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Prescription topical. Hydroquinone is used at 2-4% (often as the triple-combination with a retinoid and a mild corticosteroid), applied to pigmented areas usually at night, in time-limited courses (commonly with treatment breaks) under clinician supervision, always with daily sunscreen. There is no oral or systemic use. Avoid indefinite continuous use because of ochronosis risk. This library does not provide an ingestion protocol.

Evening

Hydroquinone 2-4% cream or the triple-combination (with retinoid + mild steroid), under a clinician

Prescription topical: a pea-sized amount of 0.025%-0.1% cream or gel applied to clean, dry skin once nightly. Start low-strength and every-other-night to build tolerance. A prescription drug used under clinician direction — not a supplement regimen.

Before bed

Topical cream or gel, 0.025%-0.1% (prescription)

• For topical (skin) use only — not for ingestion, not for injection
• Prolonged continuous or high-strength use (ochronosis risk) — use time-limited courses
• Known allergy/sensitivity to hydroquinone

• Peroxides (benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide)
• Other irritating actives (retinoids, acids)

• Pregnancy and planning pregnancy (topical retinoid — avoid)
• Breastfeeding (avoid application near areas of infant contact)
• Eczema / rosacea-prone or broken/sunburned skin (irritation)

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Other topical exfoliants (AHAs / BHAs, abrasives)
• Photosensitizing drugs