Best Lightening Cream Without Hydroquinone

I'm not even sure if skin lightening is the correct description of the product... skin whitening? bleaching? But I'm just learning about this area since I started seeing light freckles appear on the bridge of my nose and would like to use a product to "erase" them.

By now many have heard of or read of the dangers associated with using skin creams containing hydroquinone. Some may feel there is no hope for fading their dark marks without this ingredient. For those with hyperpigmentation this is a scary thought to have.

The FDA proposed a ban on over-the-counter sales of hydroquinone-containing products on August 29, 2006. Hydroquinone products are very popular in Asian and African markets for their skin-lightening properties. Though there is some evidence that hydroquinone may cause cancer in rodents, this has yet to be proven in humans.

Hydroquinone is used to lighten the dark patches of skin (also called hyperpigmentation, melasma, " liver spots," "age spots," freckles) caused by pregnancy, birth control pills, hormone medicine, or injury to the skin. This medicine works by blocking the process in the skin that leads to discoloration.

This lightening ingredient has been on our research radar since the early nineties! Get your questions about this controversial ingredient, straight from our experts. Get the scientific back story, and Dermalogicas stance on Hydroquinone from founder Jane Wurwand, and Dr. Diana Howard, VP of Research and Development and Global Education.

Hydroquinone has traditionally been known as an effective skin bleach used in treating skin pigmentation and discoloration. However, from time to time, some people allege that it's neither safe nor effective. In this episode of DermTV, Dr. Schultz shares whether hydroquinone is safe and effective.