Skin lightening products containing the ingredients hydroquinone or mercury may cause harm. The over-the-counter sale of these products is illegal in the U.S. Read skin product labels to identify ingredients and consult with your health care provider about treatment options.
Hydroquinone 2% cream, which was marketed for years as an OTC skin-lightening agent was classified by the FDA as category II and has now been removed from shelves.
Hydroquinone Use and Availability: Hydroquinone is a popular skin-lightening ingredient used to treat conditions like melasma and hyperpigmentation, but it now requires a prescription due to FDA regulations and potential health risks.
Alternative lightening agents including mequinol, arbutin, kojic acid, and others have shown comparable efficacy to hydroquinone in treating hyperpigmentation with less concerning side effects.
Yes, creams with hydroquinone are not over-the-counter. You need a doctor's prescription to buy hydroquinone cream online or in a physical pharmacy. You can have a online consultation with a dermatologist.
Arbutin has been found to be the most effective active ingredient in our study, even more so than hydroquinone, despite being a naturally occurring derivative.
While oral consumption probably is not related to topical application, hydroquinone remains controversial because it actually is toxic to melanocytes. Hydroquinone, a phenolic compound chemically known as 1,4 dihydroxybenzene, functions by inhibiting the enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine and phenol oxidases.
The occurrence of adverse effects with HQ was significantly higher when compared to TA (P < 0.05) and this could explain better patient satisfaction with TA observed in our study (P = 0.03).
Avoid using hydroquinone with peroxide products such as benzoyl peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which can cause discoloration. 3. Avoid alpha hydroxy acids. The combination of hydroquinone and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) can irritate your skin.
Hydroquinone (HQ)
HQ is the agent of choice for skin lightening. Combining HQ with a steroid cream and tretinoin have superior efficacy when compared to HQ alone. Although it's considered safe, there may be side effects and is subject to pre-market approval by Health Sciences Authority (HSA).
With GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, hexylresorcinol is a great choice for beauty brands seeking to provide skin lightening and even toning benefits in their next skin care formula. Hexylresorcinol was introduced to the skin care market in 2007 under the trade name Synovea® HR.
Customer reviews on the Musely website are positive, with most products receiving 4 out of 5 stars. Positive reviews claim the products are effective and provide visible results. Many reviews on Musely's website describe how customers struggled to find treatments that worked for them before using Musely.
For years, 4% Hydroquinone, a prescription drug, has been considered the gold standard for treating hyperpigmentation and is the key ingredient in our Obagi Nu-Derm® Systems.
Skin lightening products containing the ingredients hydroquinone or mercury may cause harm. The over-the-counter sale of these products is illegal in the U.S. Read skin product labels to identify ingredients and consult with your health care provider about treatment options.
It's not meant for long-term use, as it might actually make the skin darker, which is a strange effect. It's recommended to take breaks from using it to prevent overuse and a side effect called exogenous ochronosis.
According to research, ochranonsis is a condition that might occur following long-term application of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone. Ochranosis may cause darkening of the skin, instead of fading a particular spot. Long-term use of Hydroquinone creams may also lead to exogenous ochronotic lesions.
The hydrogen peroxide decomposes and the hydroquinone reacts to form benzoquinone (C6H4O2). The resultant hydrogen reacts with the oxygen to produce water.
Tretinoin is an anti-aging powerhouse, meaning it should have no problem dispatching fine lines and wrinkles. It does not work for deeper wrinkles. Hydroquinone doesn't work at all against fine lines and wrinkles, so stick to the collagen-boosting power of tretinoin.
The most common potential side effects are listed below. Though reported instances are rare, tranexamic acid can cause allergic reactions, such as itching, swelling, hives, or a rash.
Glutathione Injection for Hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation can be a frustrating skin concern, affecting confidence and quality of life for many people. Over recent years, glutathione shots have gained popularity as a solution for reducing pigmentation issues and achieving a brighter, more even skin tone.
We recommend taking a 2 month break after 3 months of application. Since hydroquinone is a photosensitive agent, It is also important to use SPF 30 or higher daily when on hydroquinone.
However, medical guidelines specify that you should stop using hydroquinone if you haven't seen any results after about three months. Your doctor may recommend you try some new products that combine hydroquinone with other ingredients, such as glycolic acid.