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The Effects of Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a naturally occurring compound. It is commonly found in skin lightening creams and creams meant to reduce age spots or blemishes. Prior to 2006, creams featuring hydroquinone could be obtained over the counter in the United States, but since then the Food and Drug Administration has banned hydroquinone in over-the-counter products because of its potential toxicity.

  1. Skin Lightening

    • You will most likely find hydroquinone in products meant to lighten your skin or reduce pigmented spots. Hydroquinone lightens your skin by breaking down cells that produce the skin pigment melanin. After four weeks of using a hydroquinone-containing product you should notice lightening of the area to which you applied the cream.

    Carcinogenic Effects

    • Though hydroquinone cream is usually well-tolerated, drugs containing the chemical have been banned for over-the-counter use because of its potential as a carcinogen. In studies performed by the FDA, hydroquinone was found to increase the rate of tumor formation in rats. Though hydroquinone has not yet been proven to cause cancer in humans, the product has been banned for over-the-counter use in many countries as a precaution.

    Exogenous Ochronosis

    • According to MedicineNet, hydroquinone has been linked with the skin condition exogenous ochronosis. This medical condition causes the skin to become dark and thick, while raised yellow and grayish-brown spots may also appear in the affected areas. This side effect has been observed especially among people with darker skin, but it is a rare complication. Doctors from the New Zealand Dermatological Society hypothesize that this condition may not be caused by hydroquinone, but by other ingredients in hydroquinone-containing creams such as phenol and resorcinol, which are also known to cause ochronosis.

    Other Side Effects

    • Hydroquinone sometimes causes other side effects, including minor skin irritations such as redness, burning and itching. Hydroquinone may also heighten skin's sensitivity to the sun, so wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors while you are using it. More serious side effects include abnormal adrenal function and increased levels of mercury in the body.

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