A hydroquinone formulation with increased stability and decreased potential for irritation.
Author(s): Smiles KA, Dong KK, Canning MT, Grimson R, Walfield AM, Yarosh DB
Affiliation(s): AGI Dermatics, Freeport, NY, USA. ksmiles@agiderm.com
Publication date & source: 2007-06, J Cosmet Dermatol., 6(2):83-8.
Publication type: Comparative Study; Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND: Long-term treatment with a high-strength hydroquinone (HQ) cream (usually 4% HQ) is the mainstay therapy for hyperpigmentation disorders. Instability and high potential for irritancy hinders patient compliance. A new 4% HQ preparation has been designed with an innovative antioxidant for stability and a biomimetic of an herbal extract for skin calming. AIMS: To investigate the activity, stability, and irritancy of a new HQ cream. METHODS: To evaluate the new HQ cream in comparison with commercial 4% HQ creams for stability by temperature stress test, for irritancy by repeated-insult patch test on human subjects, and for lightening effect using the MelanoDerm B skin equivalent model. RESULTS: The new HQ is more resistant to browning and shows less irritancy than three commercially available 4% HQ products. It has comparable bleaching effect with faster onset than a 4% HQ product containing 0.05% tretinoin and 0.01% fluocinolone acetonide. CONCLUSION: Based on its improved stability, lower irritancy, and activity in skin lightening, the new approach to the formulation of 4% HQ may improve therapeutic outcomes by improving patient compliance to dosing.
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