HealthAugust 4, 2026

hydroquinone

HY-droh-kwin-ohn

Definition

A chemical compound often used in skin-lightening creams and cosmetics that can be hazardous if misused or present in excessive amounts.

Etymology

The word is a chemical compound formed by combining 'hydro-' (referring to hydrogen) and 'quinone' (an organic compound derived from oxidised benzene), reflecting its chemical structure.

In the news

The article highlights hydroquinone as an example of a hazardous ingredient found in cosmetics that remains widely available in Nigeria despite established health risks.

Weak consumer protection worsens public health crisis in Nigeria

Read the full article ↗

Business News Nigeria

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.