Hydroquinone for skin – the Complete Guide

Hydroquinone is also known as benzene-1,4-diol or quinol. It is a chemical that is found in vegetables, fruits, coffee, beer, and red wine. It is the most powerful tyrosinase inhibitor in the world, giving faster results, but can also lead to irritation.

• Tyrosinase inhibitor: hydroquinone is used extensively for the treatment of melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, and post-inflammatory erythema.

• Skin brightener: It can brighten the skin and help with dull skin.

• Other benefits: it can help with dark spots, acne scars, freckles, and chloasma.

Hydroquinone is suitable for all skin types except for sensitive skin, dry-sensitive skin, and skin of colour. Concentrations ranging from 2% to 10% are commonly used. Less than 2% hydroquinone is best. Higher concentrations can be used to treat severe hyperpigmentation and vitiligo.

• Vitamin C
• Retinol
• Niacinamide
• AHA/BHA/PHA’s
• Azelaic acid
• Tranexamic acid
• Kojic acid
• Arbutin
• Peptides
• Hyaluronic acid
• Ceramides
• Vitamin E
• Ferulic acid
• Important note: be careful when mixing HQ with other depigmenting ingredients. Always consult a doctor.

When choosing hydroquinone products go for less than 2% and keep it away from sunlight. Fresh HQ is white and expired HQ turns yellow.

• Conduct a patch test.

• For normal skin, start with vitamins A, B, and C. For sensitive skin, start with vitamin B, A, and then C.

• Chemical exfoliants are to be used only 1-2 times a week or more (depending on skin type and irritation). It should also be used at night (read packaging).

• Hydroquinone should be used only at night.

• Use hydroquinone in low concentrations (less than 2%).

• Use sunscreen in the end.

• Make sure to read the packaging for instructions.

• Compounded hydroquinone should be used in a pulsed manner 3-6 months on, 1-4 months off (important in concentrations less than 3%).

• Use HQ every second night.

• Cleanser
• Toner (optional).
• Use skincare actives like niacinamide or azelaic acid (avoid vitamin C and retinol).
• Moisturize, and
• Then apply sunscreen.

• Cleanser.
• You can try using niacinamide or azelaic acid (avoid retinol and vitamin C).
• Apply hydroquinone.
• Moisturize.

• Use hydroquinone once a day.
• Use every second night.
• Apply a small amount to affected areas only.

• Apply retinoids or retinol 30 mins prior to HQ.
• Integrate ascorbic acid or vitamin C in the morning (10, 15, and then 20%).
• Exfoliate with 2% salicylic acid prior to application.
• Consider pulsed twice-a-day application under supervision.

• Consult a doctor before adding other powerful ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, and their derivatives, and do not go advanced if you have no idea what you’re doing (it’s okay to see a doctor, they know what they are doing).

• Allergic contact dermatitis
• Irritation
• Erythema (redness)
• Inflammation
• Stinging
• Xeroderma
• Rarely ochronosis – ochronosis is blue-black or gray-blue discoloration, it is rarely seen in patients who use hydroquinone for long periods of time.

No, hydroquinone cannot be used for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

No, HQ cannot cause cancer.

Yes, hydroquinone can cause purging because it is an ingredient that promotes cellular turnover rate (cell turnover can reduce hyperpigmentation and bring the skin back to its original colour). Purging from hydroquinone can last for about 4-6 weeks and occurs only on specific acne-prone areas of your face.

Yes, it is safe to use hydroquinone with differin. You can start by first applying differin, waiting for 30 mins, and then applying hydroquinone. Applying differin first will help drive the hydroquinone deeper into your skin.

Morning routine:

• Use a cleanser
• Apply hydroquinone
• Use a moisturizer and then sunscreen.

Night routine:

• Use a gentle cleanser
• Apply differin and wait for 30 mins.
• Apply hydroquinone, and
• Then use a moisturizer.

Yes, it is safe to use hydroquinone with mandelic acid, and won’t lead to any irritation. Since mandelic acid is used only once or twice a week, you can use hydroquinone on subsequent days.

Yes, it is safe to use hydroquinone with vitamin C as long as you’re an advanced user. You can use vitamin C at lower concentrations in the morning and hydroquinone at night.

Yes, you can use hydroquinone with rosehip, and is perfectly safe. You can use hydroquinone in the morning and then apply moisturizer followed by a face oil like rosehip oil to reduce irritation.

Yes, it is safe to use hydroquinone with niacinamide and is completely safe. You can use niacinamide in the morning and hydroquinone at night or use them both at the same time as long as it does not irritate your skin.

Yes, it is safe to use hydroquinone with tretinoin as long as you’re an advanced user. You can use tretinoin 30 mins prior to hydroquinone and make sure to use moisturizer before and after applying tretinoin and hydroquinone to reduce skin irritation.

Yes, it is safe to use hydroquinone with AHAs and BHAs as long as you’re an advanced user. You can use AHAs like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid 30 mins prior to hydroquinone. You can use BHAs like salicylic acid 30 mins prior to hydroquinone and make sure to use a moisturizer.

Yes, you can use hydroquinone with clindamycin as long as you use them at separate times of the day or on alternative days. You can use clindamycin in the morning and hydroquinone at night (if it does not irritate your skin) or you can use them both on alternative days.

Yes, you can use hydroquinone with benzoyl peroxide as long as you use them at separate times of the day or on alternative days. You can use benzoyl peroxide in the morning and hydroquinone at night (if it does not irritate your skin) or you can use them both on alternative days.