Hydroquinone / Hydrocortisone / Tretinoin

Cream

6% / 2.5% / 0.05%

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

Product Overview

Hydroquinone / Hydrocortisone / Tretinoin Description1,2

Hydroquinone / Hydrocortisone / Tretinoin is a combination depigmentation or skin-lightening formulation used to manage melasma, chloasma, solar lentigines, freckles, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Hydroquinone3,4

Hydroquinone is a phenolic organic compound with the molecular formula C₆H₆O₂. It has applications in both the photography and cosmetic industries. There is substantial evidence supporting its use as a skin-lightening agent. Hydroquinone is typically compounded at concentrations ranging from 2% to 12%. Its efficacy and safety depend on the final concentration, the formulation vehicle, and the chemical stability of the product. Skin-lightening effects may become noticeable within approximately two months of use.

Hydrocortisone5-8

Hydrocortisone is a steroid hormone with both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity and is the synthetic form of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. When applied topically, hydrocortisone exhibits anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, anti-mitotic, and immunosuppressive properties. It is a low-potency steroid commonly used in creams containing multiple active ingredients for hyperpigmentation, as it can help reduce irritation caused by other components.

Tretinoin7-10

Tretinoin is a naturally occurring derivative of vitamin A, also known as all-trans-retinoic acid. Retinoids may support the regulation of cell reproduction, proliferation, and differentiation. In hyperpigmentation disorders, tretinoin can inhibit transcription of the enzyme tyrosinase, thereby reducing melanogenesis.

Hydroquinone1-4

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.

Hydrocortisone5-7

The anti-inflammatory effects of topical hydrocortisone may occur through vasoconstriction. The vasoconstriction minimizes inflammatory mediators delivered to the inflamed area. Topical hydrocortisone may also inhibit the release of phospholipase A2, which reduces prostaglandins and leukotriene. Lastly, topical hydrocortisone inhibits DNA and transcription factors related to inflammation. It does this by increasing the expression of anti-inflammatory genes and indirectly inhibiting inflammatory transcription factors, such as NF-kB, to decrease the expression of pro-inflammatory genes.

Topical hydrocortisone may also have an anti-mitotic effect by decreasing epidermal mitosis mediated through an increase in lipocortin, an endogenous glucocorticoid-regulated protein.

Topical hydrocortisone may also inhibit humoral factors in the inflammatory response by suppressing immune cells from maturing, differentiating and proliferating.

It may also decrease irritation from hydroquinone and tretinoin.

Tretinoin8-10

Tretinoin prevents the transcription of the enzyme tyrosinase which minimizes melanogenesis. In addition, tretinoin decreases melanin transfer, increases cell turnover of keratinocytes and the permeability in the stratum corneum. In this way melanin is dispersed.

In addition to its other activity, tretinoin prevents hydroquinone oxidation and improves epidermal penetration of hydroquinone.

Common3-12 

  • Burning sensation, irritation, erythema
  • Do not use in patients with open wounds
  • Photosensitivity with tretinoin

Serious3-12 

  • Exogenous ochronosis with prolonged hydroquinone use

Contraindications3-12 

  • Hypersensitivity or intolerance to hydroquinone, tretinoin or hydrocortisone
  • Presence of active dermatitis, eczema, or open wounds at the application site
  • Avoid in pregnant patients

Precautions3-12 

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

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

  1. 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.
  2. Philipp-Dormston WG. Melasma: A Step-by-Step Approach Towards a Multimodal Combination Therapy. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2024 May 22;17:1203-121
  3. 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.
  4. Schwartz C, Jan A, Zito PM. Hydroquinone. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539693/ August 22, 2023. Accessed July 22, 2025
  5. Clinical Pharmacology hydrocortisone clinical monograph 2025 https://www.clinicalkey.com/pharmacology/
  6. Gabros S, Nessel TA. Topical Corticosteroids. Statpearls. April 26, 2025. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  7. Sarkar R, Gokhale N, Godse K, et al. Medical Management of Melasma: A Review with Consensus Recommendations by Indian Pigmentary Expert Group. Indian J Dermatol. 2017 Nov-Dec;62(6):558-577.
  8. González-Molina V, Martí-Pineda A, González N. Topical Treatments for Melasma and Their Mechanism of Action. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022 May;15(5):19-28.
  9. Clinical Pharmacology tretinoin clinical monograph 2025 https://www.clinicalkey.com/pharmacology/
  10. Yoham AL, Casadesus D. Tretinoin. Statpearls. March 27, 2023. Accessed July 27, 2025.
  11. PandeyA, Jatana GK, Sonthalia S.Cosmeceuticals. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544223/ Accessed July 22, 2025
  12. Bhattar PA, Zawar VP, Godse KV, Patil SP, Nadkarni NJ, Gautam MM. Exogenous Ochronosis. Indian J Dermatol. 2015 Nov-Dec;60(6):537-43.

WPPL operates as a 503A compounding pharmacy and prepares individualized prescription medications pursuant to provider direction. Compounded preparations are not reviewed, tested, or approved by the FDA.

This listing also includes commercially manufactured products for convenience; these items are not compounded by our pharmacy and are sold as provided by their manufacturers. Actual products in stock at time of dispensing may vary due to supply chain variability. Any statements regarding non-compounded products are manufacturer-supplied, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. WPPL does not verify or endorse any therapeutic claims made by manufacturers. Please refer to original labeling for complete product information.

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