Since Melasma is Best Treated with Hydroquinone Cream, What is the Strongest Stength That Can Be Purchased with a Prescription?

Question

I have a hydroquinone 4 percent is there anything stronger?

S. Larry Schlesinger, MD, FACS · Answer

I have been treating Melasma for several years with a cream that I invented with a compounding pharmacy in Hawaii.  Although we put hydroquinone as an ingredient in our cream, the key ingredient is Kojic acid.  I believe Kojic acid is a much better specific treatment for Melasma as it does not give you the halo effect often seen with hydroquinone since it specifically targets the mask of pregnancy.  My pharmacist needed a name for this cream and so he calls it "Schlesinger's Melasma Cream".

Anteneh Roba, MD · Answer

HQ 4% is what is commonly prescribed in the US, however in my experience and especially in darker skinned individuals, 4%HQ even in combination with other products including tretinoin,kojic acid or steroids does not do the trick especially if the melasma is deep. Excellent results are achieved when using cosmelan 1 and 2 which contain 8% and 6% HQ respectively.  
does not do the trick

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hello Elsie.  Yes, there are stronger prescription formulations than 4% hydroquinone and you can see the excellent results we get with our higher strength (up to 8%) product by clicking on the link to our website below.

	Anything over 4% is a compounded product, which means the formulation is determined by the medical office and the compounding pharmacy.  In addition to using up to 8% HQ, we do not include Retin A in our formulation because it irritates many of our patients.  Because it is dispensed in a liquid form, it penetrates more easily and yields better results.

	We have offices in Torrance and Orange, CA and would be happy to meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your condition.

Apratim Goel, MD · Answer

of course hydroquinone on prescription can be bought upto 12 %. Infact brand MD products in USA have this percentage. However dont blindly  believe that higher the strength, it will erase the melasma faster.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

We have been compounding Hydroquinones from our office in as much as 8 percent.  I often combine it with Retin-A cream to best treat facial melasma.  Our patients do best when these products are combined with chemical peels to remove dark spots and melasma.  Please consult a board certified dermatologist who is an expert in chemical peels and melasma.  Best, Dr. Green

Since Melasma is Best Treated with Hydroquinone Cream, What is the Strongest Stength That Can Be Purchased with a Prescription?

Answers (10)

Answer: Melasma

Answer: Melasma

Answer: Hydroquinone and Strength

Answer: Hydroquinone and Strength

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Since Melasma is Best Treated with Hydroquinone Cream, What is the Strongest Stength That Can Be Purchased with a Prescription?

Answers (10)

Answer: Melasma

Answer: Melasma

Answer: Hydroquinone and Strength

Answer: Hydroquinone and Strength

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.