Hydroquinone (4%)
Hydroquinone targets hyperpigmentation, melasma & sun damage.
Hydroquinone cream is a pigment suppressing ingredient available by prescription only in the UK. It reduces excess melanin product to target hyperpigmentation, melasma, dark spots and sun damage. If used appropriately it is one of the most potent and effective skin-brightening agents available to reduce dark patches and even out skin tone.
Benefits in Skincare
Hydroquinone work by inhibiting Tyrosinase enzyme activity which results in suppressing the production of melanin. If used appropriately it can reduce excess pigment production. For this reason Hydroquinone is used in skincare to:
- Lighten dark spots and patches
- Even out skin tone
- Treat melasma, sun damage and other forms of hyperpigmentation
Treatments with Hydroquinone 4% Cream
The main benefits of hydroquinone is to lighten hyperpigmentation and even out the skin tone. It is a powerful ingredient but must only be used in the right circumstances and for short periods to reduce risks and side effects. We use Hydroquinone in several of our personalised prescription skincare treatments usually as a cream for suitable patients. The dose, length and whether we use Hydroquinone alone or with other ingredients depends on the patients health, skin concerns, goals and wishes. The treatments we may use Hydroquinone in are:
- Skin Ageing
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Body treatments for hyperpigmentation
- Dark spot fader
Prescription Hydroquinone Cream Treatments Online
Hydroquinone treatments are available by prescription only in the UK. We add them to our personalised skincare treatments if we think that they are appropriate and safe for the patient. To get your custom made skincare treatment, you will need to complete the online consultation form or book a virtual video consultation with one of our doctors. They will include Hydroquinone in your formula if they think it is appropriate and safe for you. They’ll also decide if any other ingredients are worth adding to your formula but will take into account any wishes or preferences you’ve expressed as much as possible. Your doctor will also give you a step by step routine to follow and ongoing follow up throughout your journey. You will be able to contact your doctor by email at any time as part of your treatment.
It is also possible to get treatment with generic and branded creams like Obagi hydroquinone containing products through a number of in person and online clinics in the UK if a doctor or other prescriber deems them suitable for you. These services vary so its essential to choose one where you will be under the supervision of a skincare professional throughout your treatment.
SKINCARE TREATMENT FEES (UK BASED PATIENTS ONLY)
VIRTUAL CONSULTATION£30
Your doctor will design a personalised skincare treatment and program for you to follow. The cost of the consultation will be deducted from any skincare purchase.
PERSONALISED TREATMENT£90-150
This is a 3 month supply of treatment. The cost depends on the type so please visit our treatment pages for full break down. Your doctor will create a personalised treatment taking into account your health, skin concerns, goals and wishes.
Treatment Time
Duration of effect
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What’s the Difference Between Compound Hydroquinone vs Generics & Brands like Obagi Clear or Blender?
Compound hydroquinone refers to formulations created by pharmacists to meet specific prescriptions for individual patients. This allows for customisation in concentration, ingredient combinations and even things like product feel or consistency. This personalisation can help develop treatments that target each patient unique skin needs. However, the trade-off is shorter expiry dates (maximum 3 months) and they are not licensed. In contrast, off-the shelf hydroquinone creams which are available as generic products or brands like Obagi Clear and Blender usually just offer a set concentration and ingredients. They are also not licensed for most cosmetic skincare uses but are rigorously tested, come with consistent potency track records and a long expiry date when unopened. It’s important to note that regardless of whether its compounded or off-the-shelf, the there is no difference in the type of Hydroquinone in all these products. They are also all prescription only medicines in the UK.
The most popular off-the-shelf brand of Hydroquinone is Obagi cream which is available as part of the Obagi-C and Nu Derm (in the form of Clear and Blender) lines. Obagi Clear is a skin brightening cream with 4% hydroquinone, designed for once or twice daily use. Obagi Blender, also contains 4% hydroquinone and is designed to be mixed with Tretinoin or retinol for use in the evening. Whilst both Obagi Clear and Blender contain the same concentration of hydroquinone, they serve different purposes. Obagi Clear is for daily use to consistently inhibit melanin production, while Obagi Blender works with your other night-time skincare products to enhance overall results. They also claim to work on different layers of hyperpigmentation.
Important Information
Please note: Hydroquinone is a powerful and effective skin-lightening cream. That being said, use should only be under the care of a medical provider if they deem it appropriate to treat hyperpigmentation, melasma and other causes of skin damage. It’s also not suitable for everyone. That’s why it’s vital to discuss any potential risks and side effects with your skincare professional before starting treatment.
Hydroquinone is a potent skin-lightening agent. It reduces hyperpigmentation, melasma and sun damage. It does so by inhibiting the production of melanin. When there is excess melanin pigment, you get dark spots. Hence through this mechanism, Hydroquinone helps to lighten dark skin patches and even out skin tone.
Efficacy and Use
Hydroquinone works by reducing the production and increasing the degradation of melanin pigments in the skin. This subsequently helps to lighten the dark patches of skin (e.g. hyperpigmentation, melasma, liver spots, age spots or freckles). The most common causes of these are pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin.
Contraindications
Before starting Hydroquinone, it’s key to be aware of any allergies to it or similar products. You must not use it if you have or develop an allergy to any of the ingredients. Moreover, there is no data on its safety and efficacy in patients younger than 12 years of age. It is not appropriate for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you suffer from eczema, fish allergy, or have any sores, burns, or wounds, please inform your doctor.
Side Effects of Hydroquinone
Common side effects include mild skin irritation, redness, and dryness especially at the start of treatment. Less commonly some people might experience excessively red, swollen, blistered, or crusted skin. Some users may also experience allergic reactions, leading to itching, swelling or severe redness.
Rarely it can cause ochronosis – a blue-black or gray-blue discolouration. This is rare and more commonly seen in patients that use a high concentration of hydroquinone and/or for prolonged periods.
It is crucial to use hydroquinone as directed and avoid excessive sun exposure by using sunscreen. If any side effects occur, please discontinue use and let your doctor know. They will either stop the treatment or adjust it to a level or frequency that you can tolerate depending on the adverse reaction.
For more information about Hydroquinone in the UK and side-effects please read our in-depth Hydroquinone guide.