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Topical Skin Creams

Having lighter, more even-colored skin is desirable in many cultures. Hydroquinone, which is a skin-bleaching agent, is the main active ingredient in many topical skin-lightening creams. But the safety of hydroquinone is controversial.

Even the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had questions about the dangers of hydroquinone. In 1982, the agency proposed a rule that over-the-counter skin bleaching products be considered generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE). After the FDA reviewed new data in 2006, it recommended reversing the GRASE designation because of studies showing that hydroquinone might be a cancer-causing agent in rats and mice.

As a result of the new information, the FDA is supporting additional safety studies. 

Much research has been conducted on hydroquinone because it is a metabolite or break-down product of benzene, a known carcinogen (cancer causing agent).

Alternatives to Hydroquinone

The following skin lightening creams do not contain hydroquinone:

• MEDliten
• Lucederm
• Revitol
• Makari
• Exuviance
• South Beach Skin Solutions
• Lumitone HP Pro
• Donell (SuperSkin) Lightening Cleanser
• Porselene
• Neova Kojic Complex Gel
• BodyBleach
• Vikki LaMotta’s Perfect Skin Lightener

Potential Injuries Caused by Hydroquinone

Some concern has been raised about a possible connection between hydroquinone and leukemia.  Data from animal studies also are a cause for worry about the safety of the substance.

Hydroquinone side effects at the skin areas treated include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Burning
• Crusting
• Swelling
• Ochronosis (A blue to black discoloration of the skin that sometimes includes thickening.  This occurs mostly in dark skinned persons who used the material over a long period of time.)

While some of the FDA studies have not yet been concluded, it is important to bear in mind the potential dangers of hydroquinone side effects, especially the possibility of it being a cancer-causing agent.

Contact a Hydroquinone Attorney

If you believe you’ve suffered a side effect of the skin-bleaching agent, you may be eligible to seek compensation from the makers by filing a hydroquinone lawsuit. For more information, contact our hydroquinone attorneys for a free consultation.