Are products that contain Hydroquinone good for treating dark spots?
Dr. Geyer: Hydroquinone has traditionally been a key ingredient in many skin brighteners and bleaching creams. It is available in over the counter preparations in the US in 2% concentrations, and by prescription at 4%. However, hydroquinone has been banned in many countries in Europe and Asia because of studies showing a possible carcinogenic effect of the agent when given systemically to animals, and there is a proposal in front of the FDA here in the US to ban use of this ingredient in new over the counter products. Though the risk of malignancy from the use of hydroquinone is thought to be exceedingly rare, if at all, hydroquinone-free alternatives are increasingly being sought. Potent Hydroquinone-free ingredients known to brighten the skin’s appearance include vitamin C, licorice, calcium pantetheine sulfonate, arbutin, kojic acid, ellagic acid, soy, and mequinol and alpha hydroxy acids. However, I must reinforce that any attempt to fade pigmentation must be coupled with rigorous
