Hydroquinone

[hī-drō-kwi-ˈnōn]

Categories: Antioxidants, Organic Compounds

Hydroquinone Skin Benefits:
Antioxidant
Pigmentation

Hydroquinone is an aromatic organic compound, which appears as a white granular solid. In skincare, hydroquinone is mainly used commercially as a skin lightening active. 1

Research studies conducted in order to support the claims of hydroquinone in cosmetics have determined that it is an effective skin lightening ingredient, which can help diminish the appearance of hyperpigmentation (extreme darkening of an area of skin). Hydroquinone functions by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is needed to produce the pigment melanin- the molecule primarily responsible for skin coloration. 2

  1. Enguita, F. and Ana L. Hydroquinone: Environmental Pollution, Toxicity, and Microbial Answers. BioMed Research International (2013)
  2. Gruber, J. and Holtz, R. Examining the Impact of Skin Lighteners In Vitro. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity (2013)