Benoquin (Monobenzone) 20% cream 30 g: profile, composition and research
Reference page for Benoquin (Monobenzone) 20% cream 30 g. Active substance: Монобензон / Monobenzone.
- What it is: monobenzone, a topical depigmenting agent used in extensive vitiligo.
- Presentation: 20% w/w cream, 30 g tube.
- Status: prescription-only medicine, used only as directed by a dermatologist.
- Research: studies on monobenzone depigmentation and its mechanism, links below.
- Where to buy: APV Pharmacy (price and availability there).
Key facts
| Active substance | Monobenzone |
|---|---|
| Form | Cream for external use |
| Strength | 20% w/w |
| Pack size | 30 g tube |
| Category | Prescription medicine |
| Article (SKU) | BENOQ-MONO-20-30 |
What monobenzone is
Monobenzone is a depigmenting agent for external use. In dermatology it is used when extensive vitiligo should be evened out by lightening the remaining pigmented skin. The substance acts on melanocytes in the treated area: pigment production in them is disrupted, and the skin gradually loses colour.
Depigmentation is irreversible. That is why the medicine is not a cosmetic skin lightener and is not intended for freckles, sun spots or melasma.
How it is used
The cream is applied to the areas identified by the physician, and only to them. Treatment is long, the result develops gradually and may continue after the cream is stopped, so the treated area and the frequency of application must not be increased independently.
Practical points
Hands are washed after application. The cream is not applied to the eyelids, mucous membranes or damaged skin. Treated areas are protected from the sun. Other products on the same areas are used only with the physician's agreement.
What research shows
The mechanism of monobenzone has been studied: the substance is metabolised by tyrosinase inside melanocytes and triggers an immune response against pigment cells, which produces lasting depigmentation. The same property makes monobenzone a subject of oncology research, where depigmentation is studied as a way to strengthen the immune response to melanoma.
Clinical work in vitiligo deals mainly with patient satisfaction after depigmentation and with laboratory markers during treatment. The publications are listed below.
Side effects and limitations
Burning, stinging, itching, redness, dryness and contact dermatitis are reported at the application site. Lightening may spread to normal skin next to the treated area, and in some people no lightening appears at all.
The medicine is not used in children. In pregnancy and breastfeeding the decision is made by a physician. Because depigmentation is irreversible, treatment is carried out only under dermatological supervision.
Published research
Primary sources, verified against PubMed:
- Factors correlating with patient satisfaction in monobenzone depigmentation for vitiligo: A retrospective cohort study, PubMed 42468669 (J Am Acad Dermatol, 2026).
- The Effect of Monobenzone Cream on Oxidative Stress and Its Relationship With Serum Levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in Vitiligo Patients, PubMed 39313936 (J Cosmet Dermatol, 2024).
- Monobenzone-induced depigmentation: from enzymatic blockade to autoimmunity, PubMed 21689385 (Pigment Cell Melanoma Res, 2011).
- Mechanism of action of 4-substituted phenols to induce vitiligo and antimelanoma immunity, PubMed 30767390 (Pigment Cell Melanoma Res, 2019).
Listed for reference. Publication of a study is not a claim about this particular product.
Precautions
- Prescription medicine, to be used only under dermatological supervision.
- Depigmentation is irreversible: the effect persists after the cream is stopped.
- Not for cosmetic lightening of healthy skin.
- Do not apply to the eyelids, mucous membranes or damaged skin.
- Not used in children; in pregnancy and breastfeeding only as prescribed by a physician.
- Store below 25 °C in the original tube, out of reach of children.
Frequently asked
Does monobenzone restore pigment?
No. Monobenzone removes pigment in the treated area and the effect is irreversible. Repigmentation is addressed with other approaches discussed with a dermatologist.
Can the cream be used to lighten skin without vitiligo?
No. It is intended for depigmentation in extensive vitiligo and is prescription-only. Lightening healthy skin this way is irreversible and unsafe.
How soon is the result visible?
Depigmentation develops gradually over months and may continue after the cream is stopped. The timeline is set by the treating physician.
How should the cream be stored?
Below 25 °C in the original tube, protected from light and moisture, out of reach of children.