What is Tri-Luma: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Oct 6, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Tri-Luma is a brand-name prescription drug used to lighten dark patches on the face, a condition called melasma. The depigmenting agent in Tri-Luma is hydroquinone, a medication commonly found in over-the-counter skin lightening products. It also contains two prescription drugs, a retinoid (tretinoin) to speed up skin shedding in the darkened area and a corticosteroid (fluocinolone) that reduces swelling. Doses are applied to the affected skin once daily about 30 minutes before bedtime.

Tri-Luma overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tri-Luma

Generic Names:

  • Hydroquinone-fluocinolone-tretinoin

Uses:

  • Tri-Luma treats skin darkening of the face (melasma).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Depigmenting agent 

Forms:

  • Cream

How it’s taken:

  • On the skin

What is Tri-Luma used for?

Tri-Luma lightens dark skin patches on the face (melasma). It contains a skin bleaching agent (hydroquinone), a skin shedding drug (tretinoin), and a corticosteroid (fluocinolone) to reduce swelling and irritation. 

What form(s) does Tri-Luma come in

  • Cream

    • 0.01% fluocinolone/4% hydroquinone/0.05% tretinoin.

What are common Tri-Luma doses?

  • For melasma: Apply a thin film of Tri-Luma cream to the affected skin areas once daily 30 minutes before bedtime.

Common Tri-Luma prescriptions

  • Tri-Luma
    30gm of 0.01-4-0.05% tube of cream

How to take Tri-Luma

  • Follow all the prescriber’s instructions.

  • Do not use more of this cream than prescribed. Do not use it more frequently than prescribed.

  • Please read the Patient Information sheet that comes with this medicine.

  • Do not use Tri-Luma to treat any other dark spots that are not caused by melasma.

  • To apply Tri-Luma cream:

    • Gently wash your face with a mild cleanser.

    • Rinse and dry your face.

    • Apply a thin layer to the affected skin. Also, cover the skin around the dark spot to a distance of ½ inch.

    • Gently rub the cream evenly into the skin.

    • Do not use cream on the corner of the mouth, the nose, eyes, or open wounds.

    • Do not cover the treated skin after applying the cream.

  • Store Tri-Luma cream in a refrigerator. Do not freeze. The tube should be tightly closed.

What to do if you miss a dose of Tri-Luma

  • Ask the prescriber how to manage a missed dose.

  • This medicine should be used at night.

  • Do not apply two doses to make up for a missed dose.

Tri-Luma contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone.

  • Do not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to fluocinolone, hydroquinone, or tretinoin.

Tri-Luma warnings

  • The prescriber may need to check on the progress of this treatment. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell other healthcare providers who treat you that you are using Tri-Luma.

  • Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have:

    • Allergies to sulfites

    • Any other medical condition

  • This medicine may cause a blue-black discoloration of the skin. Check with the prescriber right away if you have a gradual darkening of the skin.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, wind, and cold weather. 

    • Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. 

    • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of SPF 30 or higher during the day. 

    • Wear protective clothing, such as a hat, when you are outdoors.

  • Avoid cleansers or cosmetics that may dry or irritate your skin. Use a moisturizer as needed.

  • This medication may cause serious side effects if it’s absorbed into the bloodstream. These include:

    • Adrenal gland dysfunction

    • Cushing’s syndrome (due to high corticosteroid levels)

    • High blood sugar

  • Tri-Luma is not intended for long-term or continuous use.

  • Tri-Luma may not be effective in people with brown or dark skin.

Tri-Luma interactions

  • To avoid possible drug interactions, tell the prescriber about all the medications you take or plan to take, particularly:

    • Other corticosteroids

    • Hormonal birth control

    • Photosensitizing drugs (such as for psoriasis)

    • Other drugs that cause photosensitivity such as quinolone antibiotics (like ciprofloxacin)

  • Do not take birth control pills while using Tri-Luma. They can worsen melasma.

  • Do not put cosmetics or skin care products on the treated skin. 

  • Avoid using medicated, irritating, or drying soaps or cleansers on the area being treated.

Tri-Luma side effects

Serious side effects

Immediately contact a doctor or get medical attention if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect including:

  • Bruising more easily than usual

  • Round, puffy face

  • Gaining weight around your neck, upper back, breast, face, or waist

  • Darkening or discoloration of the skin, especially if it turns blue or black

  • Redness or burning at the application site that you suspect is an allergic reaction

  • Allergic reaction: Hives, itching, trouble breathing, wheezing, dizziness, fainting, low blood pressure, racing heart rate

Less serious side effects

  • Application site reactions such as redness, itching, burning, or irritation

  • Skin peeling 

  • Skin dryness 

  • Acne 

  • Spider veins

  • Numbness or tingling 

Sources:

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