Why did the FDA ban hydroquinone?

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).

Why is hydroquinone not FDA approved?

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.

Why is hydroquinone harmful?

Hydroquinone has been found to cause organ-system toxicity and respiratory tract irritation. Organ-system toxicity: Hydroquinone is linked to a skin condition called ochronosis in which the skin (our largest organ) thickens and turns bluish-grey. Exposure of the eye can cause pigmentation and permanent corneal damage.

Do dermatologists still prescribe hydroquinone?

Prescription hydroquinone creams

Dermatologists can also check your skin condition to know the best treatment for you: the right concentration of ingredients, and how long you need to use it. They may also combine hydroquinone creams with other treatments, so you achieve faster results.

When was hydroquinone banned in us?

As part of the passage of the CARES ACT on March 27, 2020, Congress made significant changes to how OTC products containing hydroquinone are regulated and dispensed. These changes became effective on Sept. 23, 2020, when all OTC products containing hydroquinone had to be removed from the market.

FDA WARNS 12 BRANDS SELLING ILLEGAL HYDROQUINONE PRODUCTS 😮 Dermatologist @DrDrayzday

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.

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.

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).

What can I use instead of hydroquinone prescription?

Mequinol (4-Hydroxyanisole)

Mequinol is the main alternative prescription alternative to hydroquinone. It's also known as methoxyphenol, hydroquinone monomethyl ether, and p-hydroxyanisole.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What is the warning hydroquinone?

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).

Can you still buy hydroquinone?

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.

Why did Obagi removed hydroquinone?

There has been some controversy about hydroquinone, and it has even been banned. But this was as a result of users causing damage to their skin by not using the product as they should, instead using too high a concentration.

How can I lighten my skin without using hydroquinone?

What is a natural form of hydroquinone?

Arbutin, the b-D-glucopyranoside derivative of hydroquinone, is a naturally occurring plant derived compound found in the dried leaves of a number of different plant species including, bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), blueberry, cranberry, and pear trees.

Which fruit contain hydroquinone?

Well, hydroquinone is also found in certain fruits, such as pears and blueberries. Since hydroquinone, reduces melanin production, taking these fruits could make your white patches even whiter.

Which food contains hydroquinone?

A previous study reported that hydroquinone was present not only in coffee, but also in tea, red wine, wheat, and fruits.

What are the long term effects of hydroquinone?

Long-term effects are a possibility; cancer being the most likely. Renal adenomas and leukaemia occurred in animal experiments indicating the nephrotoxicity and carcinogenic properties of the substance. It is now known how hydroquinone and its metabolites can cause damage to DNA and inhibit apoptosis of mutated cells.

Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently?

Does hydroquinone lighten skin permanently? No, the results of any skin lightening that hydroquinone brings about are not permanent. The effects can be seen within a couple of months or a few years at the maximum.

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”).

Does hydroquinone destroy melanin?

Unlike other skin lightening agents such as kojic acid, arbutin, mulberry extract that work by inhibiting tyrosinase, hydroquinone also kills melanocytes, the cells that make melanin.

Why did Europe ban hydroquinone?

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.