The Hydroquinone Alternative
Your Patients Have Been Looking For
CODE3 delivers 10% Tranexamic Acid, Bakuchiol, and Quercetin — a physician-formulated alternative to hydroquinone and retinol that offers comparable clinical outcomes without the prescribing burden, rebound risk, or photosensitivity.
Dr. Daniel Jacobs, MD — Plastic Surgeon & Founder, Alón Labs
Dr. Jacobs formulated CODE3 after seeing that his patients needed a better option than hydroquinone for pigmentation — one with comparable efficacy and none of the limitations. Alón Labs has been manufacturing in California since 2013.
The Clinical Rationale for Each Active
Hyperpigmentation and melasma are driven by melanocyte overactivation via the plasmin pathway. CODE3 addresses this with three synergistic actives — each with independent peer-reviewed support — in concentrations matched to clinical trial evidence.
Blocks the plasminogen-keratinocyte interaction that drives melanocyte activation and pigment overproduction. In controlled trials, comparable MASI improvement to hydroquinone for melasma and PIH — without the bleaching mechanism, rebound hyperpigmentation risk, or prescription requirement.
Activates RARα, RARβ, and RARγ receptors — driving collagen synthesis and epidermal remodeling without photosensitization. A 2018 double-blind BJD trial confirmed equivalent wrinkle reduction to 0.5% retinol with 44% fewer adverse events. Appropriate for patients who cannot tolerate retinol or who want a year-round option without photosensitivity concerns.
Neutralizes oxidative stress and downregulates NF-κB inflammatory signaling. Reduces the chronic low-grade inflammation that amplifies melanocyte activation and sustains hyperpigmentation. Well-tolerated across skin types with no sensitization risk.
How CODE3 Compares
CODE3 offers your patients an evidence-based alternative to hydroquinone and retinol — with comparable efficacy and a meaningfully better tolerability and safety profile.
| Property | Hydroquinone 4% | Retinol 0.5% | CODE3 (TXA + Bakuchiol + Quercetin) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription required | Yes (US, >2%) | No | No |
| PIH / pigment mechanism | Bleaching (melanin inhibition) | Indirect (cell turnover) | Plasmin pathway block |
| Collagen stimulation | No | Yes | Yes (via Bakuchiol) |
| Fitzpatrick III–VI tolerability | Variable — rebound risk | Poor — irritation at darker tones | Well-tolerated across all skin types |
| Fragrance-free | Varies by formulation | Varies | Yes |
Who Benefits Most
| Patient Profile | Why CODE3 |
|---|---|
| Melasma — currently on hydroquinone | Equivalent MASI outcomes; no bleaching, rebound, or prescription dependency |
| PIH-prone skin (Fitzpatrick III–VI) | TXA well-studied for darker skin tones; no irritation or sensitization risk |
| Retinol intolerant | Bakuchiol delivers equivalent collagen outcomes without photosensitivity or peeling |
| Patients who discontinue hydroquinone due to rebound | TXA does not cause rebound hyperpigmentation on discontinuation |
| Long-term maintenance for diffuse hyperpigmentation | Safe for sustained daily use without cycle breaks or prescription renewal |
What to Tell Your Patients
Scripted language your team can use at consultations and follow-up visits.
On switching from hydroquinone:
"Hydroquinone works, but it bleaches — it suppresses melanin broadly rather than correcting the signal that's driving your pigmentation. CODE3 uses Tranexamic Acid, which targets the same pathway with comparable efficacy in clinical trials, but without the bleaching effect, rebound risk, or need for a prescription."
On switching from or adding to retinol:
"Bakuchiol in CODE3 works on the same receptors as retinol — same collagen and fine-line benefits — but without the photosensitivity or irritation. A 2018 clinical trial confirmed equivalent results. Some patients use it alongside retinol, others use it as a replacement. Either approach works."
On who it's best suited for:
"Anyone dealing with melasma, dark spots, or uneven tone who wants an option that doesn't require a prescription, doesn't cause rebound, and can be used consistently year-round. Particularly relevant if you have deeper skin tone and are more prone to hyperpigmentation."
On the 60-day guarantee:
"They offer a full money-back guarantee if patients don't see results. There's no financial risk in trying it."
Stock CODE3 in Your Practice
Available for wholesale. Request samples, pricing information, and patient handout materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is intended for licensed healthcare professionals. CODE3 is a cosmetic product, not a drug. Clinical references are provided for informational purposes. Individual patient results will vary. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Consult current clinical literature for patient care decisions.