For brown or gray-brown patches on the cheeks, forehead and upper lip.
Our strongest formula for melasma. Hydroquinone 8% and kojic acid slow pigment production, tretinoin speeds up skin turnover, and hydrocortisone helps keep irritation down. Prescribed online by a U.S.-licensed doctor.
Melasma is a common pigment condition that causes brown or gray-brown patches, usually on the cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose and upper lip. It’s triggered by sun, heat and hormones, which is why it often appears during pregnancy (the “mask of pregnancy”) or after starting birth control.
Melasma is also known for coming back. Even after patches fade, a little sun or heat can switch pigment production back on.
So if you’ve already tried…
…and the patches keep returning, it’s not your fault. Melasma usually needs a prescription formula to fade it, plus daily sun protection and a maintenance plan to keep it away.
Hydroquinone 8% and kojic acid 6% block the enzyme your skin uses to make pigment.
Tretinoin 0.05% speeds up skin turnover, helping darker cells shed faster.
Hydrocortisone 1% helps keep redness and irritation down, since irritation can make melasma worse.
It’s the classic “triple combination” approach dermatologists have relied on for decades (a lightening agent, a retinoid and a mild steroid in one cream), with kojic acid added for extra pigment-blocking power.
Slow the pigment. Calm the skin. Fade the patches.
Results build gradually. Here’s what a typical treatment timeline looks like when you use your cream as directed.
Your skin adjusts. Some dryness or light peeling is common with tretinoin.*
Many patients notice patches starting to look lighter.*
Tone looks more even for many patients.*
Once patches fade, you’ll move to a gentler maintenance cream to help prevent future flare-ups.*
*Individual results vary. Your physician will set realistic expectations during your visit.
Your whole visit happens online. No waiting rooms, no awkward exams.
Answer a few questions about your skin and health history. It takes a few minutes, from anywhere.
A licensed physician reviews your information and, if appropriate, prescribes your treatment. It ships from a U.S. pharmacy.
Apply a thin layer to the affected skin, exactly as your doctor directs. Your doctor can adjust your plan as you go.
Blocks the enzyme your skin uses to make melanin, so patches fade.
Helps pigmented cells shed faster so fresh, even skin comes through.
Helps keep redness and irritation down while the other ingredients work.
Works alongside hydroquinone to slow pigment production.
You’re never charged for medication unless a doctor approves your prescription.
| Feature | Vuret | OTC BrightenersOTC | In-Office PeelsOffice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription-strength hydroquinone + tretinoin | |||
| Use at home, on your schedule | |||
| Prescribed online, shipped to your door | — | ||
| No insurance needed | — |
“I’d been fighting melasma on my cheeks since my second pregnancy. The online visit took a few minutes, and my doctor explained exactly how to use the cream and why daily sunscreen matters. My patches are noticeably lighter.”
“The earliest dermatology appointment near me was months away. With Vuret I had a prescription on its way without leaving the house.”
“A little dryness the first couple of weeks, but my provider told me how to adjust. Now I reach for concealer a lot less often.”
Individual results vary.
Answer a few questions online. A U.S.-licensed doctor reviews every visit and, if treatment is right for you, writes your prescription.
Hydroquinone 8% + Tretinoin 0.05% + Hydrocortisone 1% + Kojic Acid 6%
The prescription-strength formula for fading melasma patches.
You won’t be charged for medication unless a U.S.-licensed doctor approves your prescription.
Melasma is triggered by sun, heat and hormones, so pigment can switch back on even after patches fade. That’s why daily sunscreen and a maintenance plan matter.
Yes. Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is essential for melasma, even on cloudy days. Many dermatologists recommend a tinted mineral sunscreen, because the iron oxides in tinted formulas also help block visible light, which can darken melasma. Tretinoin can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
Hydroquinone is usually used in cycles. Once your patches fade, your doctor will transition you to our gentler, hydroquinone-free maintenance cream to help keep melasma from returning.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding. Hydroquinone and tretinoin are generally not recommended during pregnancy.
Melasma is a long-term condition, so there’s no one-time cure. But patches can be faded and kept under control with the right prescription, daily sun protection and a maintenance plan.
No. Your visit happens online. A U.S.-licensed physician reviews your answers and, if treatment is right for you, writes your prescription. You can message your provider during treatment.
No. Vuret is direct-pay, so you skip insurance paperwork, prior authorizations and high co-pays.
Your payment information is collected securely at checkout, but you won’t be charged for the medication until a licensed physician reviews your information and approves your prescription. If you aren’t approved, you won’t be charged.
Every Vuret formula is compounded in a licensed U.S. 503A pharmacy and shipped to your door in plain packaging.
That’s okay. Just be sure to disclose all medications, supplements and treatments during your visit so your physician can check for interactions.