Hydroquinone / Kojic Acid Cream

Available Dosage Strengths

10% / 2%

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Disclaimer: Images are for reference only; actual products may vary.

Product Overview

Description

Skin lightening (brighteners) therapy is used to treat skin conditions that emanate from hyperpigmentation. Melanin, a pigment that causes skin darkening, is synthesized within melanocytes from thyrosine facilitated by the enzyme tyrosinase. Melanin after being synthesized is moved to keratinocytes (the primary epidermal cells). Pigmentation occurs when more melanin is produced than normal or distributed in an abnormal pattern. Chemical products are used to decrease the hyperpigmentation that arises from melanin hyperproduction or abnormal distribution.

Hydroquinone_Kojic Acid cream is a combination depigmentation or skin lightening agent used to treat melasma, chloasma, solar lentigines, freckles and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is a common combination product for hyperpigmentation. Both of these products inhibit tyrosinase, the main enzyme in melanin synthesis.^1,2

Hydroquinone^3,4

Hydroquinone, a phenolic, organic compound, has the molecular formula C6H6O2. It has been used in the photography industry along with the cosmetic industry. There is sound evidence to support its use as a skin-lightening agent. It is generally compounded in concentrations from 2% to 12%. The efficacy and toxicity of hydroquinone are contingent on its final concentration, the vehicle that hydroquinone is in and the chemical stability of the product. The benefits of hydroquinone as a skin-lightening agent may take up to 2 months.

Kojic Acid^5-7

Kojic acid, an organic acid, is produced from different fungi (A. flavus, A. oryzae, A. tamarii, and A. parasiticus). It was first isolated in 1907 and marketed in 1955. It is commonly used as a depigmenting agent. It is thought to have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities in addition to its skin-lightening activity.

Mechanism of Action

Hydroquinone^1-4

Hydroquinone affects the melanogenesis process by inhibiting tyrosinase. It also inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis and suppresses the formation of melanosomes. The ability of hydroquinone to affect the melanocyte metabolic process may lead to a decrease in the production of melanin.

Kojic acid^1,2,5-7

Kojic acid is thought to chelate copper. Copper is needed at the active site of the tyrosinase enzyme. This action inhibits the activity of the tyrosinase enzyme. The tyrosinase enzyme is needed for melanin production.

Adverse Reactions

Common^3-9

Burning sensation, irritation, erythema

Serious^3-9

Exogenous ochronosis with prolonged hydroquinone use

Contraindications & Precautions

Contraindications: ^3-9

Hypersensitivity or intolerance to hydroquinone or kojic acid

Presence of active dermatitis, eczema, or open wounds at the application site

Precautions: ^3-9

Use with other agents that can dry or irritate the skin (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide)

Storage

Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a cool, dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep container tightly closed.

References

Cassiano DP, Espósito ACC, da Silva CN, Lima PB, Dias JAF, Hassun K, Miot LDB, Miot HA, Bagatin E. Update on Melasma-Part II: Treatment. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2022 Sep;12(9):1989-2012.
Philipp-Dormston WG. Melasma: A Step-by-Step Approach Towards a Multimodal Combination Therapy. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024 May 22;17:1203-121
Fabian IM, Sinnathamby ES, Flanagan CJ, Lindberg A, Tynes B, Kelkar RA, Varrassi G, Ahmadzadeh S, Shekoohi S, Kaye AD. Topical Hydroquinone for Hyperpigmentation: A Narrative Review. Cureus. 2023 Nov 15;15(11):e48840.
Schwartz C, Jan A, Zito PM. Hydroquinone. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539693/ August 22, 2023. Accessed July 22, 2025
Zilles JC, Dos Santos FL, Kulkamp-Guerreiro IC, Contri RV. Biological activities and safety data of kojic acid and its derivatives: A review. Exp Dermatol. 2022 Oct;31(10):1500-1521.
Saeedi M, Eslamifar M, Khezri K. Kojic acid applications in cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. Biomed Pharmacother. 2019 Feb;110:582-593.
Phasha V, Senabe J, Ndzotoyi P, Okole B, Fouche G, Chuturgoon A. Review on the Use of Kojic Acid—A Skin-Lightening Ingredient. Cosmetics. 2022; 9(3):64.
PandeyA, Jatana GK, Sonthalia S.Cosmeceuticals. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544223/ Accessed July 22, 2025
Bhattar PA, Zawar VP, Godse KV, Patil SP, Nadkarni NJ, Gautam MM. Exogenous Ochronosis. Indian J Dermatol. 2015 Nov-Dec;60(6):537-43.

Disclaimer

This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible drug information about this product. Call your doctor for medical advice and/or about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. A Wells Pharmacy Network pharmacist will be happy to answer any questions. For consultation, please call 1-800-622-4510.