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Hydroquinone

Our database includes 29 products that contain Hydroquinone.

Explained

Hydroquinone is used to treat hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and age spots.

It works by decreasing the melanocytes in your skin. Melanocytes are cells that create melanin (the color pigment in skin).

Be sure to use this ingredient as prescribed by your doctor. Wearing sunscreen is also a must (you should be wearing sunscreen anyway!).

Most hydroquinone prescriptions are not to be used for longer than 3 months. Long term usage can cause ochronosis, or a condition in which the skin darkens more than before.

This ingredient is banned in the EU for being skin sensitizer. In the US, this ingredient is not allowed for over-the-counter sale.

However, it is still possible to get hydroquinone in the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan from a doctor's prescription.

There is no known research backing this ingredient to be carcinogenic in humans.

Check out the European alternative to hydroquinone here.

Gentle reminder that all skin tones are beautiful!

You should know

Benefits

Dark Spots

Concerns

Rosacea
Community Rating
Mixed

What it does

Stabilising Causing to become stable

Prevalence

Less common Percentage of products that contain it
0.1%
Top categories
Treatments
Other Skincare
Moisturizers
Position Predominant list placement
Top 25%
Concentration Concentrations we've seen
2% to 12%

References

CosIng Data

CosIng ID 76687
INCI Name HYDROQUINONE
EC #  204-617-8
All Functions Stabilising