Does hydroquinone cause cancer in humans?

No carcinogenic properties have been associated with topical or oral hydroquinone use in humans.

Is hydroquinone hazardous?

Hydroquinone is also a skin irritant in humans. Chronic (long-term) occupational exposure to hydroquinone dust can result in eye irritation, corneal effects, and impaired vision. No information is available on the reproductive, developmental, or carcinogenic effects of hydroquinone in humans.

What is the half life of hydroquinone?

With i.p. administration to B6C3F1 mice, the hydroquinone half-life was 9 min (DeCaprio, 1999). Biotransformation of hydroquinone to its detoxified urinary glucuronide and sulfate conjugated metabolites has been recognized for decades (Figure 1).

What type of cancer does hydroquinone cause?

Hydroquinone, described by the LGA as “the biological equivalent of paint stripper”, can remove the top layer of skin, increasing the risk of skin cancer, and cause fatal liver and kidney damage. Mercury can cause similar life-threatening health problems.

Is hydroquinone banned in Europe?

Hydroquinone is classified as a drug and is banned for the use in cosmetic products in Europe and in many countries such as Japan, Australia and several African states. Nevertheless, it is still too often found in formulations of depigmenting creams sold online all over the world.

Is hydroquinone Banned in Canada?

As of June 30, 2019, products containing hydroquinone greater than 2% for topical use require a prescription from a healthcare practitioner to be sold in Canada. Several products with more than 2% hydroquinone that were previously sold over the counter have been recalled in Canada.

Is hydroquinone 4% FDA approved?

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.

Why is hydroquinone banned in USA?

The agency cites “some evidence” of the drug’s potential link to cancer and fertility problems, as well as a clear link to exogenous ochronosis, even at low doses. 2011: Texas bans the sale of hydroquinone products in doctors’ offices but allows prescription sales to continue.

Can 2 percent hydroquinone cause cancer?

As far as topical application goes, no systemic reaction has ever been noted, and no link to skin cancer has ever been found.

Does hydroquinone cause leukemia?

Apart from its effects on the skin, hydroquinone has been found to expose users to acute toxicity from oral exposure and it can also cause diseases such as thyroid disorder, leukemia, and liver damage.

Is hydroquinone banned in USA?

CARES Act Legislation Halting Sales of OTC Hydroquinone is Now in Effect. The CARES Act contained language that halts the sale of OTC products containing hydroquinone as of September 2020.

Does hydroquinone get into bloodstream?

Recently, short-term, single dose, in vivo experiments were conducted in humans. These experiments showed that hydroquinone was effectively (45% of total dose) and quickly absorbed by the skin (35% of total dose in 1 h) and relatively quickly absorbed into the bloodstream (30% within 1 h).

Does hydroquinone cause liver damage?

Is hydroquinone safe long term?

While consistency is important for maximum results, you shouldn’t use it for long periods of time. If you don’t see any improvement after three months, discontinue use. If you do see improvement, you can use the product for up to four months, and then begin to taper off use.

Is 12% hydroquinone safe?

“Hydroquinone is definitely safe,” adds New York dermatologist Robert Finney, MD. “I usually start at 4 percent but will go up to 12 percent in tougher cases.