Hydroquinone is just one of many agents capable of interferring with tyrosinase. And it has come under fire for causing skin irritation, an unusual increased darkening of the treatment site known as ochronosis, and there have been stray concerns that it could theorhetically lead to some sort of problem with fetal development.
Hydroquinone has been reported to cause some mutations in lab research on Salmonella and hamsters. While considered to have a high safety rating here in the U.S., for these reasons, hydroquinone is unavailable for use as a bleaching agent in Europe and South Africa. As of now, the FDA stands behind hydroquinone and its safety record.
The general rule of thumb in this situation is to discontinue hydroquinone-based bleaches after 4-6 months if improvement is not seen.
All is not lost, however if you’re unable or unwilling to use hydroquinone. Two molecules, similar in structure to hydroquinone exist that help lighten skin without the associated risks of irritation, ochronosis or mutagenicity. These are hauronoside and arbutin.
Read more about Hydroquinone, it’s potential ban, and the alternatives available at the following links: FDA.gov, New Beauty Blog 1, New Beauty Blog 2, TheDoctors.com
