ReviewCureus2023
Topical Hydroquinone for Hyperpigmentation: A Narrative Review.
Review in Cureus, 2023. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 20 papers.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
20 citing papers in PubMed, 29 citations in OpenAlex.
- A Novel Dermocosmetic Routine Containing Vitamin B3 and 2-Mercaptonicotinyl Glycine Significantly Improves Melasma After 3 Months of Daily Use.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025Trial
- Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Serum Containing Niacinamide, Tranexamic Acid, Vitamin C, and Hydroxy Acid Compared to 4% Hydroquinone in the Management of Melasma.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025Trial
- The Efficacy of Topical Cosmetic Containing Alpha-Arbutin 5% and Kojic Acid 2% Compared With Triple Combination Cream for the Treatment of Melasma: A Split-Face, Evaluator-Blinded Randomized Pilot Study.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025Trial
- Citalopram-induced photopigmentation.JAAD case reports · 2026Article
- Cutaneous Aging in Skin of Color: A Narrative Review.American journal of clinical dermatology · 2026Review
- Plerixafor Engages β-Arrestin-Dependent CXCR4 Signaling to Promote Melanogenesis via β-Catenin-MITF Activation.Current issues in molecular biology · 2026Article
- Translational Evaluation of a Disodium Adenosine Monophosphate (AMP2Na)-Based Topical Formulation for Physiology-Aligned Skin Rejuvenation: Integrated In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and Clinical Evidence.International journal of molecular sciences · 2026Article
- Nanotechnology in Dermatology: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Performance, Safety, and Clinical Translation.Health science reports · 2026Article
- Chemical Characteristics and Antimicrobial Activity ofMolecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Exploring the potential mechanisms of hydroquinone on bladder cancer using network toxicology, Mendelian randomization analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulations.Discover oncology · 2026Article
- From structure to function: a one-dimensional palladium(ii) hybrid for real-sample hydroquinone detection.RSC advances · 2026Article
- Quality-by-Design Compounding of Semisolids Using an Electronic Mortar and Pestle Device for Compounding Pharmacies: Uniformity, Stability, and Cleaning.Pharmaceutics · 2026Article
- Mechanistic Insights into Tyrosinase-Catalyzed Metabolism of Hydroquinone: Implications for the Etiology of Exogenous Ochronosis and Cytotoxicity to Melanocytes.International journal of molecular sciences · 2025Article
- Exploring the Therapeutic Value of Some Vegetative Parts ofMolecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Review
- Analyzing Social Media Trends in Cosmeceuticals: Insights From Google Trends and TikTok Analytics.Journal of cosmetic dermatology · 2025Article
- Cannabidiol-Based Thiosemicarbazones: A Preliminary Study Evaluating Their Anti-Tyrosinase Properties.Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) · 2025Article
- Article
- Article
- Exogenous Ochronosis With Vitiligo: A Therapeutic Challenge.Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI) · 2024Article
- A Review of Post-Inflammatory Pigmentation Changes: Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment.Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgeryReview
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
10 authors at 5 institutions in 2 countries.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Topical hydroquinone (HQ) has been used for decades to treat disorders of hyperpigmentation such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and solar lentigines. Additionally, it has been used as a skin-lightening agent for cosmetic purposes. Multiple studies have shown it to be effective in treating hyperpigmentation, though it is not without side effects. Currently, HQ is not approved for over-the-counter use in the United States. Its use is also banned in other countries, including Japan, Australia, and the European Union. Hyperpigmentation disorders affect individuals worldwide. Patients with these disorders are frequently seen in medical practices. Hyperpigmentation disorders can significantly negatively impact a person's quality of life, and agents that treat hyperpigmentation can improve patient outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was performed on HQ as a treatment for skin hyperpigmentation disorders. A literature review revealed that HQ is an effective compound for treating hyperpigmentation disorders and can be combined with other therapies for enhanced results. Evidence exists to support HQ as a topical therapy for skin hyperpigmentation. HQ is not without side effects and should be prescribed by trained professionals who can educate patients on usage. HQ can be used in pharmaceutical regimens to treat hyperpigmentation disorders.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.