Hydroquinone
Compounded hydroquinone for melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation — short courses, clinician-supervised.
- Doctor-reviewed in 24 hours
- Free 2-day shipping
- Pause or cancel anytime
Prescriptions require an online visit reviewed by a U.S.-licensed provider. Compounded medications are prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies and are not FDA-approved. Individual results vary.
Who it’s for
- Mild-to-moderate acne, melasma, or texture concerns
- Want prescription-strength formulas matched to skin type
- Willing to commit to daily SPF and 8–12 week consistency
You already know exactly which patch you check for in every mirror.
how it works
Prescription-strength retinoic acid — the gold-standard topical for acne, photoaging, fine lines, and texture irregularity.
What we can and can't tell you
No single headline trial number to sell you here — pigment work is slow, individual, and sun-dependent. Hydroquinone is used in short, clinician-supervised courses by design, and the result only holds if daily sunscreen holds.
- Who makes it A LegitScript-verified 503A compounding pharmacy, from your prescription — never a gray-market or overseas supplier
- To what standard USP <797> sterile compounding and USP <800> hazardous-drug handling, where applicable
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or effectiveness, and are not generic equivalents of any brand-name drug.
what the first months look like
Adjustment. Expect some dryness or peeling from the tretinoin component, sometimes an initial breakout — and daily SPF 30+ from day one, non-negotiable.
Existing spots begin to soften at the edges. Melasma fades gradually — think evenness first, erasure later.
Supplied in 30-day cycles. Your clinician reviews progress and decides whether to continue, adjust, or plan the off-cycle — short courses are the point, not a limitation.
Hydroquinone pauses on your clinician's schedule; sun protection is what keeps the result. Pigment that fades can return with unprotected exposure.
Dosing, step by step
| Apply | Pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin at night — a thin layer over the affected area — more product is not more fade |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 3–7 nights per week, per tolerance — start slower if your skin is sensitive; ramping up is routine |
| Course | Short, clinician-set courses — 30-day supply; your clinician sets the on/off cycling |
| Every morning | SPF 30+ — mandatory with this formula — unprotected sun exposure undoes the work |
The compounded strength is set by your clinician at prescription — it isn't a one-size number, and course length is a clinical decision, not a subscription default.
And when it gets rough
- Dryness and peeling Moisturize generously and drop to fewer nights per week — tolerance builds. It's a signal to slow down, not stop.
- Initial breakout (purge) A known tretinoin effect early on — it passes as turnover normalizes. If it's severe or not settling, message your clinician.
- Photosensitivity Daily SPF 30+, reapply outdoors, and avoid peak sun. This formula and tanning are not compatible.
- Any patch darkening instead of lightening Aggressive use can darken skin, especially deeper skin tones. Stop applying to that area and message your clinician — this one isn't a push-through.
Pigment is patient, so we have to be too. We start most people on a short, supervised course rather than something open-ended — hydroquinone does its best work in defined stretches with breaks built in, and honestly the sunscreen you wear every morning matters as much as anything you apply at night. Early on we're watching for irritation, because inflamed skin can darken before it lightens, and we'd rather adjust the formula than have you push through redness. Whether your spots came from a breakout, a burn, or a hormonal shift, they didn't arrive overnight, and fading them is measured in months, not days.
Three steps, no insurance hoops
Take the quiz
Two minutes. Tell us your symptoms, history, and goals.
Clinician reviews
A U.S.-licensed clinician reviews and writes your plan within 24 hours.
Care ships free
Your medication arrives in days. Refills auto. Check-ins included.
see it in real life
What members say
4.5Absolutely love Zappy Health. Very professional, customer service is amazing. Fast shipping and everything is certified. Zappy Health has transformed my life. I am in the best shape with my health! Thank you Zappy Health for helping me achieve my goals on a wellness journey.
Zappy Health is extremely easy to enroll in. They were helpful every step of the way & I knew within the hour of submitting my application that I was a candidate. As soon as I made my decision to start my journey the communication from them has been impressive.
The initial process of ordering the medication was extremely easy. The app is very helpful and I cannot wait to receive my medication and start my journey. Thank you so much!!
Verified Trustpilot reviews, published as written. Individual results vary and are not typical.
Questions, answered.
How fast will my skin change?
Can I use this with retinol?
What about sun exposure?
Read before you start
From the Zappy clinical team, in plain language.
Care that shows up — and stays.
Ready when you are.
A licensed clinician reviews your visit within 24 hours.
Start my visit · From $47/mo