Ingredient glossary
Hydroquinone
On your shelf ✓What Hydroquinone does for your skin, who it suits, and what to watch for.
INCI: Hydroquinone · Also: HQ
In short: Hydroquinone delivers brightening and antioxidant, earns its place for pigmentation and melasma, and the evidence behind it is strong. One thing to know: not for pregnancy or breastfeeding; introduce it gently.
- What it does
- Brightening, antioxidant
- Best for
- Pigmentation, melasma
- Watch out
- Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding; introduce it gently
- Evidence
- Strong
The molecule
The Glow take
One of the ingredients I trust most.
When your goal is fading dark spots and evening out tone, Hydroquinone delivers, and the research properly backs it up. Skip it while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and the rest of the time bring it in slowly.
— Maya
What it does
- brightening
- antioxidant
strong evidenceRandomized controlled trials show that four percent hydroquinone and triple combination creams achieve large reductions in melasma severity though adverse events and regulatory concerns limit long term continuous use.
On a label: usually effective at 2-4%.
Who it's for, and who should skip it
Tends to suit
- pigmentation
- melasma
- postinflammatory hyperpigmentation
Approach with care
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- very sensitive
- compromised barrier
- Clogs poresLow
- Irritation riskModerate
- pH-dependentIts effect depends on the product's pH
How it fits each skin type
- DryNeutral
- CombinationNeutral
- OilyNeutral
- SensitiveTake care
Often chosen for pigmentation, melasma, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Take extra care if any of these apply to you: pregnancy, breastfeeding, compromised barrier.
Where it fits in your routine
Plays well with
- retinoids
- topical steroids
- vitamin c
Hydroquinone, answered
Is Hydroquinone safe during pregnancy?
No. Hydroquinone is best avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or trying, leave this one out and ask your doctor about a safe alternative.
Who should avoid Hydroquinone?
Approach Hydroquinone with care if any of these apply to you: pregnancy, breastfeeding, very sensitive, and compromised barrier. Its irritation risk is moderate, so introduce it slowly and patch test first.
What concentration of Hydroquinone actually works?
Hydroquinone tends to do its job in the 2 to 4% range. Much lower and it is likely underdosed.
During pregnancy
Leave Hydroquinone out while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It sits on the list of ingredients usually held back during this time.
When in doubt, check with your doctor or midwife. They outrank any website, including this one.
Compare Hydroquinone with
Can you mix Hydroquinone with
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