HYDROQUINONE 4% 40 mg/g Cream, 1 tube
🆔 Identity & classification
Where does this data come from?
🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the Melanin Synthesis Inhibitor class.
Where does this data come from?
🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
Where does this data come from?
🩺 Clinical
This is a topical cream containing hydroquinone 4% (40 mg per gram). Hydroquinone is a melanin synthesis inhibitor typically used in skin-lightening products to reduce the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, and hyperpigmentation on the face and body. This product is marketed without an approved FDA application and should only be used under the direction of a healthcare provider.
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
Where does this data come from?
Ask a licensed pharmacist directly — free, answered by our team.
🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
Inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are components of the drug product other than the active ingredient. They may include fillers, dyes, coatings, preservatives, flavors, or other formulation ingredients.
💡 Tap an ingredient (hover on desktop) to see what it is and why it’s used.
-
UNII 3K9958V90M
A liquid solvent derived from fermentation or chemical synthesis. In medicines, alcohol dissolves active ingredients, helps preserve the product, and improves how the body absorbs certain drugs.
-
UNII E4F12ROE70
A refined mineral oil derived from crude petroleum containing 13 to 14 carbon chains. It acts as a solvent, emollient, and carrier in topical formulations to help dissolve active ingredients and improve product texture and spreadability.
-
UNII 8TY5YO42NJ
Capryloyl glycine is a mild, skin-conditioning ingredient made from a natural fatty acid and the amino acid glycine. In medicines, it acts as a surfactant and preservative booster, helping the product spread evenly and resist contamination.
-
UNII PDC6A3C0OX
Glycerin is a clear, thick liquid derived from plant oils or fats. It acts as a humectant to retain moisture, a sweetener, and a solvent in medications.
-
UNII 0WT12SX38S
Glycolic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from sugar cane that helps dissolve and remove dead skin cells. In topical medicines, it works as an exfoliant and pH adjuster to improve skin penetration and product effectiveness.
-
UNII 724GKU717M
Jojoba oil is a natural liquid wax extracted from jojoba plant seeds. It's used in medicines as an emollient and lubricant to soften and smooth the product, and sometimes as a carrier or penetration enhancer.
-
UNII 6K23F1TT52
Kojic acid is a naturally derived compound used as a preservative and antioxidant in medicines. It helps prevent spoilage and maintain product stability during storage.
-
UNII Z95S6G8201
A synthetic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide. It helps dissolve and mix oily and watery ingredients in liquid formulations, and may improve how the medicine spreads or is absorbed.
-
UNII 1DI56QDM62
A natural fatty substance from soybeans that helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together. It acts as an emulsifier and lubricant in medicines to improve texture and help the product break down properly in your body.
-
UNII RHA9LWJ494
A synthetic polymer formed by linking acrylamide molecules together. It functions as a binder and thickener in medicines, helping hold ingredients together and adjust the product's texture and consistency.
-
UNII 55X04QC32I
A strong alkaline chemical used to adjust and maintain the pH balance of liquid medicines. It helps keep the medicine stable and ensures it stays effective during storage.
-
UNII GW89575KF9
Squalane is a lightweight oil derived from plant sources or synthesized. It acts as an emollient and lubricant in formulations, helping ingredients blend smoothly and improving product texture and spreadability.
-
UNII 059QF0KO0R
Water is a liquid solvent that dissolves and mixes ingredients together in liquid medicines, syrups, and injections. It helps distribute the active drug evenly throughout the product.
-
UNII TTV12P4NEE
Xanthan gum is a thickening and stabilizing ingredient made from fermented corn or other sugars. It's added to medicines to improve texture, prevent separation of liquids and solids, and help the product stay consistent.
14 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
Where does this data come from?
ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
Are inactive ingredients the same for every manufacturer?
Why might an inactive ingredient be missing?
Can inactive ingredients matter?
💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per g | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.513 | $14.54 / 28.35 g |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $1.00 | $28.37 / 28.35 g |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · quarterly | No Part D plan price is available for this NDC in our data. | |
Where does this data come from?
🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hydroquinone 4% 40 mg/g 75834-0137-01 | Nivagen | 1 tube | $0.461 | — | Availability likely | save 10% |
| Hydroquinone 4% 40 mg/gthis 42192-0151-01 | Acella | 1 tube | $0.513 | — | Availability likely | — |
| Hydroquinone 40 mg/g 69367-0174-01 | Westminster | 1 tube | $0.513 | — | Availability likely | — |
| hydroquinone 40 mg/g 10135-0724-99 | Marlex | 1 tube | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Hydroquinone cream 40 mg/g 24689-0101-01 | APNAR | 1 tube | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Hydroquinone 4% 40 mg/g 50405-0800-01 | SOHM, | 1 tube | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| NU-DERM BLENDER Skin Lightener and Blending 40 mg/g 62032-0100-10 | Obagi | 28 g | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| NU-DERM CLEAR Skin Bleaching and Corrector 40 mg/g 62032-0101-36 | Obagi | 57 g | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Obagi-C Rx system C-Therapy Night Skin Lightening with Vitamins C and E 40 mg/g 62032-0105-36 | Obagi | 57 g | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| NU-DERM SUNFADER Skin Lightener with Sunscreen (SPF 15) PABA FREE 40 mg/g; 75 mg/g; 55 mg/g 62032-0116-36 | Obagi | 57 g | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Hydroquinone 4% 40 mg/g 71399-0400-01 | Akron | 28.35 g | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Hydroquinone 4% 40 mg/g 72162-2422-02 | Bryant | 1 tube | — | — | FDA listed | — |
| Hydro-Q 40 mg/g 30815-0040-01 | Dermavance | 1 tube | — | — | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
We did not find an FDA-approved generic match for this exact strength, form and route.
Where does this data come from?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
Where does this data come from?
📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 42192-0151-01 You're viewing this | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (42192-151-01) / 28.35 g in 1 TUBE | 2014-09-10 | Active |
🧭 About this NDC listing & data coverage
Listed without an FDA application
This product's marketing category indicates it is marketed without an approved FDA application (no NDA, ANDA, or BLA on file). Having an NDC does not by itself establish FDA approval — the NDC Directory is a listing system, not an approval decision. Approval-linked data such as Orange Book therapeutic-equivalence ratings therefore does not apply.
What data is (and isn’t) available for this NDC — tap to expand
| NDC identity (package / product / labeler codes) | ✓ Available |
| Labeler | ✓ Available |
| Product & package description | ✓ Available |
| Marketing category & status | ✓ Available |
| Active ingredient / dosage form / route | ✓ Available |
| FDA label (SPL via DailyMed) | ✓ Available |
| Package photos | ✓ Available |
| Inactive ingredients (structured) | ✓ Available |
| NADAC pharmacy acquisition price (CMS) | ✓ Available |
| Orange Book / therapeutic-equivalence data | — Not published for this NDC Applies only to products approved under an NDA/ANDA; many listings are out of scope. |
| HCPCS J-code billing crosswalk | — Not published for this NDC Most self-administered / retail products have no J-code — that is normal. |
| Medicaid utilization (CMS SDUD) | ✓ Available |
Questions about this listing
Is this NDC FDA-approved?
Is the NDC printed on the package the same as the 11-digit billing NDC?
What do the three segments of this NDC mean?
Is this package still being marketed?
Who lists this product with the FDA?
Do I need a prescription for this product?
Where does this data come from?
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE HYDROQUINONE 4% CREAM is indicated for the gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines, and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Completely remove the foil seal. HYDROQUINONE 4% CREAM should be applied to affected areas and rubbed in well twice daily, in the morning and before bedtime, or as directed by a physician. If no improvement is seen after 2 months of treatment, use of this product should be discontinued. There is no recommended dosage for pediatric patients under 12 years of age except under the advice and supervision of a physician.
⛔ Contraindications ▾
CONTRAINDICATIONS Prior history of sensitivity or allergic reaction to hydroquinone or to any of the ingredients of the product. The safety of topical hydroquinone use during pregnancy or for children (12 years and under) has not been established.
⚠️ Warnings ▾
WARNINGS Since this product contains no sunscreen, an effective broad spectrum sun blocking agent should be used and unnecessary solar exposure avoided, or protective clothing should be worn to cover bleached skin in order to prevent repigmentation from occurring. Hydroquinone may produce exogenous ochronosis, a gradual blue-black darkening of the skin. If this condition occurs, discontinue treatment and consult your physician.
The majority of patients developing this condition are Black, but it may also occur in Caucasians and Hispanics.
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions have been reported: dryness and fissuring of paranasal and infraorbital areas, erythema, and stinging. Occasional hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) may develop. If this occurs, the medication should be discontinued and the physician notified immediately.
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
Drug Interactions - Patients are cautioned on concomitant use of medications that are known to be photosensitizing.
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
Pregnancy: Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C - Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether topical hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Topical hydroquinone should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
Pregnancy Category C - Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with topical hydroquinone. It is also not known whether topical hydroquinone can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Topical hydroquinone should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
Pediatric Use - Safety and effectiveness for pediatric patients below the age of 12 years have not been established.
🆘 Overdosage ▾
OVERDOSAGE There have been no systemic reactions reported from the use of topical hydroquinone. However, treatment should be limited to relatively small areas of the body at one time, since some patients experience a transient skin reddening and a mild burning sensation which does not preclude treatment.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
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) (Denton, C. et al., 1952)1 and suppression of other melanocyte metabolic processes (Jimbow, K. et al., 1974)2. Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light will cause repigmentation of bleached areas (Parrish, L.A. et al., 1978)3.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED HYDROQUINONE 4% CREAM is available in a 1 oz (28.35 g) tube with (NDC 42192-151-01) Store at 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° - 30°C (59° - 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Store at 20° - 25°C (68° - 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° - 30°C (59° - 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Each gram of HYDROQUINONE 4% CREAM contains 40 mg hydroquinone, in a tan-colored cream base of Alcohol, Capryloyl Glycine, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Kojic Acid, Laureth-7, Lecithin, Polyacrylamide, Purified Waters, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Squalane and Xanthan Gum. Chemically, hydroquinone is C6H6O2 and has a molecular weight of 110.11. The chemical name is 1,4 dihydroxybenzene, and the structural formula of hydroquinone is: Chemical Structure
💬 Information for Patients ▾
Information for Patients - Sunscreen use is an essential aspect of hydroquinone therapy because even minimal sunlight sustains melanocytic activity. To prevent repigmentation, during treatment and maintenance therapy, sun exposure on treated skin should be avoided by application of a broad spectrum sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater) or by use of protective clothing. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.
Keep this and all medications out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, call a physician or a poison control center immediately.