hydroquinone

noun

hy·​dro·​qui·​none ˌhī-drō-kwi-ˈnōn  -ˈkwi-ˌnōn 

: a white crystalline strongly reducing phenol C₆H₆O₂ used especially as a photographic developer, as an antioxidant and stabilizer, and in medicine to remove pigmentation from hyperpigmented areas of skin

Examples of hydroquinone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This is often prescribed alongside a mild steroid and hydroquinone in a formulation known as triple combination cream.8 Over-the-Counter Skin Lighteners Products with gentler active ingredients are available without a prescription. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 6 July 2025

Unlike other acids and hydroquinone, tranexamic acid is suitable for all skin types, people who are pregnancy and/or breastfeeding, and pairs well with other brightening ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C. —Sarah Han, Allure, 12 June 2025

Studies show that azelaic acid can work as well as hydroquinone for fading melasma, a type of facial hyperpigmentation. —Susan Bard, Health, 3 May 2025

Consumers have been discussing everything from promoting hydroquinone in facials to bleaching creams turning the skin yellow. —India Espy-Jones, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

circa 1872, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hydroquinone

• abalone
• acrimony
• alimony
• antimony
• ceremony
• chalcedony
• cicerone
• cosmogony
• eurozone
• lithopone
• macaroni
• matrimony

Medical Definition

hydroquinone

noun

hy·​dro·​qui·​none -kwin-ˈōn  -ˈkwin-ˌōn 

: a bleaching agent C₆H₆O₂ used topically to remove pigmentation from hyperpigmented areas of skin (as a lentigo or freckle)