Discover the potential side effects of hydroquinone cream for your skin. Learn about the risks, precautions, and expert insights on using this skin-lightening agent safely and effectively.

Understanding Hydroquinone Cream and Its Side Effects

Hydroquinone is a widely used skin-lightening agent that has long been considered the “gold standard” in treating conditions like melasma and hyperpigmentation. However, as with any potent topical treatment, there are potential side effects associated with the use of hydroquinone creams. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the most common side effects, the risks involved, and expert insights to help you make an informed decision about incorporating hydroquinone into your skincare routine.

Common Side Effects of Hydroquinone Treatments

While hydroquinone is generally considered safe and effective, it’s not without its potential side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of hydroquinone treatments include:

• Stinging
• Redness
• Irritation
• Dry skin
• Allergic contact dermatitis (allergic reaction to hydroquinone)
• Inflammation

These side effects are typically mild to moderate in nature, and many formulas include steroids and retinoids to help boost efficacy and reduce the likelihood of skin irritation. Your dermatologist may conduct a patch test to check for any allergies before starting you on hydroquinone treatments, and they may also recommend starting at a lower dose for the first week to allow your skin to adjust.

Hydroquinone and Ochronosis: A Rare Condition

Despite being considered a safe and effective treatment, hydroquinone is not entirely free from scrutiny. One of the concerns is a rare condition called ochronosis, which can result in a blue-black pigmentation of the skin. Ochronosis typically occurs after prolonged use of hydroquinone on large patches of the skin, and once it occurs, it can be very difficult to treat.

To address this concern, in September 2020, over-the-counter hydroquinone formulas with concentrations of 2% or less were pulled from shelves. This decision was made due to concerns about the potential for misuse and the development of ochronosis.

Hydroquinone and Carcinogenicity Concerns

Another misconception about hydroquinone is that it is hazardous because it is produced from benzene, a known carcinogen. However, studies over the 60-year period that hydroquinone has been commonly prescribed do not indicate any dangers of toxicity in the topical use of hydroquinone.

Additionally, the claim that hydroquinone can actually cause melasma, rather than improving or curing it, is not supported by credible studies. There is no evidence to suggest that hydroquinone causes melasma.

Precautions and Proper Use of Hydroquinone Creams

It’s important to note that hydroquinone causes the skin to be much more sensitive to ultraviolet light. If you’re using hydroquinone treatments, it’s crucial to take precautions to protect the affected areas from sunlight, including using sunscreens and wearing protective clothing, such as broad-brimmed hats or long sleeves.

Furthermore, hydroquinone is intended for use on dark spots only and should not be used as an overall skin-bleaching treatment. Misuse of hydroquinone can lead to the development of ochronosis, which is a difficult condition to treat.

Consulting with a Dermatologist

If you’re considering using hydroquinone cream to address hyperpigmentation or melasma, it’s essential to consult with a dermatologist. They can assess your skin, determine the appropriate concentration of hydroquinone, and provide guidance on how to use it safely and effectively. They may also recommend complementary treatments or lifestyle changes to support the effectiveness of the hydroquinone therapy.

Conclusion

Hydroquinone is a powerful skin-lightening agent that has been widely used to treat conditions like melasma and hyperpigmentation. While it is generally considered safe and effective, it does come with potential side effects, including irritation, dryness, and the rare but serious condition of ochronosis. By understanding the risks and taking the necessary precautions, you can incorporate hydroquinone into your skincare routine safely and effectively, under the guidance of a dermatologist. Remember, proper use and diligent sun protection are key to getting the best results from hydroquinone treatments.

What Are Possible Side Effects Of Hydroquinone For Your Skin?

As you look at skincare options to address hyperpigmentation and melasma, you may be wondering if hydroquinone has any side effects. Continue reading to learn more about the risks and side effects associated with hydroquinone.

What are the most common side effects of hydroquinone treatments?

Although hydroquinone is considered the “gold standard” in treating conditions like melasma and hyperpigmentation, there are some side effects, including:

• Stinging
• Redness
• Irritation
• Dry skin
• Allergic contact dermatitis, or allergic reaction to hydroquinone
• Inflammation

Side effects of hydroquinone are typically mild to moderate. Many formulas include steroids and retinoids to help boost efficacy and reduce the likelihood of skin irritation. Your doctor may conduct a patch test on your skin to check for allergies before starting you on treatments.

It’s also not uncommon for treatments to begin at a lower dose for the first week to allow your skin to adjust to hydroquinone treatments. After the first week, you may be advised to increase the frequency of applications.

It’s also important to note that hydroquinone causes skin to be much more sensitive to ultraviolet light. You should be certain to take precautions to protect affected areas from sunlight, including using sunscreens and wearing protective clothing, such as broad-brimmed hats or long sleeves.

Hydroquinone and ochronosis

Hydroquinone is not totally free from scrutiny despite being considered a safe and effective treatment worldwide. This is evident as recently as September 2020, when over-the-counter hydroquinone formulas with concentrations of 2% or less were pulled from shelves over concerns of misuse.

One of these concerns is a rare condition called ochronotic, which results in a blue-black pigmentation of the skin. Ochronosis occurs typically after prolonged use of hydroquinone on large patches of the skin (Faridi). Although hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent, it is intended for use on dark spots only – NOT as an overall skin bleaching treatment. Once ochronosis occurs, it is very difficult to treat.

Some other misconceptions about hydroquinone exist despite a lack of evidence. For example, hydroquinone has been cited as hazardous because it is produced from benzene, a known carcinogen. However, studies over the 60 year period hydroquinone has been commonly prescribed do not indicate any dangers of toxicity in the topical use of hydroquinone (Grimes).

Another concern stemming from internet rumors claims that hydroquinone actually causes melasma, rather than improving or curing it. However, no credible studies indicate that hydroquinone causes melasma.

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Related:

• Diet For Hyperpigmentation: All Your Questions Answered
• Vitamins For Hyperpigmentation: All Your Questions Answered

References

• Faridi W, Dhamoon AS. Ochronosis. [Updated 2021 Aug 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560534/
• Grimes PE, Ijaz S, Nashawati R, Kwak D. New oral and topical approaches for the treatment of melasma. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2018;5(1):30-36. Published 2018 Nov 20. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2018.09.004
• Schwartz C, Jan A, Zito PM. Hydroquinone. [Updated 2021 May 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539693/

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Brandon Kirsch, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in clinical drug development and medical innovation. He is the founder of Kirsch Dermatology in Naples, Florida and is also the Chief of Dermatology at the Naples Community Hospital.

Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica) – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Brand Names:Aclaro, Aclaro PD, Alera, Alphaquin HP, Alustra, Claripel

Reviewed: November 3, 2020

Hydroquinone topical (for the skin) is used to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, melasma (sun damage), or chloasma (darkened skin caused by hormonal changes).

Hydroquinone topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica) used for?

• Dermatological Disorders

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to hydroquinone or peroxide.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• liver or kidney disease;
• asthma or sulfite allergy; or
• if you are using any antibiotic medicine.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to anyone under 12 years old without medical advice.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using hydroquinone topical and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe skin redness, burning, or stinging;
• severe skin dryness, cracking, or bleeding;
• blisters or oozing; or
• blue or black discoloration of the skin (especially if you are Hispanic or African-American).

Common side effects may include:

• mild burning or stinging of treated skin; or
• mild itching, redness, or other irritation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

C

Risk cannot be ruled out

Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica)?

Avoid getting this medicine in your eyes.

Avoid getting this medicine on your lips or inside your nose or mouth. Hydroquinone may cause numbness in these areas.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Hydroquinone topical can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors. Some hydroquinone products may contain sunscreen. Check the medicine label or ask your doctor to be sure.

Hydroquinone topical may make your skin more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind. Protect your skin with clothing and use a moisturizing lotion as needed.

Using hydroquinone topical together with benzoyl peroxide, hydrogen peroxide, or other peroxide products may stain your skin. This staining can usually be removed with soap and water.

Avoid using skin products that can cause irritation, such as harsh soaps, shampoos, or skin cleansers, hair coloring or permanent chemicals, hair removers or waxes, or skin products with alcohol, spices, astringents, or lime.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica)?

Use Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica)?

Apply the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses at one time.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica)?

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn’t breathing after taking Hydroquinone Topical (Esoterica), call 911

911

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Medical Disclaimer

Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Overview, Uses, Warnings, Side Effects, Pregnancy, Interactions, Dosage, Overdose, and Images sections. The information within all other sections is proprietary to Everyday Health. 

UK Dermatologists: Whitening creams act like a household solvent

September 28, 2019

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The British Local Government Association (LGA) has warned consumers about the dangers of using skin-whitening creams that act as a household paint remover.

This warning was issued after the association’s trade standards enforcement officers seized several batches of creams containing the bleaching ingredient hydroquinone and possibly also mercury.

According to the LGA, these toxic creams are available in the UK from hand, non-certified sellers, as well as online, at flea markets and flea markets.

Often, the exact composition of the ingredients is not indicated on the packaging of such products.

Why is hydroquinone dangerous?

Whitening creams are used to treat skin pigmentation, freckles, skin roughness, and often contain low doses of hydroquinone, but this component is toxic and affects the production of melanin, a pigment that protects the skin from harmful effects.

Due to serious side effects, creams containing hydroquinone, steroids or mercury are banned in the UK and can only be purchased with a doctor’s prescription.

British experts warn that hydroquinone acts on the skin in the same way as paint thinner, removing its top layer, which can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer, as well as liver and kidney failure.

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Mercury is just as dangerous and can cause the same health effects.

“Skin creams containing banned ingredients are very dangerous and can cause serious damage to your health, scarring and even death, and should never be used,” said LGA’s Simon Blackburn.

“Customers should always check what’s in a cream, be wary of too low a price – as it’s very likely to be counterfeit and potentially dangerous – and never use a product containing hydroquinone. If a product doesn’t list ingredients at all, then don’t use it,” Blackburn advised British consumers.

The British Skin Foundation takes the same advice, pointing out that the problem of illegal skin creams being sold on the black market recurs year after year.

“The ingredients in these beauty products can cause serious health problems, so the British Skin Foundation strongly discourages their use,” said Lisa Bickerstaff, spokesperson for the foundation.

Where were illegal creams seized?

The LGA has recently seized several shipments of whitening creams smuggled into the country, including:

• 360 items containing hydroquinone from a store in Dagenham, east London. Ingredients were incorrectly listed on the packages and did not meet EU standards. The shop owner was fined £6,500 ($7,300) and ordered to pay an additional £8,010 to the local council;
• in the London Borough of Sazark, local council officials withdrew 2,900 skin-whitening products from sale; most of them were imported in 2018 from Nigeria in a single batch;
• an illegal consignment from Cameroon containing 250 kg of bleaching creams containing hydroquinone was confiscated at London Gatwick Airport;
• in 2018, a store owner was sentenced to 20 months in prison for the first time in the UK for selling illegal whitening creams. The case was heard in the Royal Court of the Sazark district.

DERMAQUEST » Hydroquinone: what is it and why is it dangerous? | Rejuvenating peeling of the face against wrinkles | Reviews

What is dangerous whitening cream with hydroquinone, its action and side effects.

In your search for the most powerful pigment spot removal cream , you have come across information that is the most effective of all containing Hydroquinone.

But bad luck, it is impossible to buy a cream with hydroquinone in any official store, beauty salon or pharmacy.

What are the dangers of hydroquinone whitening cream, its effects and side effects.

CONTENT

• How hydroquinone works

• What is dangerous when applied topically

• Use of hydroquinone in different countries

• Modern alternative to hydroquinone

How hydroquinone works

It is a dihydric phenol, the molecules are very small and active. Easily penetrates into the deep layers of the skin.

Formerly used in medicine as an antiseptic and to reduce fever. But it was completely banned and withdrawn from medical use due to high toxicity.

In the skin, blocks the work of the tyrosinase enzyme, preventing the staining of keratinocytes with melanin pigment.

CONSULTANCY

Free online consultations are available from leading cosmetologists of the Russian representative office of DermaQuest / Circadia.

What is dangerous when applied topically

• Leads to death of skin pigment cells . The opposite result – in place of the former age spots appear white, discolored spots, as in vitiligo. The skin becomes defenseless against solar exposure, because. incapable of tanning.
• Increases the risk of developing skin cancer , which has a number of evidence-based studies. Especially dangerous is the use near the eyes – the development of pigmentation of the eyes and damage to the cornea were found.
• Destroys skin collagen , provokes the appearance of early wrinkles, thinning and aging of the skin.

Hydroquinone use in different countries

Surprisingly, topical hydroquinone still exists officially in a number of countries:

Approved for use in Russia and China;

Completely banned – USA, Japan, European Union;

Other countries – partial use – in concentrations up to 2%.

In countries with a high standard of living, hydroquinone is completely banned from use, based on official studies on the harm and toxicity of exposure to the skin.

Important! Before performing a professional procedure, the beautician should be informed about the use of products with hydroquinone, because. such skin has increased sensitivity, thinned epidermis and poor regenerative abilities. The restoration of the skin and its reaction to the procedure may come as a surprise to the specialist if the information has been hidden.

A modern alternative to hydroquinone

Science does not stand still, today there are modern safe substances that have many times more activity in comparison with outdated Hydroquinone, and at the same time – completely non-toxic! The list of safe whitening ingredients is long enough. However, their effectiveness is not always comparable with hydroquinone.

The main secret is the choice of product with combination of brightening ingredients .

The most effective and safe to use are:

1. Retinoids – naturally normalize the work of pigment cells, leading to lightening of pigmentation.
2. Hexylresorcinol – a tyrosinase inhibitor, as part of the patented Synovea® HR complex, whitening efficiency is 4 times higher than that of 2% hydroquinone!

DermaQuest professional medical cosmetics for clinics and beauty salons made in the USA has developed a special line “SkinBright” based on the richest complex of modern active ingredients, exceeding the result of 2% Hydroquinone by 4 times!

A powerful combination of whitening ingredients found in Brighting Retinol Serum DermaQuest – effective whitening of all types of age spots, incl.