Could alpha arbutin be used in lieu of hydroquinone as an effective skin lightening method?

September 17, 2012
Asked By:onyx54 in Indianapolis, IN

I've read on this site that HQ 4% is still the most proven method for lightening along with some form of Retin A. Could alpha arbutin be used in lieu of HQ? Also, I seem to recall getting white (tiny) spots on my skin when I used HQ. Many African Americans that I know who use HQ experience this problem - is there anything to combat this spotting? The spots have disappeared since I stopped using HQ. TIA.

Answers (2)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
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September 30, 2018

Answer: Melarase and Arbutin

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Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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MOST RECENT
September 30, 2018

Answer: Melarase and Arbutin

1 person found this helpful
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
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November 15, 2012

Answer: Effective Skin Lightening

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist
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November 15, 2012

Answer: Effective Skin Lightening

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MDBoard Certified Dermatologist
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