hydroquinone

/ˌhaɪdroʊˈkwɪnoʊn/
noun
  1. A chemical compound used in photography to develop film and in skin-lightening creams.
    • The photographer mixed hydroquinone with other chemicals to develop the black-and-white film.
    • Some skin creams contain hydroquinone to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
    • Hydroquinone is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter bleaching products.