Hydroquinone Prescription Online

Often prescribed for melasma, hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Photo consultation with a dermatologist from only $59. Reply within two business days. Insurance is not needed.
State in the consultation form if a cream with hydroquinone is preferred.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Eric Howell
Dermatologist

What is hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening ingredient that usually comes in 2% and 4% concentrations in creams used to address melasma, hyperpigmentation in and dark spots in the skin caused by hormonal changes, sun damage, acne, and skin injuries¹.

What is hydroquinone cream used for?

Hydroquinone is used to lighten dark spots on the skin.

Melasma

Age spots/sun spots

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Evening skin tone

Freckles (small, brown spots caused by sun exposure and genetics)

Hyperpigmented acne scars

Hydroquinone brands

Tri-Luma
Triderma
Lustra
Melquin
Solaquin
Melanex

How can you buy hydroquinone cream online?

Do you need a prescription to buy hydroquinone cream?

Yes, creams with hydroquinone are not over-the-counter. You need a doctor’s prescription to buy hydroquinone cream online or in a physical pharmacy. You can have a online consultation with a dermatologist. After the consultation they will issue a prescription containing for hydroquinone cream if it’s safe and medically appropriate for you.

How long will it take to get a prescription for hydroquinone?

If you start an online consultation with a dermatologist through Miiskin and treatment with hydroquinone cream is appropriate for you, you will receive an online prescription within two business days. You can request the prescription to be sent to any local pharmacy or online pharmacy.

How to request a hydroquinone cream prescription online

Select “Start consultation” to sign-up with Miiskin.
Use the consultation form to request hydroquinone.
If medically appropriate, you will receive a prescription from a dermatologist.
Purchase your hydroquinone in the pharmacy of your choice.

Process to getting a prescription for hydroquinone online
Through an online consultation, you connect with a dermatologist. Upon reviewing your case, if the doctor determines that a cream with hydroquinone is appropriate for you, they will provide a prescription that you can get from the pharmacy of your choosing.

How is hydroquinone different from other creams for hyperpigmentation?

Hydroquinone is a topical skin-lightening agent that is different from other creams for hyperpigmentation in several ways.

Mechanism of action

Hydroquinone primarily works by inhibiting the activity of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in the production of melanin, which in turn helps lighten dark spots and even out skin tone.

among the most effective lightening agents for the skin

More potency

Hydroquinone is considered one of the most potent skin-lightening agents available. It can address stubborn or severe cases of hyperpigmentation.

Availability

Hydroquinone cream with a 4% concentration is only available only with a doctor’s prescription. Some other skin-lightening ingredients are available over-the-counter

Can only be used for a limited time

The use of hydroquinone cream is limited to a maximum of 3 months at a time and should only be done under strict medical supervision due to concerns about long-term safety.

Used as a combination treatment

Hydroquinone is often used in combination with other ingredients like retinoids, corticosteroids, and glycolic acid to enhance its effectiveness.

Hydroquinone benefits

Inhibits the production of melanin²
Very effective at treating melasma and hyperpigmentation³
Delivers consistent skin lightening results⁴
Offered as combination cream for improved results

Side effects and Warnings

Potential side effects of hydroquinone cream

Dryness, flaking, itching, or a sensation of burning on the skin
Reduced thickness of the skin, increasing susceptibility to bruising
Alteration in the skin’s natural color, resulting in darkening
Scaling around the mouth area
Formation of blisters, crusts, or flakes on the skin
Appearance of redness, irritation, or the emergence of rashes
Lightening of the usual skin hue
Redness, tenderness, or extensive peeling of the skin⁵

Warning and precaution when using hydroquinone

You should only use hydroquinone under medical supervision. Pregnant and nursing women should not use hydroquinone as it is not safe for the unborn baby. Individuals taking any type of medications should always inform their healthcare provider before using it.

Hydroquinone can increase skin sensitivity to the sun, so protect your skin with sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure. Begin with a lower concentration if you are new to hydroquinone, and use it once a day in the evening.

Discontinue use if severe irritation occurs, and avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Regular follow-ups with a dermatologist can help monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

How to apply hydroquinone cream?

According to Dr. Eric Howell, board-certified dermatologist, if you have been prescribed with hydroquinone, this is how you should use it.

1. Conduct a patch test

Always conduct a patch test for hydroquinone before widespread use to identify potential skin reactions. Apply a small amount to a small skin area and monitor for any adverse reactions, such as redness or irritation, over the next 24 hours.

2. Cleanse your skin

Begin by cleansing your skin gently using a mild, soap-free cleanser. Afterward, pat your skin dry with a clean towel, ensuring it’s completely dry before applying hydroquinone.

3. Apply a thin layer

Apply a thin layer of hydroquinone cream or gel to the desired treatment areas using clean fingertips. Massage the product into your skin evenly, but avoid the eye, mouth, and mucous membrane areas.

4. Use sunscreen with SPF 50

It is recommended toapply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF 50 daily, particularly in the morning. UV exposure can exacerbate hyperpigmentation and counteract the efficacy and benefits of hydroquinone cream.

5. Use a moisturizer

6. Monitor your skin’s response

Monitor your skin’s response to hydroquinone closely. If you experience excessive irritation, redness, or any adverse reactions, discontinue use and seek guidance from your healthcare provider.

7. Schedule follow-up appointments

Schedule follow-up appointments with your online dermatologist to assess your progress, address any concerns, and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Notice

Keep in mind that hydroquinone should not be used long-term. It is generally recommended to discontinue use after a maximum of 4 months, whether it has achieved the desired results or not. Discuss treatment plan for dark spot recurrence with your dermatologist.

Getting hydroquinone cream online is very simple with Miiskin

Select “Start consultation” to sign-up with Miiskin.
Use the consultation form to request hydroquinone.
If medically appropriate, you will receive a prescription from a dermatologist.
Purchase your hydroquinone in the pharmacy of your choice.

Got more questions about getting a hydroquinone prescription online?

How to buy hydroquinone online?

Enrolling with a provider through the Miiskin app allows you to request a virtual consultation based on images from a credentialed independent healthcare professional. Your consultation request is evaluated within a period of two business days, and the complete process typically takes five minutes. You can go to any pharmacy to pick up your prescription for hydroquinone after your request has been reviewed.

Is hydroquinone available over the counter?

No, you need a doctor’s prescription to buy hydroquinone.

How much does it cost to get a prescription for hydroquinone?

The price of a image-based consultation through the Miiskin app varies according to the provider and does not include the cost of any prescription medication.

How long does a hydroquinone prescription last?

Depending on the state and the provider, renewing a prescription for hydroquinone usually needs to be done every three to twelve months.

How long will it take to get the prescription for my hydroquinone?

A photo-based consultation evaluation normally takes two business days to complete.

How/when will I get my hydroquinone?

Once a dermatologist has assessed your skin condition and determined that you should be prescribed hydroquinone, you can buy it from any pharmacy.

Where and how can I purchase hydroquinone?

To get your hydroquinone, you must select both a pharmacy and get a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

How do I start a photo consultation with a dermatologist to get hydroquinone?

Select one of the buttons on this page to discover accessible providers within your state and register to connect with a provider through the Miiskin app.

How long does a photo-based consultation for hydroquinone take?

You will typically be able to complete your online photo consultation request in less than five minutes.

Do I have to pay separately for the consultation and the hydroquinone?

Yes, you need to pay for both consultation and medication, similar to how you would pay for both your prescription medication at the pharmacy and an in-person consultation with a dermatologist.

What is Miiskin?

The website Miiskin was developed to help patients in finding local dermatologists that provide convenient, high-quality care for a variety of dermatological diseases, issues related to hair loss, and other skin-related conditions.

Start a photo-based virtual consultation to request hydroquinone

References:
¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539693/
²https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539693/
³https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12709008/
⁴https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9122278/
⁵https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/19764-hydroquinone-skin-cream-gel-emulsion-lotion-or-solution