Use Of Hydroquinone Research Articles

Sequential therapy with topical clobetasol for 14 days followed by hydroquinone versus hydroquinone alone in facial melasma treatment: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.

Clobetasol has demonstrated remarkable results in treating melasma within a short time frame; however, its use is limited because of the risk of local side effects. To date, there is no controlled trial on sequential clobetasol/hydroquinone for melasma. This study aimed to investigate the tolerability and efficacy of 0.05% clobetasol followed by 4% hydroquinone (CLOB-HQ) in comparison to the isolated use of 4% hydroquinone (HQ). A double-blinded, randomized clinical trial involving 50 women with facial melasma was performed. They were directed to apply 0.05% clobetasol every night for 14 days, followed by 4% hydroquinone for 46 days (CLOB-HQ group), or the use of hydroquinone for 60 days (HQ group). Evaluations were carried out at inclusion, andafter 14 and 60 days of treatment, measuring modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI), Melasma Quality of Life scale (MELASQoL), and colorimetry. The Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) was assessed by a blinded evaluator. There was no difference in the main outcomes at D14 and D60 (P > 0.1). For CLOB-HQ, the mean (CI 95%) reduction in mMASI was 13.2% (5.1-21.3%) and 43.1% (32.2-54.0%) at D14 and D60, and for HQ, they were 10.6% (5.9-27.5%) and 44.8% (33.2-52.3%). The MELASQoL, colorimetric luminosity, and GAIS showed a progressive improvement for both groups despite no difference between them. No severe side effects were identified. No cases of telangiectasias, atrophy, or perioral dermatitis were associated with the use of CLOB. The sequential CLOB-HQ regimen was safe and well tolerated, even though its efficacy was not different from HQ after 14 or 60 days of treatment. Based on these findings, the use of clobetasol 14 days before hydroquinone is not advisable for the treatment of melasma.

Exogenous Ochronosis: Clinicopathological Correlation in Indian Patients and the Practical Applicability of the Dogliotti and Phillips Classification Systems.

Exogenous ochronosis (EO) results as a complication of long-term usage of skin lightening creams containing hydroquinone or other bleaching agents. Duration of use and concentration of hydroquinone in the product are noted to be key factors that decide the occurrence of EO. With more cases being reported globally, current classification systems lack practical applicability and may not be adequate for detecting early cases. Dermoscopy and clinicopathological correlation are very important for early diagnosis of EOto avoid undue overuse of hydroquinone leading to further deterioration of pigmentation. We report a series of six patientsin one year with EO with the minimum duration of use of hydroquinone being three months to the development of ochronosis. The most common strength of hydroquinone used was 2%, documented in 5/6 cases. Three out of six patients (50%) had discordant findings according to the Dogliotti classification, while four out of six patients (66.7%) had discordant findings according to the Phillips classification. Our findings suggest that EO can occur with a shorter duration of hydroquinone use, even at lower percentage strengths. We propose that it may be more useful to accept the clinical presentation supported by dermoscopic features as adequate actionable findings, consider all the histopathological stages as warning signs of ochronosis or impending ochronosis, and terminate the use of hydroquinone in such patients.

Hydroquinone Levels in Whitening Body Lotion Circulating in Makassar City by the UV-Vis Spectrophotometry Method

Hydroquinone is an active compound that is able to control pigment production to inhibit melanin formation and has activity as a skin whitening agent, so hydroquinone is widely used in cosmetic products. Hydroquinone has adverse side effects if used for a long time. BPOM RI has issued a regulation on the prohibition on the use of hydroquinone as a bleach in cosmetics. The purpose of this study was to identify the hydroquinone content in whitening handbody samples circulating in Makassar City and to find out the level of hydroquinone contained in the sample. Qualitative analysis is carried out using FeCl₃ reagents and quantitative analysis using the UV-VIS spectrophotometry method. The number of samples used in this study was as many as 4 samples that did not have a registration number from BPOM RI. The results showed that the 4 samples studied positively contained hydroquinone. The results of the sample test measured at a maximum wavelength of 292 nm, obtained hydroquinone levels at the sample code HB1 = 1.267%; sample code HB2 = 0.912%; sample code HB3 = 0.379% and sample code HB4 = 0.449%.

Seed Oils as Tyrosinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hyperpigmentation

Background: Hyperpigmentation is a growing problem worldwide among various skin diseases and directly relates to the quality of life. The factors causing hyperpigmentation may range from excess exposure to sunlight, pollution, underlying disease conditions, adverse effects of a medication, modified lifestyle, and oxidative stress. Treatment includes the use of hydroquinone, retinoids, corticosteroids, and kojic acid along with anti-inflammatory drugs. However, these medications are preferred for short-term treatment under acute conditions, while in the case of long-term treatment, botanical extracts are a safe choice for a majority of the population for the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Formulation with plant extracts/oil enriched with polyphenols, vitamin C, and vitamin E are reported to be safe and effective in inhibiting melanogenesis. Objective: Seed oils composed of polyphenols, vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids were selected to evaluate their antioxidant property and tyrosinase enzyme inhibitory activity. Methods: Grape seed oil (GSO), papaya seed oil (PSO), and carrot seed oil (CSO) were evaluated for their total phenolic and flavonoid content , in-vitro antioxidant activity was done using DPPH assay and anti-tyrosinase activity was done usingMushroomtyrosinaseinhibition assay. Result: Total phenolic content for PSO was 0.936 mg/gm. Gallic acid equivalent (GAE) was highest when compared to GSO and CSO, while CSO had a higher total flavonoid concentration, 0.945 mg/gm as quercetin equivalent (QE). Free radical scavenging activity was comparable to standard and tyrosinase inhibitory activity for grape and carrot seed oils were 80.10 % and 76.52 % at 100µg/ml, respectively and was comparable to kojic acid used as standard. Conclusion: The results obtained suggest that the oils can be formulated as a topical depigmenting product and used for skin care and skin glow

Identifikasi Hidrokuinon Pada Krim Pemutih Wajah Yang Beredar Di Pasar Central Tompasobaru

The board of trustees of medicine and food throughout Indonesia was keeping a routine check on cosmetics that ran from October 2014 to September 2015, there are 30 types of cosmetics that contain the dangerous materials of 13 types of cosmetic product and 17 types of domestic production. The harmful substances identified in such cosmetics as K3 and K10 red dye (Rhodamin B), retinoic acid, mercury and hydroquinine. Hydroquinone is a supposition or a device that ACTS to treat hyperpigmentation in the outer part of the body as skin. Hyperpigmentation is the process by which skin is exposed to such areas as pimples, scars, or brown spots from frequent exposure to sunlight. Excessive use of hydroquinone can cause ookronosis, namely the skin has nodules like sand and bluish-brown in color, people with ookronosis will feel the skin like burning and itching. This type of research is descriptive, which aims to describe and describe the presence or absence of hydroquinone in facial whitening creams. The method used for laboratory testing is qualitatively using the thin layer chromatography method. Sampling using purposive sampling method, namely sampling where the sample taken is a cream that does not have a permit from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency. From the results of research that has been carried out on three face whitening creams circulating in the Central Tompasobaru market and do not have a permit from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency, one of which was declared positive for containing Hydroquinone, it is shown from the results of a qualitative test using the thin layer chromatography method which has the same value. with a standard solution of hydroquinone, which is Rf = 0.84 and under UV light 254 has a blackish fluorescence.

Analisis Kualitatif dan Kuantitatif Kandungan Hidrokuinon dalam Krim Pemutih Wajah yang Beredar di Pasar Tradisional Kabupaten Blora Jawa Tengah

Beautifying self with cosmetics is one of the ways that people interested. Consumer demand for face whitening cream is so high that many manufacturers market non-certified products containing harmful ingredients such as hydroquinone. In BPOM Regulation No. 23 of 2019 the use of hydroquinone in skin whitening is no longer allowed. Whitening cream is spread in traditional markets where a place to buy and sell various of products freely. This study aims to find out whether or not hydroquinone and its content in face whitening creams are circulating in the traditional market of Blora Regency. Sampling using pusposive sampling technique in the traditional market of Blora Regency. Samples obtained from 4 traditional markets as many as 8 samples consist of 4 samples with registration number BPOM (codes A, B, C and D) and 4 samples without registration number BPOM (codes E, F, G and H). Hydroquinone content examination includes qualitative analysis with pH measurement, color reagent and TLC and quantitative analysis with UV Spectrophotometry. The results of the hydroquine standard pH measurement showed an acid pH of 3.53-3.64 positive samples i.e. E-H samples ranging from 3.30-3.64. In the color reaction hydroquinone formed a black color with sediment, and in TLC obtained a hydroquinone Rf value of 0.9610 with a positive sample Rf value ranging from 0.9444-0.9610 so that the positive result of hydroquinone in the E-H sample. Quantitative analysis using UV Spectrophotometry showed hydroquinone levels in non BPOM code samples E, F, G and H ranging from 0.00123 % - 0.00178 %.

Hyperpigmentation: Looking beyond hydroquinone

Hyperpigmentation is the most common complaint in the age group 40-45years, seeking consultation for skin disorders. Hydroquinone is a commonly used depigmenting agent in clinical practice for treating hyperpigmentation. Prolonged use of hydroquinone has been associated with cancer risk and exogenous ochronosis. The CARES (The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) Act of 2020has instituted significant changes to hydroquinone containing OTC (over the counter) products, and consequently, many hydroquinone-based OTC products had to be withdrawn from the market. Henceforth, products containing hydroquinone would need US Food and Drug Administration approval via new drug application pathways for commercialization. Alternative treatment options to hydroquinone in clinical practice are reviewed in this paper with regard to their safety and efficacy vis a vis hydroquinone. Also, new potential treatment options such as thiamidol, Polypodium leucotomos, and glutathione are discussed. The review shows that these alternative depigmenting agents can be rationally combined to achieve desired treatment goals in the management of hyperpigmentation.

Analisis Kadar Hidrokuinon Pada Krim Pemutih Yang Beredar Online Dengan Metode Kromatografi Lapis Tipis (Klt) Dan Spektrofotometri UV-Vis

Cosmetics are preparations that are applied to the external surface of the body for the purpose of cleaning, perfuming, changing the appearance or keeping the body in good condition. Currently, people are very interested in using facial whitening cream cosmetics that are sold online and often found the content in whitening creams is Hydroquinone. The use of hydroquinone in whitening creams has been limited due to adverse side effects. This study aims to determine the levels of hydroquinone in whitening creams circulating online.The method used was qualitative analysis on 3 samples of whitening cream which were suspected to contain hydroquinone, the positive results of the qualitative test were followed by analysis using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) with methanol:chloroform (50:50) and n-Hexane:acetone (3:2) as mobile phase, and UV-Vis spectrophotometric analysis. The results of this study are TLC testing on samples obtained Rf values ​​of 0.8 and 0.4, respectively. Determination of the maximum wavelength at 294nm resulted in the average level of hydroquinone content from sample 1 of 2,020µg/ml, the second sample of 16,244µg/ml, while in the third sample of 9,387µg/ml. In conclusion, the levels of hydroquinone in each cream sample were 2,020µg/ml, 16,244µg/ml, 9,387µg/ml where these levels were not in accordance with the 2008 BPOM RI regulations.   Keywords: hydroquinone, whitening cream, thin layer chromatography, UV-Vis spectrophotometry

Lasers, lights, and compounds for melasma in aesthetics

Melasma is a chronic and relapsing skin condition. Although melasma is usually asymptomatic, it can be associated with immense psychosocial stress and greatly impact a patient's quality of life. Over the years, many different treatments have been used, ranging from daily photoprotection, topical lightening creams, and oral agents to laser and light-based therapies; however, efficacy is often limited with such treatments, and there is currently no effective modality to prevent recurrence. Although treatment strategies had originally centered on the use of hydroquinone, newer modalities now include oral tranexamic acid and lasers. We examined previous and ongoing debates related to melasma treatments and have reviewed the current efficacy and safety of available treatments. Critical components essential to the successful management of melasma are the setting of patient expectations and assurance of treatment compliance.

Identifikasi Kandungan Hidrokuinon pada Krim Pemutih yang Beredar di Pasar Tradisional Wilayah Kabupaten Banjarnegara

Cosmetics that are sold in the market are in great demand by many women. The type of cosmetics that is often used is a whitening cream. This cream can provide a whitening effect on facial skin so that it can increase self-confidence. One of the ingredients that have skin whitening properties and is often added to whitening creams is hydroquinone. This material has the effect of inhibiting the formation of melanin so that it can whiten the skin. The use of hydroquinone without medical supervision is not allowed because it can have negative effects such as allergies, skin redness, and a burning feeling. In this paper, we will report the identification results of the hydroquinone content in the whitening cream which is not a distribution license number from the BPOM (Indonesia Food and Drug Supervisory Agency) which is marketed in the Banjarnegara Region area. Samples were taken from the Banjarnegara area and the analysis was carried out at the Pharmacy Laboratory of the Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. The analytical method used was the identification of the hydroquinone content carried out by the TLC-densitometry method. Qualitative analysis used TLC, where the stationary phase used was silica GF254 while the mobile phase used was toluene - glacial acetic acid at a ratio of 8: 2. Samples were dotted using a microsyringe of 25 µL after extraction. Furthermore, the spot identification was carried out under 254 nm UV light and then the Rf value was calculated. Quantitative analysis was used. It was carried out by densitometry by looking at the area produced by the spots on TLC. In this analysis, the level calculation was carried out by comparing the area of the hydroquinone sample with the area of the positive control hydroquinone multiplied by the known hydroquinone level in the positive control. The results of the qualitative analysis showed that of the 21 samples, there were 6 samples or 28.57% of the samples containing hydroquinone. Quantitative analysis shows the levels in the six samples containing hydroquinone, namely sample no.11: 7,12%, sample no.12: 3.69%, sample no.15: 0.06%, sample no.16: 11.18%, sample no.18: 4.67%, and sample no.19: 1.07%. Based on the results of the analysis, several preparations contain hydroquinone exceeding a safe level of 5%, so it is necessary to regularly check testing and supervision from the authorized institution so that the circulating whitening cream is safe for use by the public.

Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis of Hydroquinone in Face Cream with TLC and HPLC Methods

Hydroquinone is a chemical compound widely used in cosmetics that acts as a removal of black spots/spots on the face. The use of hydroquinone in cosmetics, according to BPOM regulations, is only allowed with a maximum level of 2%. Excessive use of hydroquinone can cause pigment abnormalities in the face. The materials used in this study were hydroquinone BPFI, 96% ethanol, absolute ethanol, sodium sulfate, methanol (HPLC grade), aquadest, ethyl acetate, and face cream samples (X and Y). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of hydroquinone content in both face cream samples was carried out by TLC and HPLC methods. The results of the qualitative analysis by TLC on both face cream samples (X and Y creams) showed that both samples had the same Rf value 1as the standard hydroquinone Rf while the HPLC chromatogram results of both samples had the same retention time as the standard hydroquinone. Simultaneously, the results of quantitative analysis on cream X samples contained hydroquinone of 3.06% and Y cream of 4.15%. From these results, both face cream samples positive contained hydroquinone with levels> 2%.

Synthesis and characterization of a small library of bisglucosides: Influence of the nature of the diol/diphenol used in O-glucosylation

In this paper, the synthesis of different bisglucosides is investigated through the reaction of two acetylated glucose units with a diol (or diphenol) in order to develop a versatile molecular platform for the future development of bio-based polymers. A panel of five diols and one diphenol is initially used in order to examine the influence of their chemical skeleton on the reaction yield and both nature and proportion of formed species. Reaction products are identified using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies completed by MALDI-TOF MS technique. The nucleophilicity of these dihydroxy compounds is identified as being the main factor that governs the reaction characteristics. In particular, the best selectivity is obtained with the use of hydroquinone. Inversely, by-products (oligomers, deacetylated compounds) are observed with the diols defined by higher nucleophilicity despite the choice of stereoselective pathway using acyl protecting groups.

Hydroquinone: myths and reality.

Hydroquinone has pharmacological uses in disorders of pigmentation because of its ability to competitively inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase. Our contemporary review presents the strongest evidence supporting the use of hydroquinone with the most effective and tolerable formulations combining hydroquinone, retinoid and corticosteroid (modified Kligman formula or 'triple combination cream'). The risk of exogenous ochronosis is low if prescribed concentrations of ≤ 5 for a limited period with regular monitoring. Dermatologists should reassure patients that with controlled use, hydroquinone can be well-tolerated and safe for a range of hyperpigmentary conditions.

Fabricating a signal-off photoelectrochemical sensor based on BiPO4-graphene quantum dots nanocomposites for sensitive and selective detection of hydroquinone

The large-scale use of hydroquinone (HQ) at industrial possesses has caused great safety concerns for plants and animals. Among different detection methods, the photoelectrochemical (PEC) method has been considered to be an ideal choice for HQ detection which especially satisfies the requirements for the on-line use or field monitoring. In this study, a series of BiPO4-graphene quantum dots (BiPO4-GQDs) nanocomposites with different feeding mass ratio of GQDs to BiPO4 have been prepared using a simple hydrothermal method. The PEC study revealed that all of the resultant BiPO4-GQDs nanocomposites were superior to individual BiPO4 nanoparticles, while BiPO4-GQDs0.1 (the feeding mass ratio of GQDs to BiPO4 = 0.1) had the best PEC performance. On basis of the enhanced PEC performance of BiPO4-GQDs0.1 and the remarked inhibition effect of HQ on its PEC behavior, we therefore fabricated a signal-off PEC sensor for sensitive HQ detection. Experimental results indicated that our proposed PEC sensor exhibited a good linear range within a concentration range from 50 nM to 3 μM and a lower detection limit of 3.4 nM at signal to noise ratio (S/N) = 3. This sensor displayed an excellent anti-interference ability to the simultaneously existed inorganic ions and some organic compounds even including the structural analogues of HQ. Moreover, good results have been achieved when this sensor was applied to HQ determination in river water. We herein represent a novel PEC sensor for sensitive and selective detection of HQ in environmental analysis, especially for those to be used directly in field monitoring or on-line detection.

Effects of Skin Lightening Cream Agents - Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid, on the Skin of Adult Female Experimental Rats.

IntroductionSkin bleaching is the act of using steroid- and chemical-containing products to lighten the skin. Hydroquinone and kojic acid are often used in skin bleaching creams. Hydroquinone was suspected to be harmful. This study investigated the effects of kojic acid and hydroquinone on the skin of adult female Wistar rats and the potential use of aloe vera for amelioration.Materials and MethodsEighty [n=80] adult female Wistar rats with an average weight of 120 g were randomly divided into eight groups, marked A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H. Group A animals served as the control group; group B was treated with 2% hydroquinone, group C was treated with 2% kojic acid, group D was treated with 4% hydroquinone, group E was treated with 4% kojic acid, group F was treated with 2% hydroquinone and 2% kojic acid, group G was treated with 4% hydroquinone and 4% kojic acid, and group H was treated with 4% hydroquinone, 4% kojic acid, and aloe vera. The preparations were applied to the tail skin and treatment lasted 28 days. Skin samples were excised and processed using H&E, Masson’s trichrome, and p65 immunohistochemical assays on tissue sections.ResultsHydroquinone caused structural disruptions of the stratum corneum of the epidermis and the overlying keratin. p65 was also prominently expressed in the treated groups. Hydroquinone reduced skin thickness and caused epidermis disruption.DiscussionThe prominent expression of p65 in the sections indicated deleterious effects of hydroquinone. Kojic acid was not found to have deleterious effects. Aloe vera prevented extensive disruption of stratum corneum by hydroquinone. The use of hydroquinone in skin lightening creams might raise health concerns. Aloe vera could be protective against hydroquinone.

Highly boosting the supercapacitor performance by polydopamine-induced surface modification of carbon materials and use of hydroquinone as an electrolyte additive

In this work, we use polydopamine (PDA) to modify the surface of carbon materials, and then adopt hydroquinone (HQ) as a redox additive to jointly improve the performance of supercapacitors. This non-covalent bond PDA coating produce functional groups such as amino and hydroxyl, which can interact with HQ in H2SO4 system by hydrogen bonding. The carbon materials solely coated with PDA (without any HQ) deliver favorable capacitance of 218 F g−1 and energy density of 7.59 Wh kg−1; whereas the one not only coated with PDA but also using HQ as redox additive, higher capacitance of 557 F g−1 and energy density of 19.36 Wh kg−1 are achieved, realizing the energy density increases by 2.55 times. In addition, for carbon materials not covered with PDA, HQ kinetics is diffusion controlled; for carbon materials covered with PDA, HQ kinetics is surface controlled. Obviously, this work provides a synergistic approach to collectively boosting the performance of supercapacitors.

Development of Flow Injection-Spectrophotometry Method for Hydroquinone Determination Based on The Formation of Blue Starch-Iodine Complex

Hydroquinone (1,4-dihydroxybenzene) is an aromatic organic phenolic compound used in drug and should not be used as cosmetic products. Although the use of hydroquinone has been banned in cosmetics, it is still found at low concentration for skin whitening. The effect for excess use of hydroquinone can cause irritation and changes in skin color become blackish permanently. The determination of hydroquinone can be performed by a flow injection system with spectrophotometric detection based on the redox reaction between hydroquinone and iodine. Under this method, hydroquinone can be determined based on the decreasing intensity of the blue color of the starch-iodine complex when hydroquinone was added to the solution. Hydroquinone will react with the excess iodine, thus iodine is reduced to iodide. The rest of iodine which does not react with hydroquinone, will form a blue complex with starch in an acidic condition (pH = 1). The blue color of the starch-iodine complex was analyzed by visible spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 628 nm. The optimum conditions for determination of hydroquinone using the flow injection system provide at 0.05 % starch and 40 mg/L iodine by the length of mixing coil of 50 cm on the flow rate of 5.8 mL/min, and a sample volume of 100 µL. Under these optimum conditions, the flow injection method showed the linearity from 0 to 15 mg/L with a correlation (R2) of 0.9941.

ANALISA HIDROKUINON DALAM KRIM DOKTER SECARA SPEKTROFOTOMETRI UV-VIS

Cosmetics is products used to enhance the appearance of face. Various kinds of cosmetic products are increasingly emerging at this time. One kind of cosmetic is whitening cream. The whitening cream contains of an active substance used to tint black spots on the skin. The active substance which often used in cosmetics is hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is a class of hard drugs whose use must be based on a doctor's prescription. The use of hydroquinone is prohibited on cosmetic preparations that are sold freely, but may be used if under the supervision of a physician 2% (BPOM, 2007). The aim of this study was to determine the existence and level of hydroquinone in whitening cream. The results of the analysis showed that samples A, B, C, D, E, F, H and I were positive for hydroquinone with percentage of hydroquinone was about 0.000168%, 0.000319%, 0.000309%, 0.001188%, 0.00392%, 0.000058%, 0.000521%, 0.000899%, whereas the G sample was not detected.

Dermoscopy negates the need for biopsy in cases of confetti-like leukoderma and exogenous ochronosis

Confetti-like leukoderma and exogenous ochronosis are two of the rarest side effects of a long-term use of hydroquinone (HQ). HQ is the first choice of topical bleaching agents used in the treatment of melasma. Confetti-like leukoderma is characterized as mottled depigmented spots, whereas exogenous ochronosis presents as gray-brown or blue-black hyperpigmentation. Both disorders are especially found in the area where HQ is applied. We report two cases of women with these two rare pigment disorders, who had a history of using HQ for more than 8 years. The dermoscopic examinations show dark-brown globular-like structures on a diffuse fine brown reticular patterns background, multiple guttate depigmented macules, and prominent telangiectasias which are characteristics for melasma, ochronosis, and confetti-like leukoderma. Both patients were advised to stop HQ and treated with sunscreen, 0.05% retinoic acid cream, 2% kojic acid cream, and 20%–35% glycolic acid chemical peel.

Fabrication of Plasmonically Active Substrates Using Engineered Silver Nanostructures for SERS Applications.

Demanding applications in sensing, metasurfaces, catalysis, and biotechnology require fabrication of plasmonically active substrates. Herein, we demonstrate a bottom-up, versatile, and scalable approach that relies on direct growth of silver nanostructures from seed particles that were immobilized on polymer brush-grafted substrates. Our approach is based on (i) the uniform and tunable assembly of citrate-stabilized gold nanoparticles on poly(ethylene glycol) brushes to serve as seeds and (ii) the use of hydroquinone as a reducing agent, which is extremely selective to the presence of seed particles, confining the growth of silver nanostructures on the surface of the substrate. The diameter of the seed particles, concentration, as well as ratio of reactants and duration of the growth process are investigated for large-area growth of silver nanostructures with high surface coverage and plasmonic activity. The resulting silver nanostructures exhibit high levels of surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity at two different laser lines and allow detection of molecules at concentrations as low as 10 pM. The plasmonic properties of the silver nanostructures are further studied using ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy. Spatially defined silver nanostructures are fabricated through the seed particles that are patterned via soft lithography, showing the capabilities of the presented approach in device applications.