Effectiveness in Brightening: Vitamin C: Consistent and reliable. Best for gradually reducing hyperpigmentation, offering a bright, subtle glow. Hydroquinone: Aggressive but effective—unforgiving to dark spots but potentially harsh on surrounding skin. It's like choosing a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
Results: The best subjective improvement was observed on the hydroquinone side with 93% good and excellent results, compared with 62.5% on the ascorbic acid side (P < 0.05); however, colorimetric measures showed no statistical differences.
Niacinamide is a top skincare ingredient that effectively fades dark spots and melasma on skin. Compared to hydroquinone, niacinamide is a skincare ingredient with zero cancer risk. Plus, it brings more than just melasma-fading benefits to your skin.
Consistent use of vitamin C in your morning and evening skincare routines can help target hyperpigmentation effectively, and attain a brighter, more uniform skin tone.
What Goes First: Hydroquinone or Vitamin C. Vitamin C goes first, followed by hydroquinone if the former is in serum and the latter in a moisturizer. It's important to let your skin dry after using vitamin C serum and before hydroquinone cream.
It's not meant for long-term use, as it might actually make the skin darker, which is a strange effect. It's recommended to take breaks from using it to prevent overuse and a side effect called exogenous ochronosis.
Stick with well known brands with good formulations- you get what you pay for. My favourite formation (from a science point of view) is Skinceuticals CE Ferulic acid as it takes care of the morning routine as it combines 15% L-ascorbic acid (great percentage) 1% vitamin E & 0.5% ferulic acid.
The skin changes seen with Vitamin C do not occur quickly. Vitamin C serum can take 12- 16 weeks to work on dark spots and 6 - 12 months to work on wrinkles. But it is a very good skin care ingredient and is worth the wait in most skin types.
Hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a depigmentation agent that is present in many skin bleaching products. A person can buy a 2% solution over the counter or seek a prescription for a stronger 4% solution.
Hydroquinone. Topical HQ is regarded as the gold standard for the treatment of facial hyperpigmentation. HQ is a bleaching agent that acts by inhibiting tyrosinase to limit melanin production in the skin.
A major key to hydroquinone is short-term use. You can slather it on twice daily for at least six weeks (and no more than six months). After one to three months, you should start to see your hyperpigmentation fade away.
Conclusions. We conclude that azelaic acid may be better than hydroquinone in reducing melasma severity as measured by the MASI. However, no significant difference between both treatments regarding the side effects.
Prescription only. Contains (4%) hydroquinone and 20% vitamin C combine together for optimal melanin inhibition to correct the most severe and advanced forms of hyperpigmentation. SIZE: 81 ML / 2.7 FL.
Alternative lightening agents including mequinol, arbutin, kojic acid, and others have shown comparable efficacy to hydroquinone in treating hyperpigmentation with less concerning side effects.
Our winning pick is the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, a formula that I've personally used for at least three years now. Though I've tried dozens of vitamin C serums, I always come back to this one—even if it is on the pricier side—for its brightening effects.
Salicylic acid
It contains anti-inflammatory effects that help with post-acne pigmentation. It is an exfoliating agent that removes dark spots and acne-causing bacteria along with dead skin cells that can lead to pigmentation. However, you need to be patient while using salicylic acid to treat hyperpigmentation.
Vitamin C, although generally beneficial, can be an irritant, tipping sensitive skin over the edge. Hydroquinone on top might amplify the sensitivity, causing irritation or even contact dermatitis for some unlucky troopers.
In the absence of SPF, you may notice at times that your skin is easily tanned. Either tan or your skin may have turned into a funny orange or peach-ish color. It is because Vitamin C is extremely potent but it can easily react with the air, light and heat in the environment to only make your skin appear darker.
Skin Concerns: If your primary concern is brightening and reducing pigmentation, consider Ascorbyl Glucoside or MAP in concentrations around 5%. For anti-ageing and collagen-boosting benefits, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate at 3% to 5% might be the most effective.
Aloe vera is a fantastic melasma treatment at home, known for its soothing and healing properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel to affected areas can help reduce pigmentation and improve overall skin health. Leave the gel on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
We recommend pairing your vitamin C serum with a facial moisturiser and our CeraVe Eye Repair Cream during the day. If you have dry skin, you can also layer this serum with our CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum.
In conclusion, while both ingredients are effective for treating pigmentation, niacinamide is gentler and more versatile, while ascorbic acid is more potent but may require careful handling and layering.