How does hydroquinone work?

Hydroquinone and mercury are ingredients added to skin-lightening products to limit the skin's production of melanin.

Hydroquinone (HQ) is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of disorders of hyperpigmentation including melasma. It competitively inhibits melanin synthesis through the inhibition of sulfhydryl groups and by acting as a substrate f

Hydroquinone exists in stems, leaves and juices of many plants in nature, is a chemical substance with a wide range of uses with major uses as a reducing agent in black and white photographic developing solutions.