An update on the safety of hydroquinone.

Findings

This 2024 review looked at 15 years of hydroquinone safety research and found enough concerns that the U.S. banned it from over-the-counter products. While hydroquinone is very effective at treating dark spots and melasma, the research raised serious safety questions that warranted regulatory action.

Design
Review
Evidence
Moderate
Journal
Archives of dermatological research
Ingredients studied