Shivaram K, Edwards K, Mohammad TF. An update on the safety of hydroquinone.
Arch Dermatol Res 2024;
316:378. [PMID:
38850450 DOI:
10.1007/s00403-024-02990-6]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Hydroquinone has been used for years for multiple conditions, including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, dyschromia from photoaging, and solar lentigines. It is known to be a very effective lightening agent, but several concerns have been raised about this widely used agent. The recent U.S. ban on over-the-counter skin lightening products containing hydroquinone has prompted further questioning of the safety of this widely used agent. While there have been prior informative, large-scale reviews on the safety of hydroquinone, new findings have since been reported. Here, we provide an updated review of studies published in the past 15 years on hydroquinone safety.
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