What Is Hydroquinone?

Skin lightening can be termed as a kind of cosmetic treatment that can be used to achieve fairer complexion and also deal with pigmentation related problems. Skin lightening creams are widely available in the market today. Most of the creams contain chemical agents such as Azelaic Acid, Hydroquinone, Kojic Acid, Tretinoin, and Arbutin. Some of them also contain natural plant extracts.

What Is Hydroquinone?
Hydroquinone is a skin lightening ingredient that is used in most cosmetic skin lightening cream products. The primary function is to reduce melanin production in the skin.
Whilst some people use hydroquinone-based products to help fade their naturally dark skin, it is generally used in mainstream products to help reduce the appearance of various types of skin hyperpigmentation problems like sun spots, age spots and acne markings.

Does Hydroquinone Work?

Hydroquinone is a proven ingredient when it comes to treating the various hyperpigmentation issues. For this reason, it continues to be used in products where it is legal to do so.
But questions are continuing to be raised about safety, and a number of countries have even banned hydroquinone and products that contain it from being sold over the counter; with prescription products and treatments from dermatologists being to the only avenue for people to access hydroquinone in some countries and regions.

Is Hydroquinone Safe?
Since 1982, hydroquinone has been recognized as safe and effective by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as a topical agent used to reduce hyperpigmentation.If you are pregnant or nursing, the use of hydroquinone is not recommended because the FDA does not have data on its use during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or nursing, always consult your physician before using new skin lightening cream products.