Your Hydroquinone Questions, Answered! by Musely Editors Your Hydroquinone Questions, Answered!Dark spots, melasma, and hyperpigmentation are some of the most common skin concerns, but treating them effectively can feel overwhelming. That’s where hydroquinone comes in – a powerhouse ingredient that’s been transforming skin for nearly a century. As the gold standard for fading stubborn dark spots, hydroquinone works at a cellular level to fade dark spots and even out skin tone.At Musely, hydroquinone is a key ingredient in our prescription treatments like The Spot Cream, The Neck Cream, and The Eye Serum (Dark Circles). Whether you're targeting acne scars, sunspots, or melasma, these customized solutions combine hydroquinone with other science-backed ingredients to deliver visible results safely and effectively. In this guide, we answer all your most pressing questions about hydroquinone, from how it works to why it’s safe for your skin.Q: What is hydroquinone? A: Hydroquinone is a dermatologist-recommended ingredient used to treat hyperpigmentation, such as dark spots, melasma, and acne scars.Q: How does hydroquinone fade dark spots?A: It fades dark spots by targeting the root cause of hyperpigmentation: melanin production. Melanin is the pigment responsible for your skin color, and its overproduction leads to dark spots and uneven skin tone. With regular use, hydroquinone reduces the amount of melanin produced, allowing dark spots to fade.Q: Is hydroquinone safe? A: Yes, hydroquinone is safe to use! This ingredient is FDA-approved and used by dermatologists worldwide to treat pigmentary issues. Hydroquinone is a plant extract. You actually intake 300 times more Hydroquinone daily from coffee and tea than from topical use. Our hydroquinone is sourced properly by our FDA-regulated compounding pharmacies in the USA. Learn more here: https://www.musely.com/tips/WhyHydroquioneIsCompletelySafeToUse/30694935 Q: Can hydroquinone cause cancer?A: Unfortunately, this is misinformation spread online. There are zero reported cases of hydroquinone causing cancer in humans. In fact, millions of people have been using it for nearly 100 years. Hydroquinone is a plant extract, and you intake 300 times more hydroquinone daily from coffee or tea than from topical use. HQ is even safer with topical use under the supervision of our board-certified dermatologists. Since Sep 2020, any percentage of HQ requires a prescription in the United States and is not available over-the-counter. This ensures the medication is prescribed and sourced safely and in accordance with FDA regulations. Learn more here: https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/melasma-treatment# Q: Why do I need to take breaks from using hydroquinone?A: Continuous use and overuse of any products containing hydroquinone is not recommended since it carries a rare risk of causing Ochronosis, a stubborn and difficult-to-remove bluish black discoloration of the skin. Ochronosis is very rare but can happen especially to African American, Latin or Asian patients. The risk can happen with any concentration of hydroquinone but more likely with higher concentrations. If you notice a blue/gray discoloration of your melasma, stop using The Spot Cream and send us a photo. Q: Why is HQ banned in some countries?A: In the past, hydroquinone products manufactured in other countries were found to contain mercury, which can lighten the skin but is highly toxic. Some countries banned the ingredient to prevent import/manufacturing of hydroquinone products that could potentially contain mercury. Mercury is illegal in the US. As long as the manufacturer of your hydroquinone products is reputable and based in the US (like ours), there isn't reason to worry about the possible addition of mercury.