The mainstay of treatment for melasma remains topical depigmenting agents. Hydroxyquinone (HQ) is a classic and still commonly used first-line agent, both alone and when combined with other agents, although there are concerns regarding adverse effects with long-term use[16] It is a hydroxyphenolic chemical that inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that converts L-tyrosine to L-DOPA and the rate-limiting step in the pathway of melanin synthesis. Additionally, cytotoxic metabolites may cause interference with melanocyte function and viability. HQ can be applied in cream form or as an alcohol-based solution.