Hydroquinone in the Management of Melasma: Therapeutic Potential in Combined Approaches
Hydroquinone in the Management of Melasma: Therapeutic Potential in Combined Approaches
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i2.2025.1592Keywords:
Hydroquinone; Melasma; Depigmenting agent; Combined therapy; Clinical efficacy.Abstract
This study aimed to investigate, through a systematic literature review, the efficacy of hydroquinone (HQ) as a primary depigmenting agent in the treatment of facial melasma, evaluating its clinical effectiveness, tolerability, recurrence rates, and therapeutic potential in combination therapies. Twenty studies published between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed, selected from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, in Portuguese and English. The methodology involved the selection of articles within a defined temporal and thematic scope, prioritizing randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and comparative studies addressing HQ alone or in combination with other depigmenting agents or adjuvant technologies. The results indicated that hydroquinone, particularly in concentrations of 2% to 4%, remains the gold standard for melasma treatment, showing a significant reduction in pigmentation scores (MASI/mMASI) within 60 to 90 days of use. Recent studies emphasize the combined use of HQ with tranexamic acid, tretinoin, lasers, and platelet-rich plasma, resulting in greater efficacy and faster clinical response. However, erythema, desquamation, and post-treatment recurrence remain common limitations, especially in higher skin phototypes. It is concluded that, although new molecules and technologies demonstrate comparable efficacy, hydroquinone continues to be the most effective treatment for melasma, particularly when used in combined and supervised regimens, reaffirming its importance in evidence-based dermatological practice.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Giovana da Silva Braz , Nayara Rodrigues Munhoz, Andressa Dalólio Valente, Nathalia Cristine Santos Messias Chiquito (Autor)
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