110.1106 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1998 · United States, 2002
- Also known as
- 1,4-benzenediol · Quinol
- Code names
- NCI-C55834 · NSC-9247
- Brand names
Resolves to
QIGBRXMKCJKVMJ-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESOC1=CC=C(O)C=C1What you can answer from here — as of October 01, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Hydroquinone, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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