Acne and spot treatments

Hydroquinone

INCI: HYDROQUINONE

A skin lightener banned in EU cosmetics and in US over-the-counter products.

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C₆H₆O₂110.11 g/mol

oxygencarbonhydrogen

3D shape from PubChem 785

All products0.01%

1 of 14,784 products with a full ingredient list in Open Beauty Facts.

A benzenediol: a benzene ring with two hydroxyl groups opposite each other. It lightens skin.
2 sourcesHide

Hydroquinone is a benzenediol comprising benzene core carrying two hydroxy substituents para to each other.[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source
a skin lightening agent[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source

To fade dark spots: melasma, marks left by inflammation, sun spots and freckles.
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is used to correct skin discoloration associated with disorders of hyperpigmentation including melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmention, sunspots, and freckles[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source

The FDA has received reports of rashes, facial swelling and ochronosis, a darkening of the skin that may be permanent, and advises against over-the-counter lighteners.
Well established2 sourcesHide

skin rashes, facial swelling, and ochronosis (discoloration of skin) from the use of skin lightening products containing hydroquinone[2] US Food and Drug Administration · open source
FDA advises consumers not to use these products due to the potential harm they may cause, including ochronosis which may be permanent.[2] US Food and Drug Administration · open source
Unlike most skin products, it is absorbed into the body relatively well, which matters in pregnancy.
Some evidenceSourceHide

With the exception of hydroquinone, which has a relatively high systemic absorption rate[3] Study · 2011 · open source
The US expert panel considers it unsafe in leave-on cosmetics; only up to 1% in brief uses rinsed off.
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The CIR Expert Panel concluded that hydroquinone is safe at concentrations of less than or equal to 1% for cosmetic formulations designed for discontinuous, brief use followed by rinsing from the skin and hair.[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source
Hydroquinone is unsafe for use in other leave-on cosmetic products.[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source

In the skin, where it fades dark patches of pigment.

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is used to correct skin discoloration associated with disorders of hyperpigmentation[1] PubChem (US National Library of Medicine) · open source

Banned in cosmetics, except professional artificial-nail products (0.02%).
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1339 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III[4] EU law · 2026 · open source
14 Hydroquinone Hydroquinone 123-31-9 204-617-8 Artificial nail systems 0,02 % (after mixing for use) Professional use only[4] EU law · 2026 · open source

Since the CARES Act (2020), over-the-counter skin lighteners with hydroquinone are not legal; the only approved hydroquinone product is a prescription cream for melasma.
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since enactment of the CARES Act, OTC skin lightening products containing hydroquinone are deemed to be new drugs and are misbranded.[2] US Food and Drug Administration · open source
Currently, Tri-Luma is the only FDA-approved drug containing hydroquinone. Tri-Luma is a prescription product approved for the short-term treatment of dark spots associated with moderate-to-severe melasma of the face.[2] US Food and Drug Administration · open source

PubChem: Hydroquinone (CID 785), record description PubChem (US National Library of Medicine)PubChem (US National Library of Medicine)
FDA works to protect consumers from potentially harmful OTC skin lightening products | FDA US Food and Drug Administration
Safety of skin care products during pregnancy Bozzo P et al., Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 2011Study
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, consolidated text of 18 May 2026 Publications Office of the European Union (EUR-Lex/Cellar), 2026EU law

Checked against these sources on 4 November 2026. Spot a mistake? Tell us.