Ingredient
Hydroquinone
Risky
What is this ingredient, what does it do?
Skin lightener (banned in EU cosmetics)
May cause irritation
What is it, what should you do?
A skin-lightening active; BANNED in cosmetics in the EU and usable only with a doctor's prescription. In uncontrolled use it can cause permanent darkening of the skin (ochronosis). It is the classic hidden ingredient of "extremely effective" spot creams bought online; if you see it on a label or in an illicit product, do not use it, and consult a dermatologist for pigmentation treatment.
Related ingredients
This is general information, not medical advice. The assessment may vary by skin type.
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