Hydroquinone

**Semantic type:** Hazardous or Poisonous Substance|Pharmacologic Substance

**Definition:** Produced as an inhibitor, an antioxidant, and an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes, motor fuels, and oils; in photographic processing; and naturally in certain plant species, Hydroquinone is a phenol derivative with antioxidant properties that can cause toxicity in several organs, notably the kidney. Used as a topical treatment for skin hyperpigmentation and in various cosmetic products, it is metabolized mainly to glutathione conjugates and forms mutagenic DNA adducts in in-vitro systems. (NCI04)

**Synonyms:** - 1,4-Benzenediol - Benzoquinol - HYDROQUINONE