Ingredient glossary
Hydroquinone
INCI: Hydroquinone · Also: HQ
Worth paying for
Does Hydroquinone clash with what you already use? Check it →Strong results with strong evidence behind them. This is one genuinely worth having in a formula.
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
Pregnancy: Not for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Plays well with
- retinoids
- topical steroids
- vitamin c
This, for every label you own
One ingredient is easy. A full label is where it gets confusing. The Ingredient Decoder reads any product and tells you the honest truth, ingredient by ingredient.
Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.