Rx · Prescription required
Hydroquinone
Tri-Luma® (with tretinoin and fluocinolone)
Prescription-strength 4% hydroquinone is used to lighten dark patches of skin; Tri-Luma® is FDA-approved for moderate to severe melasma of the face.
- Drug class
- Depigmenting agent
- How it is given
- Cream, once daily
- Prescription
- Required
- Dispensed by
- DiRx Inc. · licensed pharmacy
FDA status: Tri-Luma® (with tretinoin and fluocinolone) and the other brand-name versions listed are FDA-approved medicines. Generic versions, where available, are FDA-approved equivalents.
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Pricing is shared after you speak with our team and a licensed doctor approves treatment. Clinics see pricing after account verification.
Important safety information
Hydroquinone is a prescription medicine. It is not right for everyone: pregnancy or breastfeeding; continuous use beyond the course set by your doctor; sulfite allergy (some formulations). Tell your doctor about every condition you have and every medicine and supplement you take.
Common side effects are described below. Stop and seek care for any severe or unexpected reaction. This page is education, not medical advice; your doctor and pharmacist give the instructions for your treatment.
How to get started
- Message us on WhatsApp or call (954) 420-7747.
- Talk with a licensed doctor, who reviews your health history and decides if this medicine is right for you.
- If prescribed, our team shares pricing and a licensed pharmacy fills your order.
Plain-language guide
Hydroquinone, explained by our clinical team
What it is
Hydroquinone slows the enzyme that makes melanin, fading melasma, post-acne marks and sun spots over weeks. The 4% strength is prescription-only in the United States.
It is used in cycles, typically up to three months at a time, followed by a break, and always with strict sun protection.
FDA-approved uses
- Moderate to severe melasma of the face (Tri-Luma®)
- Short-term lightening of hyperpigmented areas as directed by a physician
Our doctors prescribe for approved uses. Any other use is a decision made only by your doctor, for you, after evaluation.
How it is taken
A thin layer on the affected areas once daily at night, after a patch test. Stop and call your doctor if the skin darkens or becomes very irritated.
What to expect
Fading begins after 4 to 6 weeks; maximum effect by about 3 months. Mild redness and dryness are common.
Who should not take it
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Continuous use beyond the course set by your doctor
- Sulfite allergy (some formulations)
Questions we hear
Is hydroquinone safe?
Prescription use under supervision is standard dermatology practice; unsupervised long-term use can cause a bluish discoloration called ochronosis, which is why courses are limited.
Why is it banned in some countries?
Cosmetic over-the-counter use was restricted; medical use continues.
Will melasma come back?
Often, with sun exposure — maintenance is part of the plan.
Real molecular structure
The molecule: Hydroquinone
Drag to rotate. Every atom and bond below comes from the public PubChem database of the U.S. National Institutes of Health; nothing is drawn by AI.
- Formula
- C6H6O2
- Molar mass
- 110.1 g/mol
- Heavy atoms
- 8
- PubChem CID
- 785 ↗
Source: PubChem, National Library of Medicine (public domain).
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