Why should you avoid hydroquinone?

Author: Kianna Koepp  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

With continued use, hydroquinone and mercury can build up in your body, which may cause harm. The FDA has received reports of serious side effects from the use of hydroquinone, including rashes, facial swelling, and permanent skin discoloration (ochronosis).

What is the controversy with hydroquinone?

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.

Do dermatologists recommend hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone has also frequently been misused. It must not be used as an all-over skin lightening treatment and such procedures should be avoided. After much research, dermatologists have concluded that, in low concentrations, hydroquinone is safe to use and can produce some excellent results.

What is a safer alternative to hydroquinone?

New Hydroquinone Pigmentation Alternatives
  • Silymarin, derived from milk thistle, inhibits melanin production by targeting tyrosinase and is often combined with other botanical inhibitors.
  • Azelaic acid, a natural fungal derivative, brightens skin by inhibiting tyrosinase and is found in many cosmetic products.

What happens to your skin when you stop using hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone may prove beneficial for a maximum of five to six months. Once you stop using it, you may experience irritation on the affected parts of your body. This may lead to inflammation. This inflammation may be dangerous as your skin then begins to build resistance to the treatment after a certain time.

GET FLAWLESS Skin with Hydroquinone and Tretinoin!

Why can you only use hydroquinone for 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.

What does ochronosis look like?

Ochronosis is an uncommon disorder characterized by a clinical appearance of blue-black or gray-blue pigmentation, which reflects the histological finding of yellow-brown deposits in the dermis. [2] It most commonly affects the skin and sometimes the cartilages of ears and sclera of eyes.

Why is hydroquinone bad for your face?

With continued use, hydroquinone and mercury can build up in your body, which may cause harm. The FDA has received reports of serious side effects from the use of hydroquinone, including rashes, facial swelling, and permanent skin discoloration (ochronosis).

What is a natural form of hydroquinone?

Arbutin. According to Dr. Green, “Arbutin is a natural form of hydroquinone derived from the bearberry plant. It is a safer and effective alternative to hydroquinone and is less cytotoxic to the melanocytes.” Use it gradually during the first few weeks to make sure your skin doesn't react.

Do doctors still prescribe hydroquinone?

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.

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 to remove pigmentation from face permanently?

How to Get Rid of Hyperpigmentation from the Face Permanently?
  1. Topical Treatments with Active Ingredients. Topical treatments remain one of the most effective ways to target pigmentation at home. ...
  2. Chemical Peels. ...
  3. Laser Treatments. ...
  4. Sun Protection. ...
  5. Natural Remedies.

Which is better, tretinoin or hydroquinone?

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.

Why is my skin darker after using hydroquinone?

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.

What is more powerful than hydroquinone?

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.

How to prevent ochronosis when using hydroquinone?

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.

What can I use instead of hydroquinone?

Tyrosinase Inhibitors

Ingredients such as Arbutin, Kojic Acid, and Vitamin C are vital in correcting pigment concerns as well as brightening the skin. Serenity Aesthetics & Wellness's Brightening Pads are another popular product that we carry in office and online to help you target stubborn hyperpigmentation at home.

What foods are high in hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone (HQ), a hydroxyphenolic derivative of benzene, occurs naturally as an ingredient in various plant-derived foods and beverages, such as vegetables (e.g., onions), fruits (particularly cranberries, blueberries, and pears), grains (especially wheat, wheat germ, and rice), coffee, tea, beer, and red wine.

What is the best extract for skin lightening?

Arbutin and kojic acids are safe and currently used as cosmetic additives. Arbutin shows good photo stability. Plant extracts are generally safe without cytotoxicity and cause least irritation. Licorice is the safest pigment-lightening agents with the fewest side effects and most commonly used SLA in cosmetics.

Which cream is best for skin whitening without side effects?

  • Fairness Star Beauty whitening active ingredient face cream₹ 560/PieceGet Best Price.
  • Saffron Skin Whitening Cream₹ 370/PieceGet Best Price.
  • 7 in 1 Spicial whitening beauty cream₹ 400/PieceGet Best Price.

Is hydroquinone cancerous?

Hydroquinone works by decreasing the production and increasing the degradation of melanin pigments in the skin. This increases the skin's exposure to UVA and UVB rays, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Regulatory agencies in the U.S., Europe, Japan and other countries restrict the product use.

What happens if you use too much hydroquinone?

Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Stop using hydroquinone and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: blistering, skin cracking, blue-black darkening of the skin. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

What is the difference between melasma and ochronosis?

Melasma is a symmetric progressive hyperpigmentation of the facial skin that has a predilection for darker skin phenotypes. [1] Exogenous ochronosis (EO) is an uncommon disorder characterized by the deposition of microscopic, ochre-colored pigment in the dermis, giving rise to a blue-black hue in the skin.

Can you get rid of ochronosis?

At present, there are no treatments specifically approved for alkaptonuric ochronosis. Reducing protein consumption may help those patients who receive their diagnosis early. Low protein diets have less of the amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, which produce homogentisic acid when metabolized.

Previous article
Why is my face getting so wrinkled?
Next article
Is there anything that actually works for cellulite?