Monobenzone

Monobenzone is a substituted phenol compound. It is the monobenzylether of hydroquinone. Monobenzone is a brownish white odourless solid insoluble in water.

Medically, the hydroquinone derivative monobenzone is used as bleaching agent for cosmetically disturbing residual pigmentations in cases of pronounced vitiligo.

For this indication there are non-approved creams and ointments with a 20% monobenzone concentration.

Monobenzone is only rarely used as antioxidant in gum products.

1. Rordam OM et al.(2012) Successful treatment of extensive vitiligo with monobenzone. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 5:36-39.
2. van den Boorn JG et al (2011) Skin-depigmenting agent monobenzone induces potent T-cell autoimmunity towards pigmented cells by tyrosinase haptenation and melanosome autophagy. J Invest Dermatol 131:1240-1251.