Hydroquinone for Melasma
The gold-standard fade ingredient for dark spots and melasma. Prescription-only and meant for short-term use under a dermatologist.
Why it works for Melasma
Fades dark patches by slowing the cells that make pigment and reducing their number. It is the most proven prescription fade ingredient. On its own, 4% works well. The strongest regimen is the Kligman triple combination (4% hydroquinone, 0.05% tretinoin, and 0.01% fluocinolone acetonide), which has the most backing in Cochrane and JAAD best-practice reviews. Use it for about 12 to 16 weeks at a time, then take a break, since long unbroken use can cause a blue-grey staining of the skin.
How Hydroquinone works
Inhibits tyrosinase and is cytotoxic to melanocytes, suppressing melanin production.
Evidence
4 citations from our ingredient database. Full citation list on the Hydroquinone ingredient page.