Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a topical skin-lightening agent used to treat conditions such as hyperpigmentation, melasma and age spots. A white, odourless crystalline solid that works by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme, needed for melanin production, which is the pigment that gives colour to our skin and responsible for age spots and dark patches. Hydroquinone is considered to be one of the most effective skin lightening agents available although it can lead to irritation, sun sensitivity and toxicity in doses much higher than those recommended. It is designed to be used short-term as long-term exposure could lead to skin sensitivity. For this reason, hydroquinone is often prescribed and strengths used in over the counter preparations tend to be very low.