hydroquinone

American  

[hahy-droh-kwi-nohn, -druh-kwin-ohn] / ˌhaɪ droʊ kwɪˈnoʊn, -drəˈkwɪn oʊn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline compound, C 6 H 6 O 2 , formed by the reduction of quinone: used chiefly in photography and to inhibit autoxidation reactions.

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hydroquinone British  

/ ˌhaɪdrəʊˈkwɪnɒl, ˌhaɪdrəʊkwɪˈnəʊn /

noun

1. Also called: quinol.  a white crystalline soluble phenol used as a photographic developer; 1,4-dihydroxybenzene. Formula: C 6 H 4 (OH) 2

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Etymology

Origin of hydroquinone

First recorded in 1860–65; hydro- ¹ + quinone

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hydroquinone

Other sellers admitted using regulated ingredients such as kojic acid, hydroquinone and a powerful antioxidant, glutathione, which may cause rashes and other side-effects.

From BBC ● Mar. 23, 2025

The creams may contain corticosteroids or hydroquinone, which can be harmful if used in high quantities, and in many countries are only obtainable with a doctor's prescription.

From BBC ● Mar. 23, 2025

Hartman says safe alternatives to hydroquinone are available without a prescription for people who want to even their skin tone, rather than lighten it.

From Washington Post ● Oct. 3, 2022

Clay said she gets a lot of requests for hydroquinone prescriptions from her patients because their relatives swore by it, and it used to be so readily available.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 20, 2021

When hydrolyzed by mineral acids or emulsin, it yields glucose and hydroquinone.

From The Chemistry of Plant Life by Thatcher, Roscoe Wilfred