Important Safety Information

The Brightening Solution^Rx

Please read this information carefully before using your prescription. Keep it for reference, and message your DermClick care team if you have any questions.

What it is

The Brightening Solution^Rx is a compounded prescription topical medication, formulated by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual use, prescribed by a board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team, working from protocols built by DermClick's founding board-certified dermatologists.

Active ingredients

Hydroquinone - a prescription melanin-inhibiting activeKojic acid - a melanin-inhibiting active for brightening uneven toneTretinoin - a prescription retinoid that accelerates cell turnoverNiacinamide - a barrier-supporting vitamin B3 derivative

Inactive ingredients

Centella asiatica - a botanical ingredientCeramides - skin-identical lipids

Concentrations

The Brightening Solution^Rx is prescribed in three formulations that differ in the balance between hydroquinone and tretinoin. Maximum has the most hydroquinone and Standard a little less, both with the same tretinoin. Balanced pairs the least hydroquinone with double the tretinoin. A board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team selects the formulation that fits your pigmentation, skin tolerance and skin tone, based on your assessment.

Maximum: Hydroquinone 8% / Kojic Acid 6% / Tretinoin 0.025% / Niacinamide 2%
Standard: Hydroquinone 6% / Kojic Acid 6% / Tretinoin 0.025% / Niacinamide 2%
Balanced: Hydroquinone 4% / Kojic Acid 6% / Tretinoin 0.05% / Niacinamide 2%

Your prescription label states which formulation you have been prescribed.

What it treats

The Brightening Solution^Rx is prescribed for the treatment of:

Moderate to severe melasma
Stubborn or treatment-resistant pigmentation
Deep pigmentation that hasn't responded to gentler brightening protocols
Persistent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Larger areas of uneven tone associated with photoaging

A board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team has determined this formulation is appropriate for your skin based on the assessment you completed.

Who should not use it

Do not use The Brightening Solution^Rx if any of the following apply to you. If your situation changes after your assessment, contact your DermClick care team before continuing use.

You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing - hydroquinone and tretinoin are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
You have a known allergy or sensitivity to hydroquinone, tretinoin, kojic acid, niacinamide, or any other listed ingredient
You have a history of ochronosis (paradoxical darkening from previous hydroquinone use)
You have used oral isotretinoin (Accutane) within the past 6 months
You have an active skin infection, severe eczema, or open wounds in the application area
You have severe sunburn or any skin damage in the application area
You are under 12 years of age
You are unable or unwilling to use daily broad-spectrum SPF - without it, hydroquinone treatment is unsafe

Warnings and precautions

Pregnancy and nursing

Do not use during pregnancy, while planning a pregnancy, or while nursing. Hydroquinone and tretinoin are both not recommended during these periods. Melasma is extremely common during pregnancy but requires a pregnancy-safe approach - daily SPF and trigger avoidance, with treatment starting after delivery and breastfeeding ends. If your pregnancy status changes, contact your DermClick care team immediately.

Cycling protocol required

The Brightening Solution^Rx is designed for cycling use to support long-term safety. Treatment is generally used for about 3 months at a time, followed by a planned break from hydroquinone. Your dermatologist will determine when to pause and when another treatment cycle is appropriate. Continuous long-term use of hydroquinone without breaks increases the risk of side effects, including ochronosis in rare cases.

Sun sensitivity is critical

Hydroquinone-treated skin is significantly more sensitive to UV exposure, and UV is also the primary driver of melasma. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is non-negotiable for the safety of treatment. Without consistent SPF, hydroquinone use can paradoxically worsen pigmentation. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning beds, and sun lamps.

Ochronosis risk

In rare cases, prolonged use of hydroquinone can cause ochronosis - a paradoxical bluish-black or gray darkening of the skin that can be difficult to reverse. Risk increases with continuous use without cycling breaks, high concentrations, and inadequate SPF. If you notice any unexpected darkening during treatment, stop application and contact your DermClick care team immediately.

Skin barrier sensitivity

Tretinoin can cause initial dryness, peeling, and sensitivity for most people during the first 2 to 4 weeks. Combined with hydroquinone, this can be more pronounced. Your DermClick care team will design your ramp-up to minimize barrier disruption.

Realistic expectations

Melasma treatment is measured in months, not weeks. Meaningful change typically develops over 8 to 12 weeks. If you don't see results by 4 to 6 months, a board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team will reassess.

Eye, lip, and nostril contact

Avoid contact with eyes, lips, the corners of the nose, and any mucous membranes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with cool water.

Waxing and laser treatments

Do not wax, undergo laser treatments, or use chemical peels on areas where you apply this medication. Pause use for at least one week before and after any such procedure, and consult your DermClick care team.

Paradoxical darkening warning

If you notice your pigmentation getting darker rather than lighter during treatment - especially if it appears bluish, gray, or has a different color quality than the original melasma - stop application immediately and contact your DermClick care team. This may be a sign of ochronosis.

Drug interactions

Tell your DermClick care team about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you use, especially:

Other topical retinoids (additional tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, retinol)
Other hydroquinone products (over-the-counter or prescription)
Resorcinol-containing products
Other alpha-hydroxy or beta-hydroxy acids at high concentrations
Benzoyl peroxide products - can deactivate tretinoin and discolor when combined with hydroquinone
Hydrogen peroxide products in the application area
Topical or oral corticosteroids in the application area

Possible side effects

Common side effects

These may happen especially in the first 2 to 4 weeks of treatment.

Dryness, peeling, or flaking at the application site
Mild redness or warmth
Tingling or stinging on application
Increased sensitivity to sun and environmental triggers
Temporary skin sensitivity to skincare products that didn't bother you before

Less common side effects

Persistent dryness, peeling, or sensitivity beyond the adjustment period
Contact dermatitis or allergic reaction at the application site
Temporary worsening of pigmentation (paradoxical darkening) - usually associated with insufficient SPF
Acne breakouts or purging during the first 4 to 6 weeks
Mild localized burning or itching
Halo effect - lightening that extends slightly beyond the treated area

These are typical of tretinoin and hydroquinone-based prescription treatment and usually settle within the first 2 to 4 weeks as your skin adjusts. Your DermClick care team can adjust your application frequency if these symptoms become uncomfortable.

Rare but serious

Contact your DermClick care team or seek emergency care if you experience:

Ochronosis - paradoxical bluish-black or gray darkening of the skin that can be difficult to reverse
Severe rash, hives, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Difficulty breathing
Signs of severe allergic reaction
Severe blistering or skin sloughing at the application site
Permanent skin discoloration

How to use it

Application

Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin in the evening, after washing your face and patting it dry. Wait at least 20 minutes after washing before application. Apply only to areas of pigmentation - full-face application is not typically recommended for hydroquinone-based formulas.

Frequency

Start with every other night for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Increase to nightly use as your skin tolerates it, per the direction of a board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team. Your DermClick care team will adjust your ramp-up plan based on how your skin responds.

Amount

Use only enough to lightly cover the treatment area. Spread it evenly over each area of pigmentation rather than dotting individual spots; going slightly past the edges is fine. If your pigmentation covers most of your face, about a pea-sized amount in total is enough. More is not better. Using more can cause peeling and increase the risk of side effects without improving results.

Cycling protocol

Treatment is generally used for about 3 months at a time, followed by a planned break from hydroquinone. Your dermatologist will determine when to pause and when another treatment cycle is appropriate. During breaks, you may transition to The Dark Spot Solutionᴿˣ for maintenance. Do not exceed your prescribed cycle without the direction of a board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep the cap closed when not in use. Hydroquinone formulations can oxidize and discolor when exposed to light or air for extended periods - do not use if the product has turned dark brown or black. Do not freeze.

Shelf life

Use within the period indicated on your prescription label. Do not use after the expiration date.

Morning

Gentle, fragrance-free cleanser, moisturizer, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (essential, every morning, every day).

Evening

Gentle cleanser, then The Brightening Solution^Rx on dry skin (affected areas only), then a barrier-supporting, fragrance-free moisturizer.

If you have a reaction

For mild irritation

Reduce application frequency to every other night or every third night, apply a fragrance-free, barrier-supporting moisturizer 10 to 15 minutes after the medication, and message your DermClick care team. We can adjust your formula or your ramp-up plan.

For moderate to severe reactions

Stop using the medication. Message your DermClick care team. Send photos if you can - a board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team will review and respond.

For medical emergencies

For severe rash, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, signs of severe allergic reaction, or any signs of paradoxical darkening (bluish-black or gray skin), call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Contact your DermClick care team

Phone: 1-833-496-4045
Email: support@dermclick.com

Message your care team

About compounded medications

Compounded medications are prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy for individual use, based on a prescription written by a board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team. They are not individually evaluated or approved by the FDA.

The active ingredients in The Brightening Solution^Rx - hydroquinone, tretinoin, kojic acid, and niacinamide - are well-established ingredients used in clinical dermatology for moderate to severe pigmentation. The combination has been used in dermatology for pigmentation for decades. Compounding allows a board-certified dermatologist on our clinical team to combine these actives into a single nightly formulation set for your skin, rather than asking you to layer multiple separate products. The cycling protocol, SPF discipline, and ongoing dermatology check-ins are how this treatment is managed over time.

Your prescription is compounded by a 503A licensed compounding pharmacy and shipped directly to you.

The Brightening SolutionRx