Hydroquinone

18+ · Prescription-only — consult your prescriber. We hold no product. Disclaimer.

The reference skin-lightening agent, prescribed for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It inhibits tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin production.

What it actually costs · 4%

5.9× — but the combination cream is usually the better buy

Route Price Per gram
US retail28.35g tube $85.05 $3.000
US, free GoodRx couponno account, no membership $31.66 $1.117
US, GoodRx Companionpaid, $9.99–$14.99/mo $25.96 $0.916
Overseas, GMP-verified30g · 6-tube tier $5.70 $0.190

Checked 15 Aug 2026 · ZIP 37996 · varies by pharmacy — check yours

Read this before buying. Most melasma protocols use hydroquinone inside a triple combination, not alone — the retinoid and corticosteroid each cover a weakness it has on its own. If that is what you are treating, the Triple Combination Cream is the better page, and the stronger case at 10.7×.

This listing is for people who specifically need hydroquinone alone, or who are cycling off a combination cream.

Verified sources

  • 🔒 ████████ — ⚠️ Partial · 4% · 30g · both pharmacies

Why Partial: most sources attribute this brand to Abbott India, one attributes it to Mepromax. We have not resolved that conflict, so we flag it rather than guess.

🔓 Unlock verified sources — $9 →

Hydroquinone is used in cycles, not continuously — prolonged uninterrupted use is associated with ochronosis. Follow your prescriber's schedule.