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Overview: Hydroquinone is used to lighten areas of dark skin caused by various conditions. The most common side effects include skin dryness, redness, and stinging. It is important to use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) or wear protective clothing on areas of skin where the medicine is used. Even a small amount of sunlight can darken the treated area.

Uses

What is hydroquinone used for?

Hydroquinone is commonly used to bleach skin areas that are darkened, such as freckles or liver spots, melasma, or pregnancy mask. 

Hydroquinone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed this medicine for safety and effectiveness, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does hydroquinone work (mechanism of action)?

Hydroquinone reduces the amount of pigment in your skin and is also believed to block pigment-producing cells. 

How is hydroquinone supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Obagi-C

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 4% topical cream
  • 4% topical solution
  • 4% topical liquid

How should I store hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures as low as 59 F (15 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of hydroquinone?

The most common side effects of hydroquinone are listed below. Side effects may vary depending on which product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Contact dermatitis (see below)
  • Dry skin and cracking, especially near the nose or below the eyes
  • Skin redness or stinging

There may be other side effects of hydroquinone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of hydroquinone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of hydroquinone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hydroquinone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using hydroquinone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Contact Dermatitis. Hydroquinone may cause skin reactions such as irritation, redness, itching, blistering, burning, or swelling. While these reactions generally go away on their own, some reactions may be severe. Stop using hydroquinone and tell your health care provider if you have any allergic rash or other severe skin reactions, such as blistering or severe burning.

Darkening of the Skin (Exogenous Ochronosis). Hydroquinone can cause a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin known as exogenous ochronosis. Stop using the product and tell your health care provider if you notice any darkening of the skin.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use hydroquinone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use hydroquinone.

  • Hydroquinone
  • Obagi-C
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific hydroquinone products they stock.

What should I know about hydroquinone before using it?

Do not use hydroquinone unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share hydroquinone with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep hydroquinone out of the reach of children.

Before you use hydroquinone for the first time, try a small amount on an unbroken spot on your skin. Check the area where you used it within 24 hours. If you notice a severe skin reaction such as blistering or significant itching or inflammation, do not use hydroquinone and tell your health care provider.

Do not use hydroquinone on your eyes, inside your nose or mouth, or on your lips. If any of these areas accidentally come in contact with hydroquinone, wash thoroughly with water and tell your health care provider.

Use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) or wear protective clothing while using hydroquinone to cover the bleached skin area. Even a small amount of sunlight can darken the treated area again.

If you do not see any improvement after two months of treatment with hydroquinone cream or three months of treatment with hydroquinone topical solution, stop using the product and tell your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using hydroquinone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if hydroquinone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Asthma
  • Allergies, including a sulfite allergy

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how hydroquinone could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if hydroquinone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use hydroquinone while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does hydroquinone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between hydroquinone and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect hydroquinone.

Does hydroquinone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Hydroquinone may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much hydroquinone?

If you or someone else has used too much hydroquinone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of hydroquinone?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. Do not use it more often than prescribed.