Overview
Uses and benefits
Side effects
How to use
How drug works
Safety advice
Missed dose
All substitutes
Quick tips
Fact box
Patient concerns
FAQs

Author Details

Written By

Dr. Sakshi Jain

MS, BDS

Reviewed By

Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated

21 Sep 2025 | 05:35 PM (IST)

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Melacare HC Cream

Prescription Required

Marketer

Ajanta Pharma Ltd

SALT COMPOSITION

Hydroquinone (4% w/w) + Tretinoin (0.025% w/w) + Hydrocortisone (1% w/w)

Storage

Store below 30°C

Product introduction

Melacare HC Cream is a prescription medicine used to treat melasma. It helps in quick skin renewal. This provides relief from redness, swelling, and itching associated with the condition.

Melacare HC Cream is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Wash your hands before using this medicine. It is advised to check the label for directions before use.

There is limited data on the side effects of Melacare HC Cream. Let your doctor know if you experience any symptoms while applying Melacare HC Cream, like application site irritation or any other allergic reaction. They may be able to suggest ways to treat or manage the side effects.

Before using Melacare HC Cream, inform your doctor about any skin conditions, allergies, or ongoing treatments. Avoid applying Melacare HC Cream to broken, infected, or severely damaged skin unless directed by a doctor. Do not use it if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Keep it away from the eyes, mouth, and sensitive areas.

Uses of Melacare HC Cream

Melasma

Benefits of Melacare HC Cream

In Melasma

Melasma is a common skin problem that causes dark, discolored patches on your skin primarily on the face. It frequently occurs during pregnancy and menopause. Melacare HC Cream helps to lighten these dark patches by reducing the production of melanin (natural skin pigment). It lightens skin color and gives a smoother-looking skin. Melacare HC Cream also reduces any swelling, redness and itchiness especially if you have a sensitive skin. This helps boost your self-esteem and confidence as your appearance changes. Keep using it for as long as it is prescribed to get the full benefits.

Side effects of Melacare HC Cream

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Melacare HC

Limited data available

How to use Melacare HC Cream

This medicine is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Clean and dry the affected area and apply the cream. Wash your hands after applying, unless hands are the affected area.

How Melacare HC Cream works

Melacare HC Cream is a combination of three medicines: Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, and Hydrocortisone, which treat melasma (dark spots on skin). Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening medicine. It reduces the amount of skin pigment (melanin) that causes the darkening of the skin. Tretinoin is a form of vitamin A that helps the skin to renew itself more quickly. Hydrocortisone is a steroid that blocks the production of certain chemical messengers (prostaglandins) that make the skin red, swollen, and itchy.

Safety advice

Alcohol

No interaction found/established

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Information regarding the use of Melacare HC Cream during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.

Breast feeding

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Information regarding the use of Melacare HC Cream during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

Driving

No interaction found/established

Kidney

No interaction found/established

Liver

No interaction found/established

What if you forget to take Melacare HC Cream?

If you miss a dose of Melacare HC Cream, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

All substitutes

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

No substitutes found for this medicine

Quick tips

Along with applying Melacare HC Cream, wear long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses, and a hat whenever you step outside in the hot sun for better protection.
Do not cover the area being treated with airtight dressings such as bandages unless directed by a doctor.
Use moisturizer regularly to overcome skin dryness during treatment.
You may also use certain safe cosmetics (after consulting with your doctor) to lighten pigmentation.
Before using Melacare HC Cream, inform your doctor if you have any skin problems or are applying any other medicines to your skin.

Fact Box

Habit Forming

Therapeutic Class

DERMA

Patient concerns

Melasma in face from last year I use melacare

Dr. Atul Jain

Dermatology

Kojic cream at night over spots

I have black color face .so i will request u to prescribe me best medicine to whitening my face. I also consulted with another dermatologist. I also attached another doctor's prescription.

Dr. Atul Jain

Dermatology

You can use all above except melacare plus cream

How long does Melacare HC Cream take to show results?

The exact time Melacare HC Cream takes to show results is not known. However, you may expect improvement in your skin condition in a few weeks to months. The full benefit may take up to several months. Always follow your doctor's advice for safer and faster results.

Can I use moisturizer with Melacare HC Cream?

You can use moisturizer to manage skin dryness. You should wait at least 20 minutes after applying Melacare HC Cream. It is better and safer to choose fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formulas in moisturizer. You can also ask your doctor for a recommendation for moisturizer.

How should I apply Melacare HC Cream?

Use Melacare HC Cream as often as prescribed by your doctor, who may recommend applying it at night. Take a small amount and gently spread it over the affected area. Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and broken skin. To prevent skin darkening, apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher during the day.

When should I stop Melacare HC Cream treatment?

You may stop the Melacare HC Cream treatment after achieving desired results or if unusual reactions occur, such as mild redness, irritation, and other difficulties. You should follow and use Melacare HC Cream as directed by your dermatologist/doctor.

Is there any specific diet or lifestyle advice to be followed during Melacare HC Cream treatment?

You should include antioxidant foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts in your daily diet to support skin health. You should keep a check on your water intake to maintain skin elasticity. Also, do not expose your skin to excessive heat/sun. Try to limit exfoliation to stop excessive peeling.

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Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.