Esoterica

(hydroquinone)

Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
ADVERTISEMENT

Brightens patches of darkened skin, freckles, age spots.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

Our bottom line

Esoterica (hydroquinone) is an option for lightening hyperpigmented skin, but those areas can darken again when exposed to sunlight or UV light.

Lowest price near you
  • Lowest price with coupon
    $34.65
Find instant savings
Quick facts about hydroquinone
  • Drug class: dermatologic
  • Rx status: Prescription or OTC
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (hydroquinone)

Upsides

  • Esoterica (hydroquinone) can work to lighten dark spots in some people, if they properly avoid sunlight throughout treatment.
  • Is cheaper than alternative skin lightening options.
  • Comes in different dosage strengths depending on your needs.
Get the newsletter!

Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine

Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from hydroquinone, on one page

Download Fact Sheet
Tried hydroquinone? Write a review!

Downsides

  • Esoterica (hydroquinone) does not contain sunscreen. Must apply sunscreen on affected areas and use protective clothing.
  • The affected skin can darken again when exposed to sunlight or UV light.
  • Can cause discoloration of skin in some people.
Get the newsletter!

Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine

Get our free fact sheet

What to expect from hydroquinone, on one page

Download Fact Sheet
How it works

Esoterica (hydroquinone) is a depigmenting agent. It temporarily prevents the skin pigments from turning darker.

Quick facts about hydroquinone
  • Drug class: dermatologic
  • Rx status: Prescription or OTC
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (hydroquinone)

Used for

  • Skin bleacher

Dosage forms

  • Cream
  • Liquid
  • Gel
  • Lotion
Tried hydroquinone? Write a review!

Prices and coupons

Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.
Prices and coupons for 1 (30g-of-4%25) tube-of-cream of hydroquinone near
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
See more prices and coupons in your area

What to expect when you take Esoterica (hydroquinone) for Dark spots

Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Skin irritation
  • Allergic reaction to sulfites
  • Blue-black darkening of skin
  • Skin dryness
  • Skin redness
Skip side effects section. Skip to risks and warnings section.

Side effect rates for Esoterica (hydroquinone)

Risks and Warnings for Esoterica (hydroquinone)

Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.
    • Higher risk if:
    • › Black, caucasian, or Hispanic

    In some cases, Esoterica (hydroquinone) can cause skin to gradually turn blue-black in color on the areas where Esoterica (hydroquinone) was used. Rarely, it can result in fairly bad and permanent scarring on the face. If you notice these symptoms, stop use and contact your doctor right away.