Can I buy hydroquinone 4 over the counter?

You can find weaker formulations of Hydroquinone over the counter (less than 2%.) But, if you are looking for more potent Hydroquinone creams (generally 4%), these must be purchased from a pharmacy or compounding pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor.

Can you still buy hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is available over the counter in nonprescription strength formulas that do not exceed a concentration of 2%. Please, for your safety and the health of your skin, avoid purchasing any over the counter Hydroquinone product claiming to have an active ingredient concentration of more than 2%.

How quickly does hydroquinone 4 Work?

It takes about four weeks on average for the ingredient to take effect. It may take several months of consistent use before you see full results. If you don’t see any improvements within three months of OTC use, talk to your dermatologist.

Can I use hydroquinone everyday?

Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The efficacy of this treatment can be enhanced by using a retinoid nightly and a mid-potent steroid, which is applied twice daily for 2 weeks, then at weekends only.

When can I use hydroquinone 4%?

You may begin using Hydroquinone 4% after laser procedures once the skin has completely healed. Following procedures such as the fractionated CO2 or YSGG the skin has usually re-epithelialized in about 7 days. Some individuals find the hydroquinone 4% a bit irritating and have to wait a few days longer.

What products contain hydroquinone?

Examples of prescription products containing hydroquinone are Lustra, Tri-Luma, and EpiQuin Micro. Hydroquinone products are popular for their skin-lightening properties in Asian and African cosmetics markets. In the U.S., they also are marketed for reducing age spots and blemishes.

Where can I buy hydroquinone?

You can actually by hydroquinone over the counter without a prescription at CVS, Walgreens, etc., but only the 2% strength is available.