I have some 100% hydroquinone in a cream form. I was wanting to make a solution of 6-8% hydroquinone, I also wanted to include kojic acid at 4%, citric acid to keep it fresh probably .05-.005%, and a sunscreen I have. How would I do this? I was told to: use water as a catalyst, (1/2 teaspoon for approx 12oz of added facial cream) and heat in the microwave just at or below boiling, let cool to luke warm 98 degrees then add to your product(ex.sunscreen). <-is this correct? I wanted to find a compounding pharmacist to have this done correctly but I can't find one w/o my dermatologist involved. I live very close to chicago... can anyone give me some advice or better yet where I can go to have this made?? Please I don't need any lectures on why I shouldn't want my skin lighter or any social stigmas I just want to know how to make a compounded hydroquinone solution. I was also wondering the effects of hydrocortisone, glycollic acid, and possibly retinoic acid, & trimcinolone would have on this solution. What would be the best mixture? But I forsure want kojic acid, citric acid, and sunscreen in there. Thanks:D

Hi Ardenl73, I would like to learn how to compound hq as well. I do not know the exact format on formulating this but from reading some, it's good that yours is already in crème form. So my guess would be that you would measure the amount and convert the amount into percentage of 6-8% heat lightly and stir it until melted and then add it to your base. And in another pot melt and stir any other active ingredients to 160-180F until melted and add this also to your base and stir. Then add small amounts of water to the base until it is a good consistency for you, pour into a bottle and let cool and it should thicken once cooled. Personally, I would go to the chemists sites and ask them about how to formulate this. If you make it seem as though you are a potential customer they should give you more advice. Your entire amount would usually be 100% or 50%, 6-8% hq, and other actives at your chosen percent. You either can add it to an already made crème, lotion, gel, or serum or you can do it more from scratch which you will need an emulsifier, emollient, water (the largest %), preservative (usually 1%), and your actives. Preservatives usually are added at 1% of the amount to keep fresh longer and you can also refrigerate.

This is all I can think of as I do not know what % is required for the active ingredients and for the others. If you figure it out please post so I can try too.

Hi arden well I am not particularly good at the calculations but this is how I usually make my creams..

If I have a 100 per cent strength.. for instance, if I take a jar which has 10 ml filled with the cream, I will add 10 ml more of another cream base or oil to dilute it to a fifty percent. Another ten ml would make it twenty five... another five ml should make it around 12.5 per cent..

Well this is how I calculate. I maybe wrong...