Why Hydroquinone Is Completely Safe To Use by Musely Editors Why Hydroquinone Is Completely Safe To UseHydroquinone. Chances are, you’ve probably heard the word tossed around at least once or twice in the skincare world. But why does it get such a bad rep? Hydroquinone has been well known in the field of dermatology, for its effectiveness in treating skin discoloration issues such as melasma, sunspots and dark spots caused by inflammation. It works by blocking the enzyme tyrosinase, which is crucial in the production of melanin thereby reducing the visibility of these pigmented areas.Recent research studies support the use of hydroquinone when supervised by professionals. A treatment plan that includes hydroquinone for periods up to 4 months followed by continued use of other skin brightening products can improve results while minimizing potential side effects. Additionally combining hydroquinone with antioxidants like vitamin C and proper sun protection measures can enhance its effectiveness and safety offering an approach to addressing skin pigmentation concerns.We've gathered information from multiple Board Certified Dermatologists, including Dr. Andrea Dray who answered the most frequently asked questions when it comes to hydroquinone safety and summed it up for you here:What is Hydroquinone?Hydroquinone was noted to be an effective treatment for excess skin pigmentation around 1936 and eventually sold over the counter as a cream to treat hyperpigmentation and melasma in the 1950’s. Because it’s been around for so long, we have detailed safety records of its use over time in the U.S.Can Hydroquinone be absorbed into the body?This depends on the vehicle that the hydroquinone is in. Ethanol was one of the only vehicles banned for hydroquinone use because studies had shown the absorption to be much higher with that base. However, a typical gel or water base is completely safe to use. Did you also know that hydroquinone is present in most of the foods we eat? In fact, a cup of coffee contains about 31 micrograms and pears contain almost 736! Our body is fully equipped to handle and process hydroquinone and the levels in our body exceed whatever would be in a prescription cream as well.Does Hydroquinone cause cancer?Many people are referring to the lab rat study when asking this question, where a group of rats developed a specific type of renal tumor after prolonged hydroquinone use. However, there have been proven counter-studies that show that these types of lab rats are predisposed to this type of renal cancer and that it is not physically possible for humans to develop the same renal tumors that were found in the rats. Rats also do not have the capacity to metabolize hydroquinone as the human body can in the process of glucuronidation. In the drug's history, there have been no reports of renal tumors or cancers found in humans from hydroquinone usage.Does Hydroquinone damage the liver?Toxicology studies have actually shown that lab rats were found to have more benign tumors but fewer liver cancers after being given hydroquinone for a prolonged period of time. The group of rats given hydroquinone had significantly fewer liver cancers than the group that didn’t receive it. In a separate study, 9000 workers from a hydroquinone factory were also monitored over a long period of time and had a lower overall cancer rate than the control groups who were not exposed to the ingredient.Will Hydroquinone cause Pseudo-ochronosis?Pseudo-ochronosis is the accumulation of homogentisic acid and deposition of brown-black pigment in the dermis of the skin caused by certain external substances being applied to the skin. However, many things can cause this condition to develop including anti-malaria drugs and un-regulated skin bleaching creams. In fact, many unregulated skin bleaching creams contain dangerous ingredients such as mercury which causes serious skin damage. Many dermatologists use prescription hydroquinone for years at a time with no issues because the ingredients have been tested and regulated over decades of use.Study cited:Levitt, J. The safety of hydroquinone: a dermatologist's response to the 2006 Federal Register. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007 Nov;57(5):854-72. Epub 2007 Apr 27.