Monobenzone
Monobenzone 50GM of
What is Monobenzone?
Monobenzone is a depigmenting agent primarily used topically for medical treatment of vitiligo, a condition characterized by irregular white patches on the skin due to the loss of melanocytes. The medication works by permanently destroying melanocytes, thereby lightening the skin in treated areas to match depigmented sections. Use of monobenzone is advised only under strict medical supervision due to its potency and potential for causing irreversible skin depigmentation.Side Effects
- Skin irritation (redness, burning, stinging)
- Hypopigmentation in areas of skin adjacent to treated areas
- Contact dermatitis
Warnings
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear protective clothing and sunscreen on treated areas.
- Should only be used for the treatment of vitiligo as it causes permanent depigmentation of the skin.
- Consult a healthcare professional before starting treatment to understand potential outcomes and effects.
- Not recommended for use in children or pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice.
Prescription savings · · · ·
What is Monobenzone ?
Monobenzone is a depigmenting agent primarily used topically for medical treatment of vitiligo, a condition characterized by irregular white patches on the skin due to the loss of melanocytes. The medication works by permanently destroying melanocytes, thereby lightening the skin in treated areas to match depigmented sections. Use of monobenzone is advised only under strict medical supervision due to its potency and potential for causing irreversible skin depigmentation.- Skin irritation (redness, burning, stinging)
- Hypopigmentation in areas of skin adjacent to treated areas
- Contact dermatitis
- Severe skin redness (erythema)
- Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear protective clothing and sunscreen on treated areas.
- Should only be used for the treatment of vitiligo as it causes permanent depigmentation of the skin.
- Consult a healthcare professional before starting treatment to understand potential outcomes and effects.
- Not recommended for use in children or pregnant or breastfeeding women without medical advice.
Monobenzone Coupons & Prices
Monobenzone 50GM of
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Monobenzone is a topical cream used for permanent depigmentation in extensive (disseminated) vitiligo. The brand Benoquin was discontinued in the U.S. years ago, and monobenzone today is typically obtained through a specialty compounding pharmacy rather than a standard retail fill. If your pharmacy compounds it for you, enter your ZIP above to see today's price and compare a monobenzone coupon across nearby pharmacies.
What is monobenzone and how does it work?
Monobenzone is a hypopigmenting agent applied to normal (unaffected) skin to permanently destroy pigment-producing melanocytes. It is used only for final, complete depigmentation in patients with extensive vitiligo covering a large portion of the body, to even out skin tone by removing the remaining pigmented areas rather than by restoring color. It is not a treatment for small or localized vitiligo patches.
Availability and cost
The original branded product, Benoquin, is no longer manufactured or sold in the United States, but the FDA has not withdrawn approval of monobenzone as an active ingredient, and it has not been flagged for safety reasons. Because there is no standard commercial manufacturer today, patients typically get a prescription filled through a licensed compounding pharmacy that prepares the cream from pharmaceutical-grade monobenzone powder. Compounded prices vary by pharmacy, so it's worth calling ahead or comparing options; ask whether your pharmacy accepts a cash discount coupon before you fill.
Alternatives and related treatments
- For patients not seeking full-body depigmentation, dermatologists more often use repigmentation approaches such as topical corticosteroids, tacrolimus, or phototherapy to treat vitiligo patches.
- Ruxolitinib cream (Opzelura) is an FDA-approved option for repigmentation in nonsegmental vitiligo, which works in the opposite direction from monobenzone.
Safety information
Monobenzone causes irreversible depigmentation of treated skin, which is permanent and cannot be undone once it occurs. Treated and surrounding skin becomes more sensitive to sunburn and must be protected with sun-protective clothing and sunscreen indefinitely. It should not be used for freckling, melasma of pregnancy, or hyperpigmentation from skin inflammation. This is general information, not medical advice; talk with your dermatologist about whether monobenzone is appropriate for you and where you can have it compounded.
This Monobenzone information was written and reviewed against authoritative U.S. medical sources — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), DailyMed, and FDA prescribing information — and checked for accuracy. It is provided for education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Verify the official label: Monobenzone on DailyMed (FDA)
Reviewed against FDA labeling · Last reviewed July 2026
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Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
