Identification
- Summary
Hydroquinone is a topical brightening agent used for the treatment of skin disorders associated with hyperpigmentation including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and freckles.
- Brand Names
- Active 4, Glytone, Melamin, Melamix, Neova Complex Hq Plus, Tri-luma
- Generic Name
- Hydroquinone
- DrugBank Accession Number
- DB09526
- Background
Hydroquinone is a topical lightening product found in OTC products, and is used to correct skin discoloration associated with disorders of hyperpigmentation including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmention, sunspots, and freckles. It can be used alone, but is more frequently found in combination with other agents such as alpha-hydroxy acids, corticosteroids, retinoids, or sunscreen.
Hydroquinone has come under scrutiny due to several complications associated with its use, including dermal irritation, exogenous onchronosis, and carginogenicity. As a result of these concerns, hydroquinone has been banned in the EU and UK.
- Type
- Small Molecule
- Groups
- Approved, Investigational
- Structure
Structure for Hydroquinone (DB09526)
- Weight
- Average: 110.1106
Monoisotopic: 110.036779436 - Chemical Formula
- C6H6O2
- Synonyms
- 1,4-benzenediol
- 1,4-dihydroxybenzene
- 4-Hydroxyphenol
- benzene-1,4-diol
- Hydroquinone
- p-Benzenediol
- p-Hydroquinone
- p-hydroxyphenol
- Quinol
- External IDs
- NCI-C55834
- NSC-9247
Pharmacology
- Indication
Hydroquinone is used as an OTC topical lightening agent for disorders of hyperpigmentation including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmention, sunspots and freckles.
Reduce drug development failure ratesBuild, train, & validate machine-learning modelswith evidence-based and structured datasets.Build, train, & validate predictive machine-learning models with structured datasets.- Associated Conditions
Indication Type Indication Combined Product Details Approval Level Age Group Patient Characteristics Dose Form Used in combination to treat Acne vulgaris Combination Product in combination with: Tretinoin (DB00755) •••••••••••• ••••• Treatment of Melasma ••• ••• Used in combination to treat Skin hyperpigmentation Combination Product in combination with: Tretinoin (DB00755) •••••••••••• ••••• Used in combination to treat Skin hyperpigmentation Combination Product in combination with: Tretinoin (DB00755) •••••••••••• ••••• Used in combination to treat Skin hyperpigmentation Combination Product in combination with: Tretinoin (DB00755) •••••••••••• ••••• - Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
Prevent Adverse Drug Events TodayTap into our Clinical API for life-saving information on contraindications & blackbox warnings, population restrictions, harmful risks, & more.Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events with our Clinical API- Pharmacodynamics
Not Available
- Mechanism of action
Hydroquinone reduces melanin pigment production through inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme, which is involved in the initial step of the melanin pigment biosynthesis pathway. Hydroquinone takes several months to take effect.
Target Actions Organism ATyrosinase inhibitorHumans UCysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 activatorHumans - Absorption
Not Available
- Volume of distribution
Not Available
- Protein binding
Not Available
- Metabolism
- Not Available
- Route of elimination
Not Available
- Half-life
Not Available
- Clearance
Not Available
- Adverse Effects
Improve decision support & research outcomesWith structured adverse effects data, including: blackbox warnings, adverse reactions, warning & precautions, & incidence rates. View sample adverse effects data in our new Data Library!Improve decision support & research outcomes with our structured adverse effects data.- Toxicity
Not Available
- Pathways
- Not Available
- Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs Browse all" title="About SNP Mediated Effects/ADRs" id="snp-actions-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
- Not Available
Interactions
- Drug Interactions Learn More" title="About Drug Interactions" id="structured-interactions-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
- This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.Not Available
- Food Interactions
- No interactions found.
Products
Drug product information from 10+ global regionsOur datasets provide approved product information including:dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.Access drug product information from over 10 global regions.- Active Moieties
Name Kind UNII CAS InChI Key Phenol unknown 339NCG44TV 108-95-2 ISWSIDIOOBJBQZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N - Brand Name Prescription Products
Name Dosage Strength Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image 141010 Hydroquinone 4% Emulsion 4 g/100g Topical Sincerus Florida, LLC 2020-07-02 Not applicable US 
141011 Hydroquinone 6% Emulsion 6 g/100g Topical Sincerus Florida, LLC 2020-07-03 Not applicable US 141030 Hydroquinone 8% Emulsion 8 g/100g Topical Sincerus Florida, LLC 2020-07-02 Not applicable US 141055 Hydroquinone 6% Emulsion 6 g/100g Topical Sincerus Florida, LLC 2020-07-02 Not applicable US 141067 Hydroquinone 8% Emulsion 8 g/100g Topical Sincerus Florida, LLC 2020-07-02 Not applicable US - Over the Counter Products
Name Dosage Strength Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Accelerated Dark Spot Corrector Cream 2 g/100mL Topical COSMETIC ENTERPRISES LTD 2017-06-12 2021-12-17 US Activator Light Lotion 2 g/100mL Topical Vivier Pharma 2013-09-01 Not applicable US Active 4 Cream 4 g/100mL Topical Vivier Pharma 2014-05-30 Not applicable US Advanced Dual Complex Fade Maximum Strength Plus Gel 2 g/100g Topical Biocosmetics Research Labs 2009-02-25 Not applicable US Advanced Skin Lightening Cream Lotion 2 g/100mL Topical Vivier Pharma, Inc. 2016-06-01 2016-12-02 US - Mixture Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Advanced Lightning Hydroquinone (0.02 g/1g) + Octinoxate (0.02 g/1g) Cream Topical CBI Laboratories, Inc 2005-07-01 Not applicable US African Formula Skin Lightening Hydroquinone (1 g/50g) + Octinoxate (.25 g/50g) Cream Topical International Beauty Exchange 2011-01-01 Not applicable US African Formula Skin Lightening Hydroquinone (5 mL/250mL) + Octinoxate (1.25 mL/250mL) Lotion Topical International Beauty Exchange 2012-01-01 Not applicable US ALBAVANCE F Hydroquinone (0.05 %) + Fluocinolone acetonide (4 %) + Tretinoin (0.01 %) Cream Immortal Pharmaceutical Laboratories 2017-09-18 2027-04-19 Indonesia 
Ambi Fade Normal Skin Hydroquinone (20 mg/1g) + Octinoxate (20 mg/1g) Cream Topical Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products Company, Division Of Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. 2012-05-30 2013-07-01 US - Unapproved/Other Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image 141010 Hydroquinone 4% Hydroquinone (4 g/100g) Emulsion Topical Sincerus Florida, LLC 2020-07-02 Not applicable US 141011 Hydroquinone 6% Hydroquinone (6 g/100g) Emulsion Topical Sincerus Florida, LLC 2020-07-03 Not applicable US 141016 Hydrocortisone 0.5% / Hydroquinone 4% / Tretinoin 0.025% Hydroquinone (4 g/100g) + Hydrocortisone (0.5 g/100g) + Tretinoin (0.025 g/100g) Emulsion Topical Sincerus Florida, LLC 2020-07-02 Not applicable US 141017 Hydrocortisone 0.5% / Hydroquinone 6% / Tretinoin 0.025% Hydroquinone (6 g/100g) + Hydrocortisone (0.5 g/100g) + Tretinoin (0.025 g/100g) Emulsion Topical Sincerus Florida, LLC 2020-07-02 Not applicable US 141030 Hydroquinone 8% Hydroquinone (8 g/100g) Emulsion Topical Sincerus Florida, LLC 2020-07-02 Not applicable US
Categories
- ATC Codes
- D11AX11 — Hydroquinone
- Drug Categories
- Chemical TaxonomyProvided by Classyfire
- Description
- This compound belongs to the class of organic compounds known as hydroquinones. These are compounds containing a hydroquinone moiety, which consists of a benzene ring with a hydroxyl groups at positions 1 and 4.
- Kingdom
- Organic compounds
- Super Class
- Benzenoids
- Class
- Phenols
- Sub Class
- Benzenediols
- Direct Parent
- Hydroquinones
- Alternative Parents
- 1-hydroxy-2-unsubstituted benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Organooxygen compounds / Hydrocarbon derivatives
- Substituents
- 1-hydroxy-2-unsubstituted benzenoid / Aromatic homomonocyclic compound / Hydrocarbon derivative / Hydroquinone / Monocyclic benzene moiety / Organic oxygen compound / Organooxygen compound
- Molecular Framework
- Aromatic homomonocyclic compounds
- External Descriptors
- hydroquinones, benzenediol (CHEBI:17594) / an electron-transfer-related quinol, a benzenediol (HYDROQUINONE)
- Affected organisms
- Not Available
Chemical Identifiers
- UNII
- XV74C1N1AE
- CAS number
- 123-31-9
- InChI Key
- QIGBRXMKCJKVMJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N
- InChI
- InChI=1S/C6H6O2/c7-5-1-2-6(8)4-3-5/h1-4,7-8H
- IUPAC Name
- benzene-1,4-diol
- SMILES
- OC1=CC=C(O)C=C1
References
- General References
- Matsumoto M, Todo H, Akiyama T, Hirata-Koizumi M, Sugibayashi K, Ikarashi Y, Ono A, Hirose A, Yokoyama K: Risk assessment of skin lightening cosmetics containing hydroquinone. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2016 Aug 10. pii: S0273-2300(16)30226-4. doi: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2016.08.005. [Article]
- Chen Y, Chen J, Yun L, Xu L, Liu J, Xu Y, Yang H, Liang H, Tang H: Hydroquinone-induced malignant transformation of TK6 cells by facilitating SIRT1-mediated p53 degradation and up-regulating KRAS. Toxicol Lett. 2016 Aug 8. pii: S0378-4274(16)33093-4. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.08.006. [Article]
- Gbetoh MH, Amyot M: Mercury, hydroquinone and clobetasol propionate in skin lightening products in West Africa and Canada. Environ Res. 2016 Jul 1;150:403-410. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2016.06.030. [Article]
- Findlay GH, Morrison JG, Simson IW: Exogenous ochronosis and pigmented colloid milium from hydroquinone bleaching creams. Br J Dermatol. 1975 Dec;93(6):613-22. [Article]
- External Links
- Human Metabolome Database
- HMDB0002434
- KEGG Drug
- D00073
- KEGG Compound
- C00530
- PubChem Compound
- 785
- PubChem Substance
- 310265227
- ChemSpider
- 764
- BindingDB
- 26190
- 5509
- ChEBI
- 17594
- ChEMBL
- CHEMBL537
- ZINC
- ZINC000005133378
- PharmGKB
- PA449924
- PDBe Ligand
- HQE
- Drugs.com
- Drugs.com Drug Page
- Wikipedia
- Hydroquinone
- PDB Entries
- 3zod / 3zof / 4e3h / 4qop / 5fse / 5i3a / 5i3b / 7niy / 7nmp / 7nnx … show 1 more
- FDA label
- Download (1.15 MB)
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials Learn More" title="About Clinical Trials" id="clinical-trials-info" class="drug-info-popup" href="javascript:void(0);">
Pharmacoeconomics
- Manufacturers
- Not Available
- Packagers
- Not Available
- Dosage Forms
Form Route Strength Cream Topical 4 % Gel Topical 2 g/100g Gel Topical 2 % w/w Gel Topical 20 mg/1mL Gel Topical 5 g Cream Topical 4 g Solution Topical 5 g Cream Topical 20 mg/1g Cream Topical 0.02 g/1mL Lotion Topical 20 mg/1mL Gel Topical 2 g/100mL Lotion Topical 2 g/14.25g Cream Topical 4 g/100mL Cream Cutaneous 10 mL/500mL Lotion Cutaneous 10 mL/500mL Lotion Topical 2 g/100g Cream Topical .02 g/1g Lotion Topical .02 g/1g Cream Topical 40 mg/1g Kit Topical Gel Topical 2 % Cream Topical 2 g/100mL Cream Topical 4 % w/w Cream Topical 2 g Cream Topical 2.5 g Cream Topical 400000 g Cream Topical Solution Topical Lotion Topical 0.02 g/1 Solution Topical 2 g/100mL Lotion Topical 5 g/250mL Cream; kit Topical 0.5 g/25g Lotion Topical .02 mg/1g Lotion Topical 2.0 g/100mL Emulsion Topical 2.0 g/100mL Lotion Topical 40 mg/1g Cream Topical 2 % Cream Topical 4 mg/1g Cream Topical 4 g/100g Gel Topical 4 % w/w Cream Topical 1.5 % Cream Cutaneous 4 mL/200mL Lotion Cutaneous 4 mL/200mL Cream 2 % Cream 4 % Lotion Topical 2 % Cream Topical 0.95 g/50mL Gel Topical 0.57 g/30mL Lotion Topical 9.5 g/500mL Gel Topical 40 mg/1g Cream Topical 100 mg/5mg Cream Topical 5 mg/100mL Cream Topical 5 mg/100mg Cream Topical 8 mg/100mL Cream Topical 5 g Gel Topical 4 %w/w Cream Topical 1 g/50mL Cream Topical 2 g/50mL Emulsion Topical Emulsion Topical 4 g/100g Emulsion Topical 6 g/100g Emulsion Topical 8 g/100g Cream Topical 40 mg/1mL Cream Cutaneous 2.000 g Lotion Topical 2 g/100mL Cream Topical 1.9 g/100g Lotion Topical 3.18 g Solution Topical 3 g Emulsion Topical 0.02 g/1g Emulsion Topical 0.04 g/1g Cream Topical 2 mg/100mL Cream Topical 20 mg/1mL Cream Topical 2 g/100g Cloth Topical 2 g/100mL Gel Topical Cream Topical 0.04 g/1g Cream Cream Topical Liquid Topical 30 mg/1mL Gel Topical Cream Topical 1.695 g/113g Cream Topical 1 g/50g Gel Topical 10 g/100mL Gel Topical 0.02 g/1g Emulsion Topical 40 mg/1g Lotion Topical 7.6 g/400mL Solution Topical 20 mg/1mL Cream; kit; lotion Topical Liquid Topical 40 mg/1mL Liquid Topical 40 mg/1g Solution Topical 40 mg/1mL Cream Topical 2000 mg Cream; kit; liquid; lotion Topical Gel Topical 2.0 g/100g Lotion Topical 0.05 mg/2.5mL Lotion Topical 1.95 1/100mL Ointment Topical Cream Topical 3 g Gel Topical .6 g/30g Lotion Topical 2 mg/100mL Lotion Topical 0.015 g/1g Cream 2.000 g Cream Lotion Topical 0.04 g/1g Lotion Topical 1.2 mL/60mL Lotion Topical 3 g Cream Topical 2.0 g/100mL Cream Topical 0.02 mg/100mL Liquid Topical 20 mg/1mL Liquid Topical 2 g/100mL Liquid Topical 4 g/100mL Gel Topical 4 % Gel Topical 1 g/50g Cream Topical 0.02 g/1g Liquid Topical 2 mL/100mL Liquid Topical 8 g/100g Liquid Topical 0.02 g/1g Liquid Topical 0.08 g/1g Lotion Topical 0.02 g/1g Cream Topical 4 mg/100mg Lotion Topical 20 g/1mL Gel Topical 20 mg/1g Cream Topical 19 mg/1g Lotion Topical Cream Cutaneous Cream Topical 0.1 mg/g Cream Topical 1 g/51g Gel Topical 0.2 g/10mL Liquid Topical 2.0 g/100mL Liquid Topical 2.0 mL/100mL Liquid Topical 40 g/2mL Emulsion Topical 40 mg/1mL Emulsion Topical 0.04 g/1mL Emulsion Topical 0.04 mg/1mL Emulsion; kit Topical Gel Topical 2 %w/w Cream 4 %w/w Cream 2 %w/w - Prices
- Not Available
- Patents
Patent Number Pediatric Extension Approved Expires (estimated) Region US8247395 No 2012-08-21 2022-10-22 US US8653053 No 2014-02-18 2022-10-25 US US7939516 No 2011-05-10 2025-05-04 US US7915243 No 2011-03-29 2026-03-22 US
Properties
- State
- Not Available
- Experimental Properties
Property Value Source melting point (°C) 170-171 O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 891 boiling point (°C) 285-287 O'Neil, M.J. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and Biologicals. Cambridge, UK: Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013., p. 891 water solubility 6.72g/L at 20 deg C Yalkowsky, S.H., He, Yan, Jain, P. Handbook of Aqueous Solubility Data Second Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL 2010, p. 254 logP 0.59 Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995., p. 20 - Predicted Properties
Property Value Source Water Solubility 95.5 mg/mL ALOGPS logP 0.71 ALOGPS logP 1.37 Chemaxon logS -0.06 ALOGPS pKa (Strongest Acidic) 9.68 Chemaxon pKa (Strongest Basic) -5.9 Chemaxon Physiological Charge 0 Chemaxon Hydrogen Acceptor Count 2 Chemaxon Hydrogen Donor Count 2 Chemaxon Polar Surface Area 40.46 Å2 Chemaxon Rotatable Bond Count 0 Chemaxon Refractivity 30.02 m3·mol-1 Chemaxon Polarizability 10.75 Å3 Chemaxon Number of Rings 1 Chemaxon Bioavailability 1 Chemaxon Rule of Five Yes Chemaxon Ghose Filter No Chemaxon Veber's Rule No Chemaxon MDDR-like Rule No Chemaxon - Predicted ADMET Features
- Not Available
Spectra
- Mass Spec (NIST)
- Not Available
- Spectra
- Chromatographic Properties
Collision Cross Sections (CCS)
Adduct CCS Value (Å2) Source type Source [M-H]- 116.5166973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M-H]- 116.3961973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M-H]- 116.4143973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M-H]- 116.3864973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M-H]- 118.13385 predictedDeepCCS 1.0 (2019) [M+H]+ 118.3818973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M+H]+ 120.0080973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M+H]+ 120.9533973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M+H]+ 119.6771973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M+H]+ 121.37287 predictedDeepCCS 1.0 (2019) [M+Na]+ 117.0347973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M+Na]+ 117.1250973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M+Na]+ 117.0778973 predictedDarkChem Lite v0.1.0 [M+Na]+ 129.95375 predictedDeepCCS 1.0 (2019)
Targets
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- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Yes
- Actions
- Inhibitor
- General Function
- Protein homodimerization activity
- Specific Function
- This is a copper-containing oxidase that functions in the formation of pigments such as melanins and other polyphenolic compounds. Catalyzes the rate-limiting conversions of tyrosine to DOPA, DOPA ...
- Gene Name
- TYR
- Uniprot ID
- P14679
- Uniprot Name
- Tyrosinase
- Molecular Weight
- 60392.69 Da
References
- Patil S, Sistla S, Jadhav J: Interaction of small molecules with human tyrosinase: A surface plasmon resonance and molecular docking study. Int J Biol Macromol. 2016 Aug 9;92:1123-1129. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2016.07.043. [Article]
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Activator
- General Function
- Leukotriene receptor activity
- Specific Function
- Receptor for cysteinyl leukotrienes mediating bronchoconstriction of individuals with and without asthma. Stimulation by LTD4 results in the contraction and proliferation of smooth muscle, edema, e...
- Gene Name
- CYSLTR1
- Uniprot ID
- Q9Y271
- Uniprot Name
- Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1
- Molecular Weight
- 38540.55 Da
References
- Hazel BA, O'Connor A, Niculescu R, Kalf GF: Induction of granulocytic differentiation in a mouse model by benzene and hydroquinone. Environ Health Perspect. 1996 Dec;104 Suppl 6:1257-64. doi: 10.1289/ehp.961041257. [Article]
Enzymes
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Product of
- General Function
- Maltose alpha-glucosidase activity
- Specific Function
- Essential for the degradation of glygogen to glucose in lysosomes.
- Gene Name
- GAA
- Uniprot ID
- P10253
- Uniprot Name
- Lysosomal alpha-glucosidase
- Molecular Weight
- 105322.935 Da
References
- Wang M, Wang M, Zhang F, Su X: A ratiometric fluorescent biosensor for the sensitive determination of alpha-glucosidase activity and acarbose based on N-doped carbon dots. Analyst. 2020 Aug 24;145(17):5808-5815. doi: 10.1039/d0an01065k. [Article]
Carriers
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- General Function
- Toxic substance binding
- Specific Function
- Serum albumin, the main protein of plasma, has a good binding capacity for water, Ca(2+), Na(+), K(+), fatty acids, hormones, bilirubin and drugs. Its main function is the regulation of the colloid...
- Gene Name
- ALB
- Uniprot ID
- P02768
- Uniprot Name
- Serum albumin
- Molecular Weight
- 69365.94 Da
References
- Sakurai M, Ohsako M, Nagano M, Nakamura C, Tsuzuki O, Ichikawa M, Matsumoto Y: [Effect of human serum albumin on transport of drugs through human erythrocyte membranes]. Yakugaku Zasshi. 1996 Aug;116(8):630-8. [Article]
Drug created at November 30, 2015 19:10 / Updated at February 20, 2024 23:55