Alustra

Alustra is a prescription-strength topical skin-lightening cream formulated with 4% hydroquinone and a stabilized, high-concentration retinol. Developed by Medicis, it is indicated for the treatment of hyperpigmentation disorders such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and solar lentigines (age spots). The product's mechanism of action involves the inhibition of tyrosinase by hydroquinone, which prevents the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and subsequent melanin synthesis. The inclusion of retinol promotes epidermal desquamation and skin cell turnover, while an integrated antioxidant system (ascorbyl palmitate and tocopherol acetate) helps protect against free radical-mediated photodamage. Alustra is distinguished from other products in the Lustra line by its use of retinol rather than glycolic acid.

Brand names

Alustra

Other names

hydroquinone 4% and retinol cream