Is Topical Hydroquinone Safe for Skin Lightening?

Topical hydroquinone is one of the most popular agents for bleaching the skin for conditions such as melasma or chloasma.
It is frequently combined with Retin-A to enhance its bleaching effects. Due to the irritating nature of both of these agents, topical steroids are commonly added to minimize the inflammation.
Hydroquinone (HQ) has a long history of safety when used properly.
It should not be used if you are pregnant or in the process of conceiving.
You should notify your doctor of any other medical conditions especially kidney or liver disease.
It is available over the counter in 2% concentrations which are generally weak an useful in mild cases of hyperpigmentation or for maintenance.
As a prescribed medication it commonly prepared in 3-7% concentrations.
IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that you adhere to strict regimen of avoidance of sun exposure while being treated with HQ and institute application of sunscreen at all times.
This can cause skin irritation and should therefore be avoided if you suffer from inflammatory skin conditions.
In 2007, the FDA generated alot of negative publicity when it considered recalling the product due to concerns with cancer and ochronosis ( a pigmented condition of the skin). The reports were sufficiently rare that the FDA abandoned the recall.

Topical hydroquinone is a safe option. Our office employs Hydroquinone and non-Hydroquinone treatments. An excellent non-Hydroquinone alternative is Melarase AM, which contains natural skin lighteners. Raffy Karamanoukian MD 

Hydroquinone based skin lightening creams are the mainstay of effective skin brightening when used properly. I use a brightening kit from Kare Skin. See link below. It contains a regimen that is quite effective.