What works just as good as 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.
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What can I replace hydroquinone with?

Mequinol (4-Hydroxyanisole)

Mequinol is the main alternative prescription alternative to hydroquinone. It's also known as methoxyphenol, hydroquinone monomethyl ether, and p-hydroxyanisole.
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What is a natural substitute for hydroquinone?

5 Super Effective Natural Hydroquinone Alternatives
  • Kojic Acid.
  • Arbutin.
  • Vitamin C.
  • Retinol.
  • Niacinamide.
  • Mushroom.
  • Licorice/Glycyrrhizin.
  • Azelaic acid.
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How can I lighten my skin without using hydroquinone?

Experts Reveal 7 Ways to Lighten Discoloration Without Using Hydroquinone
  1. 1 / 7. Vitamin C. Vitamin C is one of those beauty ingredients that packs a whole lot of punch. ...
  2. 2 / 7. Peels. ...
  3. 3 / 7. Acids. ...
  4. 4 / 7. Retinol and retinoids. ...
  5. 5 / 7. Arbutin. ...
  6. 6 / 7. Niacinamide. ...
  7. 7 / 7. Licorice extract.
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Does niacinamide work as well as hydroquinone?

Does niacinamide really brighten your skin? “Yes, niacinamide brightens your skin by inhibiting melanosome transfer. In some studies, it's been shown to be only slightly less effective at skin brightening when compared to hydroquinone (the go-to lightening ingredient in many products).
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Is hydroquinone safe? Q



Does niacinamide lighten skin permanently?

Researchers found Niacinamide is an important ingredient in skin lightening, which works to stop the transfer of melanin pigment (responsible for the darkening of the skin) to skin cells (keratinocyte). Niacinamide decreases hyperpigmentation and lightens skin gradually after using it for a long duration.
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How long does niacinamide take to lighten hyperpigmentation?

In the clinical studies, niacinamide significantly decreased hyperpigmentation and increased skin lightness compared with vehicle alone after 4 weeks of use.
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Which is the best lightening cream without hydroquinone?

The Best Skin Lightening Creams Without Hydroquinone.
  • Medik8 C-Tetra Cream. ...
  • Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Day Cream. ...
  • Dermalogica BioLumin-C Gel Moisturiser. ...
  • Murad Environmental Shield City-Skin Overnight Detox Moisturiser. ...
  • SK-II Cellumination Deep Surge EX. ...
  • Laneige Radian C Cream.
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What ingredient permanently lightens skin?

Decode Common Whitening Ingredients And Get Tips For Fairer Skin
  • Hydroquinone (HQ) HQ is the agent of choice for skin lightening. ...
  • Retinoids. Retinoids have been used topically in the treatment of acne, photoaging and hyperpigmentation. ...
  • Arbutin. ...
  • Azelaic Acid. ...
  • Glycolic Acid. ...
  • Kojic Acid. ...
  • Paper Mulberry Extract. ...
  • Niacinamide.
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How can I lighten my skin drastically?

How to Make Your Skin Lighter
  1. Use Preventative Sun Care. ...
  2. Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly. ...
  3. Protect Your Skin Barrier From Environmental Pollutants. ...
  4. Use Skin-Lightening Products in Your Skincare Routine. ...
  5. Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods. ...
  6. Give Microdermabrasion a Try. ...
  7. Consider Laser Therapy.
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How do you treat hyperpigmentation without hydroquinone?

7 non-hydroquinone alternatives to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  1. Niacinamide. Also know as nicotinamide, it is the active form of niacin (vitamin B3). ...
  2. Lactic acid. ...
  3. Arbutin. ...
  4. Vitamin C. ...
  5. Licorice root. ...
  6. Azelaic acid. ...
  7. Mulberry extract.
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Is there natural hydroquinone?

Free HQ was found in coffee (0.2 ppm), red wine (0.5 ppm), wheat cereals (0.2-0.4 ppm), and broccoli (0.1 ppm). After consuming a meal including arbutin- and HQ-containing foods, volunteers showed significant increases in plasma and urinary levels of HQ and its conjugated metabolites (total HQ).
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Why you should not use hydroquinone?

FDA has received reports of serious side effects including skin rashes, facial swelling, and ochronosis (discoloration of skin) from the use of skin lightening products containing hydroquinone.
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Which active ingredient is best for hyperpigmentation?

Retinol is one of the best ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation due to its ability to speed up cell turnover.
...
Here are the best ingredients in skincare products if you want to brighten an uneven complexion.
  1. Vitamin C. ...
  2. Kojic Acid. ...
  3. Retinol. ...
  4. Niacinamide. ...
  5. Azelaic Acid. ...
  6. Mandelic Acid. ...
  7. Arbutin.
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How do you make hydroquinone naturally?

Bearberry Extract

This botanical ingredient contains a natural form of hydroquinone and arbutin as melanin inhibiting agents. Derived from the uva ursi plant, bearberry extract contains potent antioxidant properties which help with hyperpigmentation.
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Is kojic acid the same as hydroquinone?

Kojic acid is similar to a chemical called hydroquinone. They are both effective treatments for hyperpigmentation. Treatment with kojic acid isn't immediate. For significant improvement, you'll need to use a kojic acid cosmetic for up to three months in some cases.
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What do Koreans use to lighten their skin?

To brighten and lighten skin, they use Korean skin care products. Natural ingredients such as rice extracts, vitamin C, and licorice are used in Korean skin care products to effectively brighten and lighten the skin. In addition, Korean women will go to the dermatologist to have brown spots lightened with lasers.
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What is the most effective skin whitening product?

Our top picks
  1. Ebanel DR LIGHTENING ULTRA-POTENT FACIAL CREAM - Best Overall.
  2. The derma Co 2% Kojic Acid Face Cream - Best for Correcting Discoloration.
  3. Neutrogena Bright Boost Gel Cream - Best Oil-free Formula.
  4. URBAN BOTANICS Advanced Skin Radiance Face Cream- Best for Daily Use.
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What is scientifically proven to lighten skin?

Hydroquinone and Glutathione treatment both work as melanin inhibitors. Hydroquinone treatment also known as benzene or quinol is rich in properties and is an inhibitor of melanin production, thereby resulting in lightening of the skin. It is particularly helpful for treatment of different forms of hypopigmentation.
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Which is more effective hydroquinone or kojic acid?

Topical Hydroquinone has a faster onset of action and higher efficacy compared to kojic acid with Vitamin C.
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What is the generic for hydroquinone?

Hydroquinone is a generic drug. Eldoquin, Epiquin Micro, Lustra, Melanex are similar brand-name drugs.
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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.
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How do you speed up hyperpigmentation fading?

Here are a few things you can do to speed up the healing process.
  1. Sunscreen. ...
  2. Use Anti-Inflammatory Skincare Regularly. ...
  3. Micro Needling. ...
  4. Chemical Peels. ...
  5. Vitamin C. ...
  6. Retinol. ...
  7. Lasers.
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How can I get rid of hyperpigmentation in 2 weeks?

exfoliate. This is the first step to speed up cell turnover and remove the damaged, overly pigmented and dead skin cells. Using a gentle yet effective chemical exfoliator like with Quick Refiner every night will also help your skin to absorb the key ingredients of the brightening products much better.
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Can you fade hyperpigmentation in 2 weeks?

How long does it take for hyperpigmentation to fade? Once what's causing the dark spots or patches is found and stopped, fading can take time. A spot that is a few shades darker than your natural skin color will usually fade within 6 to 12 months. If the color lies deep in your skin, however, fading can take years.
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