Hexylresorcinol (4-Hexylresorcinol) is a substituted dihydroxybenzene utilized topically as an antiseptic for minor skin infection treatment.

Potassium iodide is used as the treatment of overactive thyroid and as protection of the thyroid gland from the influences of radiation from swallowed or inhaled radioactive iodine. It may be used after accidental exposure to radioactive iodine or before and after administration of medicine containing radioactive iodine.

Phloretin (NSC-407292) is a well-known inhibitor of eukaryotic urea transporters, blocks VacA-mediated urea and ion transport. Phloretin is a dihydrochalcone, a type of natural phenols. It can be found in apple tree leaves and the Manchurian apricot. It promotes potent antioxidative activities in peroxynitrite scavenging and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. It has been found to inhibit the growth of several cancer cells and induce apoptosis of B16 melanoma and HL60 human leukemia cells.

Glycolic acid, an inhibitor of tyrosinase, suppresses melanin formation and is used in skincare products.

Monobenzone (Benoquin) is a Depigmenting Agent. The mechanism of action of monobenzone is as a Melanin Synthesis Inhibitor. The physiologic effect of monobenzone is by means of Depigmenting Activity.

Arbutin (p-Arbutin)(β-Arbutin) is a glycosylated hydroquinone extracted from the bearberry plant in the genus Arctostaphylos and can inhibit tyrosinase and thus prevent the formation of melanin.

Bithionol (Actamer), formerly marketed as an active ingredient in various topical drug products, was shown to be a potent photosensitizer with the potential to cause serious skin disorders. Approvals of the NDA's for bithionol drug products were withdrawn on October 24, 1967.

3-O-Ethyl-L-ascorbic acid is a cosmetic tyrosinase inhibitor with whitening ability and is a stabilized vitamin C derivative. It also has antioxidant properties.