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 4% hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a melanin synthesis inhibitor typically used in skincare products applied to the skin to help address hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. This product is marketed without an approved FDA application.
Patient education
Supplement & herbal interactions
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🧪 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.
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UNII 9E8X80D2L0
A synthetic form of vitamin E used as an antioxidant and preservative in medications. It helps prevent the active ingredients from degrading when exposed to oxygen or light.
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UNII PQ6CK8PD0R
Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C, is a white crystalline powder. It serves as an antioxidant to prevent degradation of other ingredients and may also function as a preservative in the formulation.
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UNII 147D247K3P
Ethylhexylglycerin is a synthetic preservative used to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in medicines and personal care products. It helps keep the product safe and stable throughout its shelf life.
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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.
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UNII HIE492ZZ3T
Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative and antimicrobial agent used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in medicines and cosmetic products, extending shelf life and maintaining product safety.
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UNII 5965N8W85T
Propanediol is a clear liquid organic compound derived from vegetable sources or synthesized chemically. It acts as a humectant to retain moisture, a solvent to dissolve active ingredients, and a preservative booster in liquid medications and supplements.
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UNII 1DXE3F3OZX
A synthetic polymer that forms a gel-like network. It absorbs and holds water, thickens the medicine, and helps keep ingredients evenly mixed throughout the formulation.
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UNII 368GB5141J
A detergent and foaming agent derived from coconut or palm oil. In medications, it helps break down and mix oil and water-based ingredients, aids in tablet disintegration, and improves how the drug dissolves and spreads in the mouth or digestive system.
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UNII 4VON5FNS3C
Sodium metabisulfite is a preservative derived from sulfur compounds. It prevents microbial growth and oxidation in medicines, helping extend shelf life and maintain product stability.
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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.
10 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
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💲 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 | Not in the retail survey — common for institutional, discontinued, or low-volume packs. | |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | No recent Medicaid claims on file for this NDC — rare and low-volume NDCs are suppressed in the public data. | |
| 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 | $0.454 | — | Availability likely | — |
| Hydroquinone 4% 40 mg/g 42192-0151-01 | Acella | 1 tube | $0.517 | — | Availability likely | — |
| Hydroquinone 40 mg/g 69367-0174-01 | Westminster | 1 tube | $0.517 | — | 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/gthis 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?
🔬 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50405-0800-01 You're viewing this | 1 TUBE in 1 CARTON (50405-800-01) / 28.35 g in 1 TUBE | 2023-06-05 | 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) | — Not published for this NDC CMS publishes NADAC only for NDCs reported in its retail-pharmacy survey. |
| 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) | — Not published for this NDC CMS reports utilization only for NDCs with Medicaid claims above its privacy threshold. |
Questions about this listing
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📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
INDICATIONS AND USAGE Hydroquinone USP, 4% Skin Bleaching 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 Hydroquinone USP, 4% Skin Bleaching 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 Contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in non-asthmatic people.
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 intraorbital areas, erythema, and stinging. Occasional hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) may develop. If this occurs, the medication should be discontinued and the physician notified immediately.
🤰 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.
🧒 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, J.A. et al., 1978) 3 .
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
HOW SUPPLIED Hydroquinone USP, 4% Skin Bleaching Cream is available as follows: 1 oz (28.35 g) lube (NDC 50405-800-01) Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📦 Storage and Handling ▾
Store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
📋 Description ▾
DESCRIPTION Each gram of Hydroquinone USP, 4% Skin Bleaching Cream contains 40 mg hydroquinone USP, in a vanishing cream base of Aqua (water) , Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium acrylate/Sodium Acryloyl Dimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Propanediol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexyl glycerin, Sodium metabisulfite, Tocopheryl acetate, Vitamin C. Chemically, hydroquinone is C 6 H 6 O 2 and has a molecular weight of 110.11. The chemical name is 1,4 dihydroxybenzene, and the structural formula of hydroquinone is: 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.