Is Hydroquinone safe to use while breastfeeding?

Question

I'm still breastfeeding and started a hydroquinone (12%) treatment a few days ago, for my melasma on my forehead. This morning I read that hydroquinone should be avoided while breastfeeding and now I'm worried. Is that correct and I should stop immediately, or is it ok while breastfeeding? Do I have to worry about my baby because I breastfeed these past days, while using HQ? Thanks.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hydroquinone (Eldoquin, Lustra, Melquin) is not recommended for use while breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data and significant systemic absorption (35–45% of the applied dose). There are no studies confirming its safety in lactating women, and most expert sources advise avoidance during breastfeeding.

Key points:
Systemic absorption: Topical hydroquinone is absorbed in substantial amounts (up to 45%)
Lack of safety data: There are no studies on hydroquinone use during breastfeeding, and its excretion into breast milk is unknown
Expert recommendations: Most sources, including StatPearls and the Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), recommend that breastfeeding women avoid hydroquinone due to unestablished safety
No known acute toxicity: There are no reports of harm to infants from short-term maternal use, but the absence of data means risk cannot be excluded

What to do now:
Discontinue hydroquinone immediately while breastfeeding, as per current recommendations
No need for panic: There is no evidence of acute toxicity to infants from brief maternal use, but ongoing exposure should be avoided
Monitor infant: If you notice any unusual symptoms in your infant, report them, but the risk from a few days of use is likely low due to lack of documented cases.

References to guidelines: The Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) and StatPearls both recommend avoidance of hydroquinone in breastfeeding due to lack of safety data and significant systemic absorption

In summary: Hydroquinone should be stopped while breastfeeding. There is no evidence of harm from a few days of use, but ongoing exposure is not recommended due to unknown risks.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello! My name is Jessica, I am a physician assistant, and one of the providers at Aesthetic Skin in Winnetka and Chicago. This is a great question. Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent commonly used to treat hyperpigmentation. When it comes to breastfeeding, safety is a priority. Hydroquinone is not recommended for use during breastfeeding because there is limited research on its effects on nursing infants, and the potential for systemic absorption exists. I hope this helps and best of luck!

Is Hydroquinone safe to use while breastfeeding?

Answers (2)

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