hydroquinone

noun

hy·​dro·​qui·​none ˌhī-drō-kwi-ˈnōn How to pronounce hydroquinone (audio) -ˈkwi-ˌnōn How to pronounce hydroquinone (audio)
: 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

Examples of hydroquinone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Studies show that azelaic acid can work as well as hydroquinone for fading melasma, a type of facial hyperpigmentation. — Susan Bard, Health, 3 May 2025 Consumers have been discussing everything from promoting hydroquinone in facials to bleaching creams turning the skin yellow. — India Espy-Jones, Essence, 23 Apr. 2025 How to treat melasma The best way to manage melasma is to use a skin-care routine that is right for your skin type, which includes skin-lightening ingredients like hydroquinone, tranexamic acid or niacinamide. — Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026 Once nursing has ended, stronger options such as hydroquinone, tretinoin, or chemical peels can be considered under a dermatologist's supervision. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for hydroquinone

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Hydrochinon, from hydro- hydro- + Chinon quinone

First Known Use

circa 1872, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hydroquinone was circa 1872

Rhymes for hydroquinone

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Browse Nearby Words

hydropress
hydroquinone
hydrorhiza
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Cite this Entry

“Hydroquinone.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hydroquinone. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hydroquinone

noun
hy·​dro·​qui·​none -kwin-ˈōn How to pronounce hydroquinone (audio) -ˈkwin-ˌōn How to pronounce hydroquinone (audio)
: a bleaching agent C6H6O2 used topically to remove pigmentation from hyperpigmented areas of skin (as a lentigo or freckle)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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