Kristin`s Concerned About Hydroquinone:
Is hydroquinone a carcinogen? I`ve read so many conflicting reports; and I know it`s been banned in several European countries, but it`s still being recommended by dermatologists here in the US. Just the presence of benzene in there, and its use in photographic development materials, are enough to freak me out just a little.
The Left Brain Calms Her Qualms (Sort Of):
Hydroquinone, for those of you who might not know, is a chemical used in skin lightening creams. It works by decreasing the formation of melanin, the pigment in your skin that gives it color. It`s applied topically to lighten areas of darkened skin such as freckles, age spots, cholasma, and melasma.
Does it cause cancer? Unfortunately, there doesn`t seem to be a clear consensus in the scientific community. In the US, according to the EPA there is No information is available on the carcinogenic effects of hydroquinone in humans. This substance/agent has not undergone a complete evaluation and determination under US EPA’s IRIS program for evidence of human carcinogenic potential. They do site studies that have shown an increased skin tumor incidence in mice treated dermally. But many chemical that cause cancer in lab mice that don`t affect humans the same way.
In Europe, where regulations tend to be a bit more liberal, hydroquinone has been banned. Unfortunately, The Beauty Brains are cosmetic chemists, not toxicologists, so we`re not sure of the details. But this reminds us of how different countries treat chemicals differently. For example, the US has banned the artificial sweetener cyclamates because of studies linking it to cancer yet it is allowed in 55 other countries. Who’s right, who’s wrong? Unfortunately, even science isn`t always black and white. And speaking of white, if you want whiter skin but you`re worried about possible dangers of hydroquinone you might want to avoid using products that contain it. That`s the beauty of ingredient lists “ you can read the package and decide if the product is for you or not.
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If there are product out there that don’t have hydroquinone and are still effective, why not choose those instead? I myself was flattered to come across a product called Makari (sold on http://www.makari.com) that does not contain hydroquinone or other harmful ingredients.
That’s a great point. Unfortunately, there are NOT products out there that are free from hydroquinone and effective. Makari products do not contain any active ingredients that will significantly whiten or brighten your skin. You’re better off buying a cheaper skin lotion or moisturizer as you’ll get the same effect as these products.
actually makari does contain active ingredienta, and it works perfectly.
New Beauty Magazine has/had several great references to other active ingredients to combat hyper-pigmentation. Kojic Acid and Arbutin are very, very effective in the pursuit of even tone and breaking up the clumping of melanocyte activity. Not as quick a fix as hydroquinone, but who wants to apply something to skin that has been banned in SO MANY countries when there are great alternatives? Who wants to stay out of the sun? Who wants to apply a product that advisor’s to physicians, i.e.- Medical Malpractice company -The DoctorsCompany- suggests disclosing these concerns and documenting a “discussion” with patients in medical records? Yikes. The U.S. FDA is considering a ban to be decided ANY day. New Beauty has given many products room to be reviewed. MODUS from Italy, where hydroquinone is banned, was developed to help patients with these issues, yet is used with ALPHA-Arbutin. Many doctor’s are seeking alternatives and this newly introduced line has impressed many and been selected to provide patients that do not want Hydroquinone, a great alternative. Read “scientific peer reviewed” literature from Pentapharm…google Pentapharm arbutin….it’s interesting.
One of the reasons that hydroquinone is banned in Europe, Japan and South Africa is that is is being abused by those that want to have whiter, lighter skin. This IS dangerous.
I am a medical aesthetician and our patients do have better results with 2% Hydroquinone or prescription strength 4%, however, they are medically supervised and are not on it for more than 3-6 months.
I have some non-hydroquinone products that might lighten and brighten which include 2% Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Emblica, Citric Acid and Glycolic Acid to name a few, however, the results do take longer.
Also, if one does not consistently protect their skin with a physical UV block, discoloration will become more evident.
Makari is just another overpriced jar of cream, there is not a significant amount of ingredients in it to work. I used it for 4 months. Nothing, waste of money.
I used Meladerm, nothing, waste of money.
Finally, I broke down, purchased a tube of 4% hydroquinone and a jar of glycolic acid. That took a year for my hyperpigmentation to go away.
Hyperpigmentation doesn’t appear overnight and will not go away over night. I tried Olay Definity for 2 months, nothing there as well.
Be careful when purchasing a lightening cream. Many creams will have AHA, BHA’s in them and that takes off the top part of your skin, making you think your skin is lightening, also the citric acid will lighten the skin, but will not remove the hyperpigmentation. Make sure your active ingredient is at least 3rd on the list, if not, there is very little active ingredients in it.
Niacinamide doesn’t take away hyperpigmentation it prevents it. Mixed with glucosamine with a certain level of ingredeints it will work. Glucosamine 4% and Niacinamide 2%. That high amount is being prescribed to acne patients. List the % of ingredients or at least show the list in order, that will determine if the product is worthy.
The reason hydroquinone was banned in certain countries is that manufactuers were putting in more hydroquinone in the product than was safe. People were ignorant and not following directions.
They were using it 365 days of the year, day and night. Which caused ochronosis (cancer), purplish color of the skin. Sometimes grayish color as well. When using hydroquinone, use for 3 months. Take a break for one month, continue that cycle, for one year. Never use hydroquinone for more than a year in the cycle. Hydroquinone will stop working for you if you don’t take a break from it. When reading if something works, go to other websites where at least a 50-100 people have left a review, don’t take a companies word on their website. Get educated and realize, hyperpigmentation is hard to get rid of, it can take a long time. Be diligent in your routine and above all wear a sunscreen that doesn’t break down, everyday, even when it’s raining. If not your treatment of hyperpigmentation will all have been in vain!
@Maria – Thanks for your information. While your personal experiences with products will be helpful to some people, you state some things as facts without providing any references to back them up.
For example, whether an ingredient is listed 3rd or 4th on an ingredient list is not necessarily indicative of anything. See our post on “How to read an ingredient list” for the rules followed by companies in the US.
Also, 50-100 reviews mean nothing. It is a simple matter for companies to generate fake reviews. I wouldn’t trust reviews of any products on the Internet.
Your assertion that hydroquinone causes cancer has not been proven by good science.
Thank you for all your advice. There’s a product that i found and i wanted to hear what you have to say about it. its called LEMONVATE GEL enhanced with Vit-C. You see, i have the worst case of hyperpigmentation only on my feet, my feet and the rest of my body is like night and day. I have seen so many dermatologist and they could not help me, two biopsy later they still cant help me. So i decided to use bleaching cream, all i want is to be able to wear my sandals without worring about the color of my foot.