Percutaneous absorption of hydroquinone in humans: effect of 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one (azone) and the 2-ethylhexyl ester of 4-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid (Escalol 507).

Hydroquinone was found to penetrate readily human forehead skin in vivo following a single topical exposure, in an alcoholic vehicle, of 24 h duration. Percutaneous absorption was estimated using radiotracer methodology and 14C-labeled hydroquinone. The effects of a penetration enhancer, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one, and a sunscreen, the 2-ethylhexyl ester of 4-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid, on the percutaneous absorption of hydroquinone were investigated. In vivo penetration of hydroquinone was significantly decreased (a less than 0.05) by the addition of the 2-ethylhexyl ester of 4-(dimethylamino)benzoic acid (3% w/w) to the vehicle. The penetration enhancer, 1-dodecylazacycloheptan-2-one (0.5% w/w), did not significantly increase (a greater than 0.05) the absorption of hydroquinone. From all hydroquinone preparations, percutaneous absorption was rapid and peak elimination occurred within the first 12 h following application. Elimination was complete within 5 d.