Obagi Skin Lightening Complex

Generic name:hydroquinone
Dosage form: topical lotion
Drug class:Topical depigmenting agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 24, 2022.

Disclaimer: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA. For further information about unapproved drugs, click here.

Rx Only
FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY

Each gram of Skin Lightening Complex contains:

Active ingredient:Hydroquinone USP, 4% (40 mg/g)

Inactive ingredients: water, glycerin, cetyl alcohol, PPG-2 myristyl ether propionate, sodium lauryl sulfate, TEA-salicylate, lactic acid, phenyl trimethicone, tocopheryl acetate, sodium metabisulfite, ascorbic acid, methylparaben, disodium EDTA, propylparaben, saponins, BHT

Description:

Hydroquinone is 1,4-benzenediol. The drug is freely soluble in water and in alcohol. Chemically, hydroquinone is designated as p-dihydroxybenzene; the empirical formula is C6H6O2; the molecular weight is 110.11 g/mol. The chemical structure is in the diagram to the right.

Clinical Pharmacology:

Topical application of hydroquinone produces a reversible depigmentation of the skin by inhibition of the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and suppression of other melanocyte metabolic processes.

Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light will cause repigmentation of the bleached areas, which may be prevented by the use of sunblocking agents or sunscreen agents.

Indications and Usage:

For the gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.

Contraindications:

Pe..