What countries is hydroquinone banned in?

The health risks posed by hydroquinone are well known. In fact, it's banned in Japan, the EU, and Australia. But here in the US, it's still available over the counter, and it's on the FDA's list of “generally regarded as safe and effective” (GRASE) ingredients.

Why is hydroquinone banned in other countries?

The issue with hydroquinone in other countries is not hydroquinone itself. It is that it is often contaminated in mercury when prepared overseas. Mercury is toxic to the kidneys and nervous system and can cause problems with brain development in unborn children.

Is hydroquinone approved in Europe?

Hydroquinone. A possible carcinogen, this ingredient is banned in concentrations higher than 1% in the EU. It has most commonly led to photosensitivity, which means your skin is ultra-sensitive to the sun, among other skin conditions.

Why is hydroquinone banned in US?

On August 29, 2006, the FDA proposed restrictions on products containing the bleaching agent hydroquinone due to reported concerns about possible carcinogenicity and a link to ochronosis.

Is hydroquinone banned in Canada?

Under Canadian legislation, cosmetics that contain substances that are harmful to the user cannot be sold. Hydoquinone is already prohibited for use in cosmetics applied to the skin.

Hydroquinone: Why Is This Skincare Ingredient Banned In Some Countries?

Is hydroquinone Banned in UK?

By law, hydroquinone and steroids cannot be used in cosmetic products sold in the UK. However, many countries have not banned their use. Hydroquinone products purchased from overseas suppliers may contain them.

Is hydroquinone banned in Australia?

In Australia, hydroquinone is available over the counter in pharmacies at concentrations of 2% or less. You have to get it from a pharmacy because it's considered an actual medicine with a clinical effect, so there are special labelling requirements. It must also be registered with the TGA.

Does hydroquinone get into bloodstream?

In humans, HQ is carried throughout the body in the blood stream and transported to the bone marrow where it is converted to benzoquinone in the bone marrow. The conversion of hydroquinone to benzoquione is integral in the development of acute myelogenous leukemia (“AML”).

Is hydroquinone cancerous?

FRIDAY, May 27, 2022 (HealthDay News) -- Hydroquinone use increases the risk for both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers by more than threefold, according to a study presented at the Society for Investigative Dermatology Annual Meeting, held May 18 to 21 in Portland, Oregon.

What are the dangers of hydroquinone?

► Exposure can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, dizziness, and muscle twitching. ► Hydroquinone may cause a skin allergy. ► Long term exposure may affect the liver and kidneys.

Is hydroquinone allowed in France?

Considering the risks to human health associated with its application, hydroquinone has been banned from cosmetics in Europe since 2001 [40] and its use in skin-lightening cosmetic formulations is currently illegal (see the “Regulations” section for more details).

Is there anything better than hydroquinone?

There are several safe alternatives to hydroquinone that can be used long-term. You can find them in a variety of skin care products. Other safe, natural alternatives to hydroquinone include brightening ingredients like kojic acid, vitamin C, mushroom, licorice/glycyrrhizin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide (vitamin B3).

Why is hydroquinone controversial?

In addition to its potential side effects, hydroquinone has come under scrutiny due to reports of products containing the ingredient also being laced with mercury, making them extremely poisonous and even life-threatening.

Did FDA Ban hydroquinone?

Skin lightening products containing hydroquinone are not approved for over-the-counter sale. However, you can get a prescription skin product containing hydroquinone from your health care provider. The use of mercury in skin lightening products is banned.

Who should not use hydroquinone?

Do not use hydroquinone topical on open wounds or on sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or irritated skin. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 2 months, or if your condition gets worse.

Does hydroquinone cause liver damage?

Apart from its effects on the skin, hydroquinone has been found to expose users to acute toxicity from oral exposure and it can also cause diseases such as thyroid disorder, leukemia, and liver damage.

Do dermatologists recommend hydroquinone?

“Hydroquinone is considered the topical gold standard in dermatology for reducing hyperpigmentation.” Dermatologists often use hydroquinone to treat melasma, a skin condition where dark patches appear on the forehead, cheeks and upper lip.

Should I stop using hydroquinone?

Stop application after five months.

Prolonged regular use of hydroquinone may lead to exogenous ochronosis, which can cause blue-black pigmentation and papules, red bumps on the skin.

What is the safest skin lightening product?

There is no safe or reliable way to lighten someone's skin tone. Products or DIY recipes that claim to do so carry numerous risks. Even legal and over-the-counter options, such as hydroquinone creams, can sometimes lead to permanent discoloration.

How long can you safely use hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone, a tyrosinase inhibitor, in a 4% cream can be used safely twice daily for up to 6 months to treat post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

How long should you take a break from hydroquinone?

Usage Recommendations. Hydroquinone can be used twice daily for up to five months consecutively. After five months, melanocytes should be allowed to stabilize during a two to three month break from hydroquinone.

What happens if you use hydroquinone cream too much?

Excessive hydroquinone concentrations may induce toxic or shocking effects on melanocytes, forcing them to regroup and increase their melanin production (resulting in rebound hyperpigmentation). Additionally, high concentrations of hydroquinone may provoke skin inflammation.

Is hydroquinone banned in India?

You will need a doctor's prescription to buy these products as per the law. The chemist cannot give hydroquinone-containing cream to anybody without a doctor's prescription. Its usage can cause skin irritation, rash while over-use or long-term usage can damage the skin, which cannot be treated.

Is hydroquinone toxic to the skin?

Daily use of hydroquinone causes it to accumulate in the body as absorption into the skin is faster than excretion in the urine. The use of hydroquinone as a skin-bleaching agent is accordingly unsafe and should be completely banned.

Can you buy hydroquinone over the counter in US?

Frequently asked questions about hydroquinone topical. Is hydroquinone topical available over the counter? Hydroquinone topical used to be available over the counter (OTC). But as a result of the 2020 CARES Act, it's only available by prescription from your provider.