Why does Zo blending cream turn brown?

Author: Francisca Willms  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

“ZO Skin Health, Inc. is aware that in the presence of oxygen, the active ingredient of hydroquinone in ZO's Pigment Control Crème, Pigment Control + Blending, and Pigment Control + Brightening products has the potential to oxidize, which can alter the appearance of the formulations towards a brownish color over time.

What does it mean when cream turns brown?

On Product Discoloration: What does it mean when your cream turns brown? 1 Hydroquinone (FDA-banned ingredient) in product has oxidised 2 Throw it out! 3 It may cause unhealthy bleaching resulting to uneven patches in skin #RejuvDiscoloration #BecauseYourSkinMatters.

Is hydroquinone still good if it turns brown?

In all formulations, hydroquinone is unstable turning brown upon contact with air. Once the hydroquinone has oxidized, it is no longer active and should be discarded.

Why does rejuvenating cream turn brown?

The discoloration exist in rejuvenating creams, lotions and toners and is a normal reaction of this formula due to exposure to air and/or high temperature. This is a result of sensitivity of oxidation of the skin lightening properties/ingredients.

What does zo pigment control blending cream do?

Gradual skin bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions – chloasma, melasma, freckles and other unwanted hyperpigmentation. Helps reduce irritation associated with hydroquinone. Hydrates newly exposed skin.

Dr Julia Explains | How to use Hydroquinone correctly

What are the side effects of zo pigment control?

Contains Sodium Metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause serious allergic-type reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms (e.g., hives, itching) and life-threatening or less-severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible persons. For external use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.

How long does pigment cream take to work?

Most people should start to notice changes within the first few weeks, but it can often take up to 12 weeks to see significant results. to see the results you're looking for. Some types of pigmentation may take even longer to fade completely — patience and consistency are key.

Why is my cream changing color?

The discoloration (turns brown) is a normal reaction to exposure to air and/or high temperature. The discoloration is only an aesthetic condition but there is no safety concern. Brownish/Brown cream indicates that it has aged and expected to be more effective to most users.

What are the side effects of rejuvenate?

What are the risks of skin rejuvenation and resurfacing?
  • Activation of herpes zoster infection in susceptible patients.
  • Burns and scarring.
  • Delayed wound healing (particularly concerning for patients who have been on Accutane)
  • Hypersensitivity or allergic type reactions.
  • Increased susceptibility to sunburns.
  • Infection.

Why did my serum turn brown?

When in the vitamin C is in high concentration, the serum will have a yellowish color; but as it oxidizes, it will turn brown/orange.

How do you know if hydroquinone is expired?

Hydroquinone Creams

Toss after: They turn brown (usually around the two-month mark).

What happens when hydroquinone oxidizes?

Throw away any hydroquinone product that turns brown. This means the hydroquinone became oxidized and is no longer active. Contact a physician if you experience any severe side effects.

Why do you have to stop hydroquinone after 3 months?

As a rule, you should stop using hydroquinone after 3-6 months of continuous use. This is because prolonged use of hydroquinone can lead to adverse effects on the skin, such as ochronosis, skin irritation, and sensitivity. There are several signs that it may be time to stop using hydroquinone.

Why is my hydroquinone cream brown?

A spokesman for the manufacturer says the discoloration is due to oxidation of hydroquinone and that the same color can be seen on the surface of the cream if it is exposed to air for a long time.

Can I use a cream that has changed color?

Products that have expired can change in colour but this isn't always an indicator that they're unsafe. Retinol and vitamin C, for example, can change colour over time but still be safe to use.

How do you know if cream has gone off?

After this point, it'll get thicker, so it could still theoretically be used in certain dishes if you wish to bulk out a sauce or serve with a curry. You'll know your cream shouldn't be used if it has a mouldy or discoloured surface, a sour and fermented smell, a horrible taste, and if it doesn't whip properly.

What to avoid when using Rejuv?

REJUVENATING SETS: DONTs 1. Do not mix and match rejuv sets with other products because skin may be sensitive when using rejuvenating sets. 2. Avoid Retinol when using rejuvenating sets.

Is rejuvenation good for your face?

You can improve the look of an aging face in a variety of ways, both nonsurgically and surgically. Some of the most common goals for facial rejuvenation include: Restore volume and face contour. Reduce the appearance of under-eye wrinkles and hollows.

What is the perfect skin rejuvenating set?

Perfect Skin Rejuvenating Set - Extra Strength
  • Whitens skin.
  • Tightens pores.
  • Dries Pimples fast.
  • Removes Pimple Marks.
  • Keep Skin blemishes free.
  • Removes blackheads and whiteheads.
  • Removes Discoloration.
  • With a natural pink effect.

Can I still use my cream if it turns brown?

INGREDIENTS CAN OXIDIZE:

Generally, you can tell that something has oxidized because it will turn a yellow-ish or brown-ish color. Sometimes this color shift doesn't greatly impact the efficacy of the product. But sometimes, this oxidation can be a sign that the ingredients inside the product are no longer potent.

Why is my tretinoin turning yellow?

Myth #3: Quality retinol is bright yellow retinol

But retinol breaks down in sunlight and on contact with air – turning it even more intensely yellow. So, if a retinol product is yellow, it could have lot of retinol, just not be stable, or contain added colorants / dyes.

Why has my cream turned yellow?

When Vitamin C is exposed to air for prolonged periods of time, it oxidizes which in turn causes the yellow/brown color change in our usually white cream. It is a natural process that happens to Vitamin C that is not reflective of the quality of the product.

What not to mix with hydroquinone?

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.

How do I know if tretinoin is working?

After 4-6 weeks, your skin will get used to Tretinoin and will begin to be noticeably smoother and more even. Depending on how often you use Tretinoin, you may begin to see full benefits by this point. A lot of the initial irritation will settle down and true “retinization” of your skin is in full force.

Does retinol get rid of pigment?

Retinol benefits the skin in many ways – by stimulating cell turnover, renewing the skin, reducing sebum production and has even been proven to lighten some forms of pigmentation over time. This has resulted in retinol being increasingly touted as a solution for many skin conditions including hyperpigmentation.

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