Version July 2025
Skin bleaching: Topical:
US labeling: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas once daily at night.
Canadian labeling: Apply a thin layer to the affected areas and half inch of normal skin surrounding the affected area and rub in well twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime. Discontinue use if no improvement is seen after 2 months or within 3 weeks (melasma).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
Refer to adult dosing.
Skin bleaching: Children ≥12 years and Adolescents: Refer to adult dosing.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no adverse reactions listed in the manufacturer's labeling.
Postmarketing:
Dermatologic: Allergic contact dermatitis (Yanagishita-Nakatsuji 2017), exogenous ochronosis (Narayanan 2024)
Ophthalmic: Corneal changes (Hollick 2019), sclera disease (Hollick 2019), sclera thinning (Hollick 2019)
There are no contraindications listed in the manufacturer's US labeling.
Canadian labeling: Hypersensitivity to hydroquinone or any component of the formulation.
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• Hyperpigmentation: Continuous use may cause exogenous ochronosis, a progressive gray-blue or blue-black hyperpigmentation of the skin with erythema and papules, on sun-exposed treated areas (ERFA Canadian product monograph).
Other warnings/precautions:
• Appropriate use: Limit application to area no larger than face and neck or hands and arms.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Cream, External:
AMBI Fade: 2% (56 g [DSC]) [contains cetyl alcohol, disodium edta, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium metabisulfite, soy protein, soya sterol]
Blanche: 4% (30 g) [contains cetearyl alcohol, disodium edta, sodium metabisulfite]
Remergent HQ: 4% (30 mL [DSC]) [contains sodium metabisulfite]
Generic: 4% (28.35 g, 28.4 g)
Yes
Cream (Blanche External)
4% (per gram): $2.60
Cream (Hydroquinone External)
4% (per gram): $2.56 - $4.48
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Gel, External:
Generic: 4% (30 g)
Topical: For external use only; avoid contact with eyes, mucous membranes and broken skin. Wash face and pat dry before applying. Apply a thin layer to the affected areas in a circular motion until cream is completely absorbed. Do not cover the area. Wash hands after use. Avoid sun exposure during treatment and maintenance therapy by using a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) or protective clothing.
Topical: For external use only; avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Shake solution prior to use. Wash and pat dry affected area prior to application. Apply a thin layer using fingertips to the affected areas and rub in well. Avoid sun exposure during treatment and maintenance therapy by using a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) or protective clothing.
Skin bleaching: Gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions, such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation
None known.
There are no known significant interactions.
Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical administration; the amount of systemic absorption is unknown.
It is not known if hydroquinone is excreted in breast milk. The manufacturer recommends that caution be exercised when administering hydroquinone to nursing women
Produces reversible depigmentation of the skin by suppression of melanocyte metabolic processes, in particular the inhibition of the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine); sun exposure reverses this effect and will cause repigmentation.
Onset and duration of depigmentation produced by hydroquinone varies among individuals
