SuperFade Cream

Superfade is an over the counter preparation of hydroquinone that can be used as a DIY treatment for mild forms of pigmentation, including melasma & post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is made in Australia & can be sourced without a prescription. Superfade is best combined with chemical peels & lasers for optimal results. 

Benefits

Anti pigment cream

Work with

SPF

When to use

PM

Caution with

Skin irritation

Treatment science score melasma clinic

What is the summary?

  • Superfade is an anti-pigment cream & can be purchased without a prescription
  • It contains hydroquinone 2% & salicylic acid 2%
  • Superfade is best for mild forms of melasma & is a DIY entry level treatment 
  • It works by inhibition of tyrosinase enzyme, in turn reducing pigment production
  • Limiting its use for periods of 3-5 months reduces side effects 
  • Melasma creams are combined with lasers for best results

 

What is Superfade?

Superfade is a commercial hydroquinone based cream for melasma & post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 

This cream is made in Australia & can be purchased for around $35 from most major pharmacies. 

What can Superfade treat?

Melasma: including superficial pigment, especially after pregnancy. Superfade is an entry level pigment corrector that is a convenient DIY treatment for melasma.

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) occurs when the skin produces excess melanin following inflammation or injury, like a rash, pimple, or scrape. Popping pimples increases the risk. It varies in color and affects all skin types but is more severe in medium to dark complexions. PIH differs from acne scars, as it doesn’t affect hair follicles.

Solar Lentigines or age spots are UV-induced pigmented spots, ranging from light brown to black, with clear edges. Regular monitoring is important due to potential skin cancer risks.

Freckles can also be treated with Superfade, however pico lasers & novel chemical peels give far superior results compared to hydroquinone. 

How long does Superfade cream take to lighten melasma pigmentation?

This product does not work well as a stand-alone. Ideally Superfade should be combined with chemical peels, lasers & other medical manamange for melasma. If used appropriately, you should notice pigment lightening within 3-4 weeks of use.

You will notice very little change in melasma pigmentation if you use Superfade without adequate sun protection. 

What is better- Superfade or vitamin C?

Vitamin C is another alternative to Superfade & can be used in pregnancy. Both can be potentially irritating.  

Pigment corrector

Maximal use

Side effects

Pigment reduction capacity

Vitamin C Infinite Skin irritation Moderate
Superfade 4-6 months Skin irritation Moderate

Can I use Superfade in pregnancy?

Melasma is common in pregnancy, however Superfade cream & other skincare products that contain hydroquinone are not recommended during this time. Safer alternatives include ascorbic acid, arbutin, azelaic acid, niacinamide & glycolic acid. 

More on treating melasma in pregnancy. 

Can I use retinol & Superfade together?

Not the best idea, especially if you are just starting out or have little idea about your skin’s irritant threshold. If you would like to mix your retinol with skin care products, here are some suggestions- 

  • Arbutin
  • Azelaic acid
  • Niacinamide
  • Vitamin E

What are the side effects of Superfade?

Hydroquinone, though effective for treating melasma, can cause several side effects, especially with prolonged use. These include:

  • Skin Irritation: Redness, dryness, burning, and stinging sensations are common.
  • Allergic Reactions: Some users may experience itching, swelling, or hives.
  • Ochronosis: A rare but serious condition where the skin develops bluish-black discoloration, usually from long-term use.
  • Rebound Pigmentation: Hyperpigmentation may return or worsen after discontinuation.

*Side effects are rare with medical supervision, limit usage to 4-5 months. 

How do I incorporate Superfade in my daily routine?

AM: Gentle cleanser, then CE ferulic acid serum to face & neck, SPF

Midday: SPF

PM: Cleanser, Superfade 2% HQ

*For effective pigment solutions, lasers & chemical peels will give far superior results, as compared to over the counter skin care products.

How long can I use Superfade for?

Superfade use should be limited to 3-5 months, with up to twice daily use. Limiting the use of hydroquinone will reduce the chances of darkening & resistance. 

Hydroquinone should be used in a rotational manner, with 1-4 month breaks between use. During the HQ free period, other pigment correctors such as Cysteamine, kojic acid, ascorbic acid, azelaic acid & arbutin should be considered. 

Does Superfade work on all forms of skin pigmentation?

Superfade only works for superficial melasma & pigmentation. Dermal melasma is resistant to treatment. As emphasized, Superfade should be combined with other pigment inhibitors, antioxidants & lasers for best results.

When do we prescribe Superfade?

Almost never. Superfade is an entry level DIY treatment that can be considered by patients who don’t want an expert management plan for melasma.

At The Melasma Clinic we employ more effective topicals for melasma, in addition to procedures such as lasers, novel peels & medical management. Combination therapy produces far better * & safer results compared to monotherapy with Superfade alone. 

How does hydroquinone – Superfade work?

Hydroquinone works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which plays a key role in melanin production, the pigment responsible for skin color. By blocking this enzyme, hydroquinone reduces the formation of new melanin, leading to a lightening effect on dark spots or hyperpigmented areas like melasma. It also helps in breaking down existing melanin clusters within the skin. 

 

How does Superfade compare with Triluma?

Hydroquinone is the key ingredient for both formulations, however TriLuma contains double the concentration of HQ at 4%. TriLuma also has a retinoid & an anti-inflammatory. It is more effective compared to Superfade but has more side effects & is a prescription only topical medication. 

*All topical agents for melasma should be combined with medical therapy & lasers-peels for maximal efficacy.

Pigment corrector

Maximal use

Prescription

Ingredients

TriLuma 4-6 months Yes HQ 4%, retinoid + CS
Superfade 4-6 months No HQ2%

What does salicylic acid found in Superfade do for skin?

Salicylic acid at 2% concentration is found in Superfade. Salicylic acid beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that works by penetrating the skin and dissolving excess oils and dead skin cells, helping to unclog pores and reduce blackheads and whiteheads. Combined with hydroquinone, salicylic acid acts as an exfoliant, potentiating the penetration of the former in the skin. 

Salicylic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for reducing redness and swelling in acne-prone skin. It is often found in cleansers, toners, and spot treatments, particularly for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

What does Palmitate 0 do for skin?

Palmitate O is found in Superfade. It refers to a compound where palmitic acid, a fatty acid, is attached to another molecule via an ester bond. Palmitates, in general, act as emollients, enhancing moisture and improving skin texture. They are also used to deliver active ingredients effectively and help in the stability of cosmetic formulations.

 

A Summary | Davin’s viewpoint on Superfade for melasma & pigmentation

Dr Davin Lim | Dermatologist
The Melasma Clinic, Sydney

Hydroquinone is widely regarded as the gold standard for treating melasma due to its ability to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin production. It is available in 2% over-the-counter and 4% prescription-strength formulations (in some countries). Studies consistently show its efficacy in reducing hyperpigmentation, particularly in melasma, but it must be used cautiously due to risks of side effects like irritation, ochronosis & rebound pigmentation when used long-term.

One study by Halder et al. (2004) found that 4% hydroquinone reduced pigmentation significantly in 68% of melasma patients after 12 weeks. Another study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2020 demonstrated that hydroquinone, combined with retinoids or corticosteroids, further enhanced its effectiveness in treating melasma, achieving superior outcomes compared to hydroquinone alone .

Hydroquinone treatment should be limited to short-term use (3-5 months) to minimize the risk of side effects. Regular monitoring by a dermatologist is recommended for long-term melasma management.