Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum Versus MelloDerm-HQ Hydroquinone 4% Cream
Updated on May 28, 2025
Overview
What they are
These products are both fungal acne (malassezia) safe and reef safe . They have a total of 1 ingredients in common
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dark spots
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, oils, parabens, silicones or sulfates
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum 18 ingredients
MelloDerm-HQ Hydroquinone 4% Cream 1 ingredient
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum 18 ingredients
MelloDerm-HQ Hydroquinone 4% Cream 1 ingredient
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Arbutin
Antioxidant
Niacinamide
Smoothing
1,2-Hexanediol
Skin Conditioning
Hydroquinone
Stabilising
Citric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Citrate
BufferingSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Salicylic Acid
Masking
Kojic Acid
Antioxidant
Lactic Acid
Buffering
Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract
AntimicrobialEucalyptus Globulus Leaf
Skin ConditioningThymus Vulgaris Extract
Perfuming
Aspalathus Linearis Extract
Skin ConditioningDisodium EDTA
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Propanediol, Arbutin, Niacinamide, 1,2-Hexanediol, Hydroquinone, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicylic Acid, Kojic Acid, Lactic Acid, Hamamelis Virginiana Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf, Thymus Vulgaris Extract, Aspalathus Linearis Extract, Disodium EDTA
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Hydroquinone is used to treat hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and age spots.
It works by decreasing the melanocytes in your skin. Melanocytes are cells that create melanin (the color pigment in skin).
Be sure to use this ingredient as prescribed by your doctor. Wearing sunscreen is also a must (you should be wearing sunscreen anyway!).
Most hydroquinone prescriptions are not to be used for longer than 3 months. Long term usage can cause ochronosis, or a condition in which the skin darkens more than before.
This ingredient is banned in the EU for being skin sensitizer. In the US, this ingredient is not allowed for over-the-counter sale.
However, it is still possible to get hydroquinone in the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan from a doctor's prescription.
There is no known research backing this ingredient to be carcinogenic in humans.
Check out the European alternative to hydroquinone here.
Gentle reminder that all skin tones are beautiful!
Learn more about HydroquinoneIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum 18 ingredients
MelloDerm-HQ Hydroquinone 4% Cream 1 ingredient
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
