Glyquin XM Review

Overview

Unlike many products that we review here, Glyquin XM is a prescription level skin lightener. The generic name for this drug is hydroquinone topical. It is typically prescribed by skin care specialists to patients who are suffering from severe age spots, melasma, freckling etc. Sometimes this change in pigmentation can be brought about by exposure to UV rays, which is why preventive sunscreens are also recommended, especially for younger people. Skin care professionals generally prescribe Glyquin XM exclusively for cases of hyperpigmentation, although the product has shown some anti-wrinkle benefits as well. Little testing has been done on Glyquin XM’s anti-aging properties, and that is not the use for which it is recommended or for which it was developed.

The primary ingredient in Glyquin XM, hydroquinone, is also available under several similar drug brand names. These include: Alphaquin HP, Alustra, Eldopaque, Eldopaque Forte, Eldoquin, Eldoquin Forte, Esoterica, Esoterica Sensitive Skin, Lustra, Melanex, Melanol, Melpaque HP, Melquin HP, Melquin-3, Nuquin HP, Solaquin, Solaquin Forte, Viquin Forte. The primary intention of all of these prescription drugs is to reduce hyperpigmentation.

Product Details

Glyquin XM’s main active ingredient, hydroquinone, acts to reduce melanin by disrupting the body’s production of tyrosinase, which is the enzyme responsible for triggering melanin production. This ingredient is known to make skin especially susceptible to sun damage, which is why Glyquin XM also contains an SPF 15 sunscreen to balance out the main ingredient’s primary side effects.

The ingredient list for one gram of Glyquin XM is: 40mg Hydroquinone USP, 80 mg Octocrylene USP, 40 mg Oxybenzone USP and 30 mg Avobensone USP in a vanishing cram base of purified water USP, glycolic acid, poloxamer 407 NF, propylene glycol USP, glycerol monosterate, triethanolamine NF, plyoxyl 4 lauryl ether, lemon extract, propyl gallate NF, ascorbyl palmitate NF, vitamin E USP, methylparaben NF, edetate disodium USP, benzalkonium chloride and Hyaluronic acid.

The Good

• Prescription strength active ingredient does appear to be very well researched.
• Product contains SPF 15 sunscreen.
• Product contains Hyaluronic acid.

The bad

• Product is only available with a prescription.
• Product was formulated to treat a very specific skin condition.
• Side effects include hypersensitivity to sunlight.
• Since it’s a prescription treatment, product comes with no money back guarantee or free trial sample.
• Product’s effectiveness as an anti-wrinkle treatment is purely anecdotal.

The Bottom Line

It looks to us like Glyquin XM is a very specific product developed to meet a very specific need. If freckles or age spots are making you feel self-conscious, you could definitely do worse than discuss a prescription for Glyquin XM with a skin care professional. However, the same factors that make this a potent weapon for fighting unwanted melanin also make it a poor choice as an anti-wrinkle remedy. With so many products out there that are specifically formulated to treat wrinkles, why choose one that’s designed to do something else? Evidence of Glyquin XM’s effectiveness as an anti-wrinkle treatment is difficult to find and seems to be based mostly on rumor. Add to that the fact that the product is more difficult to obtain than non-prescription wrinkle treatments, and we find that it only makes sense to use this product for it’s intended purpose.