What is the reasonable amount of hydroquinone in a skin cream?

Is it true that hydroquinone causes cancer? Is 2% hydroquinone enough to cause cancer?

What is the reasonable amount of hydroquinone in a skin cream?
Hydroquinone can be compounded into 5%-10% concentrations, but at these strengths, may be irritating and unstable. The 2% concentrations of hydroquinone available over the counter in the US and Canada are not as efficacious as the 3% and 4% prescription formulations, as their onset of action is later than with the higher concentrations.





Although the full extent of the dangers of hydroquinone , the active ingredient in the skin bleaching creams are still unknown, U.S. studies have linked it with leukemia, liver damage, and thyroid disorders. Animal studies show that it could cause mutations in developing fetuses.





Hydroquinone has been on the cancer watchlist for decades, both because of animal studies (rats given tons of hydroquinone to ingest) and retrospective health surveys that compared cancer risks by occupation/environmental exposure. Statistically, lifelong excess exposure to hydroquinone is associated with an increase cancer risk, so the FDA wants to ban OTC sales of hydroquinone. Many dermatologists claim limited topical use does not pose a genuine hazard.





Instead of hydroquinone there are safe subsitutes to reduce the intensity of skin discolorations. Licorice extract, azelaic acid, mulberry extract and bearberry extract all tend to inhibit skin melanin pigment synthesis. An experienced aesthetic dermatologist or cosmetician can help you decide which skin lightening cream will work best for you.