Can you get hydroquinone over the counter (OTC)?

Do you want to know if hydroquinone, a popular skin lightening ingredient, is available over the counter (OTC)? Keep reading to find out how you can get it.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Carolina Fernandez Quiroga
Dermatologist

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You probably have read about hydroquinone cream since it is one of the best treatments for melasma, chloasma and hyperpigmentation. But, can you get hydroquinone over the counter (OTC) or does it require a prescription?

In this article, we will explore the availability of hydroquinone, including whether or not it can be purchased without a prescription, and where and how you can get it.

Also, we will explain the importance of undergoing treatment under medical supervision due to the need to determine the cause of hyperpigmentation, and provide medical advice on whether or not hydroquinone treatment is feasible.

What is hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening ingredient often used to treat age spots, freckles, melasma, and other skin discolorations which can occur due to multiple factors such as sun damage, inflammation, or skin injuries, including those related to acne vulgaris¹.

Is it possible to get hydroquinone over the counter (OTC)?

No. Hydroquinone cannot be bought over the counter. You need a doctor’s prescription to get it.

Prior to 2020, it was possible to buy hydroquinone over the counter (OTC), but in 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule to ban the over-the-counter sales of products containing hydroquinone due to some health risks associated with its long-term use².

Where to buy hydroquinone cream over the counter?

To buy a hydroquinone cream online or at a local pharmacy, you need a doctor’s prescription. It is not advisable to try to find a place where to buy it over the counter as it should only be used under medical supervision.

How to get a hydroquinone prescription?

You can obtain a medical prescription for hydroquinone by scheduling a virtual consultation with an online dermatologist, who can diagnose your hyperpigmentation, provide treatment guidelines, and follow up with you. The virtual consultation costs only $59.

Request a prescription for hydroquinone

Start your journey to better skin. Get a personal treatment plan from one of our affiliated dermatology providers. Let them know if you have a specific medicine in mind.

How long does the prescription take?

You will receive an answer from your assigned virtual dermatologist and your prescription (if it is suitable for your type of hyperpigmentation and safe for you) in 1-2 business days.

Can you buy hydroquinone online?

Yes, after getting a prescription you can then buy your hydroquinone cream online or at a local pharmacy.

What brand of hydroquinone cream should I buy?

If you have health insurance or prefer to use branded medicines, Tri-Luma cream is a popular choice because besides having hydroquinone, this cream also contains tretinoin and fluocinolone acetonide.

It is important to note that this depigmenting medication requires medical supervision, is used for a short period, and should be used together with sunscreen with a high SPF doctor.

However if you want an affordable medication, ask your doctor to prescribe you a compounded medicine of hydroquinone cream.

Get a customized prescription for your skin

Have a virtual photo consultation with a dermatologist in your state to get personalized medication designed specifically for your skin condition.

How long can I safely use hydroquinone cream?

Hydroquinone is applied topically to the areas of hyperpigmented skin, twice a day for a duration of three-to-four months. If no improvement is observed after four months of treatment, the use of the hydroquinone cream should be suspended^3 4.

Do you want to learn more about hydroquinone?

What is hydroquinone used for?

Hydroquinone is primarily used for its skin-lightening properties, and it can be beneficial in addressing several skin conditions related to hyperpigmentation.

Melasma

Hydroquinone is effective in treating melasma, a condition characterized by dark, irregular patches on the face, often triggered by hormonal changes and sun exposure.

Age spots and sun spots

Hydroquinone can also help lighten age spots (also called sun spots or liver spots) which are darkened areas of the skin caused by aging and sun exposure .

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Hydroquinone can be used to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is darkening of the skin following an inflammatory injury, such as acne or a wound.

Evening skin tone

By reducing the appearance of discoloration and dark spots, hydroquinone can help even out skin tone and improve overall skin complexion.

Freckles

Hydroquinone can lighten freckles, which are small, brown spots on the skin often caused by sun exposure and genetics and do not require any medical treatment.

It is important to emphasize that a dermatologist or healthcare provider should diagnose the dark spots on the skin to determine if they are benign in nature. Cosmetic spots can be easily treated, but if there is a melanotic component that could be malignant, it is crucial to make the diagnosis. This is why it is important to consult with a dermatologist before starting any depigmenting treatment.

Side effects of hydroquinone

Drying, peeling, itching, or burning of the skin
Redness, irritation, rashes
Darkening of normal skin color
Blistering, crusting, or flaking of the skin
Pinhead-sized red blisters
Lightening of normal skin color
Scaling around the mouth
Severe redness, soreness, or scaling of the skin
Thinning of the skin with easy bruising⁶

Hydroquinone should only be used under medical supervision since its long-term use is not recommended due to some serious potential side effects, such as the risk of ochronosis, a condition in which the skin becomes blue or gray.

Who should not use hydroquinone?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it is not clear whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed systemically and could affect the fetus
Children under 12 years old
Individuals with a history of ochronosis, active skin conditions, or open wounds
Individuals with sun sensitivity
Individuals with known allergies to hydroquinone
Individuals with certain pre-existing skin conditions

Precautions when using hydroquinone

Use extreme caution with pediatric patients

The safety of the use of hydroquinone in children under 12 years of age has not been established. Pediatric patients should follow strict medical supervision⁷.

Avoid prolonged use

Long-term use of hydroquinone, especially at high concentrations, should be avoided due to the risk of nephrotoxicity (toxic effects on the kidneys).⁸ However, it is important to note that this effect is rare and is usually associated with prolonged and excessive use of hydroquinone at inappropriately high concentrations.

Avoid direct sun exposure

Avoiding direct sun exposure is crucial. Individuals using hydroquinone should protect their skin by applying sunscreen with a high SPF daily and should also consider using physical measures to shield themselves from the sun, as sunlight can exacerbate pigmentation and increase the risk of sunburn in treated areas.

Hydroquinone and tretinoin

It is important to note that hydroquinone and tretinoin are strong ingredients that go well together, but can you use them at the same time? We consulted with Dr. Alpana Mohta to clarify if it’s okay to use them together and to highlight the benefits of combining these powerful ingredients. Read our guide and see how using hydroquinone and tretinoin together can help fight pigmentation effectively.

How to use hydroquinone

Read our a step by step guide on how to use hydroquinone.

Request a prescription for hydroquinone?