Pigment & melasma · Topical
Antioxidant Lightening
Ascorbic Acid / Hydroquinone / Kojic Acid / Niacinamide Cream · 1/12/6/2%
A pigment cream combining vitamin C, a higher hydroquinone strength, kojic acid and niacinamide.
Starting at $44.50/mo. Billed every 2 months. Cancel anytime. Skip or delay refills. Your plan covers whichever formula a provider prescribes.
- Actives
- Ascorbic Acid, Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, Niacinamide
- Formulary strength
- 1/12/6/2%
- Form
- Cream
- Size
- 30g
- Routine
- Topical
- Status
- Prescription only
- Price
- $44.50/mo, billed $89 every 2 months. Cancel anytime. Skip or delay refills (care plan, not a per-formula quote)
What would you like to discuss?
Choosing a concern does not choose or guarantee this prescription.
Back to your care options
What is in it
The actives, explained.
Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin C, an antioxidant used in pigment formulas.
Hydroquinone
A depigmenting agent that reduces melanin production. Dermatologists commonly use it in courses with planned breaks (cycling).
Kojic Acid
An ingredient derived from fungi that inhibits tyrosinase, an enzyme in pigment production.
Niacinamide
A form of vitamin B3 used on the skin to support the skin barrier.
Ingredient education only. It does not say this formula is right for you or what it will do.
How it is used
Dr. Malouf’s protocol.
The usual starting directions from Dr. Malouf. Your provider sets your final directions, and the pharmacy label is what you follow.
- Formula code
- FP19
- Directions
- Spot-apply to dark spots only, once nightly.
- Breaks and limits
- 12% hydroquinone: maximum 8-12 weeks, then switch to maintenance.
Hydroquinone: 3-4 months on, then 1-2 months off on a hydroquinone-free cream (Kojic/Niacinamide/TXA or FP57). - Every day
- SPF 30+ every morning. Moisturizer as needed.
- Amount
- Pea-size covers the whole face; for spot formulas, use a thin layer on the spots only.
Cautions to discuss with your provider
- Stop and message the care team if: pregnant, trying or breastfeeding; blistering, swelling, crusting or burning that lasts; rash; skin darkening or a blue-gray color (hydroquinone).
- Can sting on sensitive skin.
- Used in cycles under clinician supervision. Prolonged use can rarely cause a blue-grey darkening (ochronosis). Can irritate. Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning or breastfeeding.
- Can irritate or sensitise some skin.
- Generally well tolerated; occasionally causes flushing or irritation.
- Prescription only. A licensed provider decides whether it is appropriate; approval is not guaranteed.
General safety information, not a complete list. Your intake asks about medicines, allergies, pregnancy and health history.
Questions
About this formula.
Is this prescribed to me if I choose it?
No. You cannot choose a prescription from this page. A licensed provider reviews your medical intake and decides whether this formula, a different one or none is appropriate.
How would I use it?
Spot-apply to dark spots only, once nightly. SPF 30+ every morning. Moisturizer as needed.
The usual starting directions from Dr. Malouf. Your provider sets your final directions, and the pharmacy label is what you follow.
What should I know about compounding?
CutisRx prescriptions may be custom compounded by a licensed pharmacy. Compounded medications have not been approved by the FDA, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness or quality before they are dispensed. Ingredient information on this site is education only. Your prescriber decides whether a compounded medication is appropriate for you.
What will it look like when it arrives?
A standard pharmacy bottle, jar or pump with a pharmacy label showing your name, the formula, its strength and your provider’s directions. The photograph on this page is a lifestyle image, not the actual packaging.
What about pregnancy or breastfeeding?
This formula contains at least one ingredient that is not used, or needs particular care, in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
What does it cost?
Your plan price covers whichever formula a provider prescribes: $44.50/mo, billed $89 every 2 months. Cancel anytime. Skip or delay refills. The amount due today, including the one-time $20 review fee per new treatment, is shown at checkout. Your card is authorized at checkout and charged only if the provider approves.
Start with the concern, not the formula.
Choose your concern
$44.50/mo, billed $89 every 2 months. Cancel anytime. Skip or delay refills. A licensed provider in our network decides whether treatment is appropriate.