hydroquinone
noun
hy·dro·qui·none ˌhī-drō-kwi-ˈnōn 
-ˈkwi-ˌnōn
: a white crystalline strongly reducing phenol C6H6O2 used especially as a photographic developer, as an antioxidant and stabilizer, and in medicine to remove pigmentation from hyperpigmented areas of skin
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Skin-brightening treatments that are typically prescribed to treat hyperpigmentation, like hydroquinone, can be irritating to people with eczema, Dr. Chheda notes. 
Mara Santilli, SELF, 3 Aug. 2022 Other skin-brightening ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and arbutin, a derivative of hydroquinone. Mara Santilli, SELF, 3 Aug. 2022 To avoid this, apply hydroquinone sparingly to the center of your spot and feather toward the edges. Janell M. Hickman, SELF, 27 July 2022 Ban on all cosmetics with mercury, steroids, retinol derivatives, vitamin A and hydroquinone above 2%. Umuhoza Rahmat, CNN, 13 July 2022 Although a dermatologist can prescribe hydroquinone, there are lots of over-the-counter ingredients that can also be effective. ELLE, 22 July 2022 Many products advertised as skin whiteners and lighteners contain mercury, hydroquinone or corticosteroids, which are potentially toxic and can impact a person's health. CNN, 19 June 2022 Medications containing steroids and hydroquinone are made by many of the biggest pharmaceutical companies. CNN, 25 Jan. 2022 Toxic ingredients such as mercury and hydroquinone are rarely listed on their packaging, but independent testing by multiple organizations has identified them. CNN, 25 Jan. 2022 See More
Mara Santilli, SELF, 3 Aug. 2022 Other skin-brightening ingredients include vitamin C, kojic acid, and arbutin, a derivative of hydroquinone. Mara Santilli, SELF, 3 Aug. 2022 To avoid this, apply hydroquinone sparingly to the center of your spot and feather toward the edges. Janell M. Hickman, SELF, 27 July 2022 Ban on all cosmetics with mercury, steroids, retinol derivatives, vitamin A and hydroquinone above 2%. Umuhoza Rahmat, CNN, 13 July 2022 Although a dermatologist can prescribe hydroquinone, there are lots of over-the-counter ingredients that can also be effective. ELLE, 22 July 2022 Many products advertised as skin whiteners and lighteners contain mercury, hydroquinone or corticosteroids, which are potentially toxic and can impact a person's health. CNN, 19 June 2022 Medications containing steroids and hydroquinone are made by many of the biggest pharmaceutical companies. CNN, 25 Jan. 2022 Toxic ingredients such as mercury and hydroquinone are rarely listed on their packaging, but independent testing by multiple organizations has identified them. CNN, 25 Jan. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary
First Known Use
circa 1872, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
hydroquinone
noun
hy·dro·qui·none -kwin-ˈōn -ˈkwin-ˌōn
-ˈkwin-ˌōn : a bleaching agent C6H6O2 used topically to remove pigmentation from hyperpigmented areas of skin (as a lentigo or freckle)