A popular skin lightener may be banned

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Tina S. Alster, MD, Elizabeth Tanzi, MD and Jennifer L. MacGregor, MD

A popular skin lightener may be banned

Posted Saturday, December 30, 2006

Who doesn’t have sun damage these days? Have you noticed more sun spots on the left side of your face? These are caused by the sun exposure that you get while driving (without sun screen of course). With the possibility that the popular skin lightener hydroquinone may be pulled from store shelves, what are we to do? Hydroquinone has been pulled from store shelves and cosmetic counters in Japan and most of Europe, and now the FDA is warning that the skin-lightening ingredient may be carcinogenic (when taken orally) and is considering a potential ban, unless it is prescribed by a physician. Our advice: Err on the side of caution and opt for skin-lighteners that contain azelaic acid, kojic acid, licorice extract or other lightening ingredients.

Tags: age spots, hydroquinone, hyperpigmentation

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Danielle W said...
Skin care technology has come a long way since Retin-A especially in Europe. The researchers who investigate ingredients linked to cancer and birth defects among other side effects have conslusive evidence that has banned HQ from several countires whose FDA's are not solely funded by drug companies. In the USA the FDA is funded by powerful drug companies who are concerned with sales, not health risks like other countires with National Healthcare. Just something to think about. The word is spreading and the pressure is on the US FDA.

Posted January 11, 2007 12:05 PM

Marjorie P said...
I agree completely. If you view the public comments on the FDA's web site, one can see that industry has copied form letters for "their physicians" to sign saying a ban would devastate their patients. Actually, many physicians (not all-most physicians are not greedy) fear they will lose their cash cow from their practices. And they will have to find other alternatives to achieve skin health with new products. Seeking products from the EU and other HQ banned countries would cause a cost of time, training and research. In consumer's short sightedness, there is panic to the fact that there simply isn't an alternative to HQ. This is a real concern, not about vanity. There are many great products that have been produced all around the globe since HQ was banned in the EU, Australia, Japan and other countries. Why are media outlets not discussing the topic and allowing consumers to make the call? Most of my friends do not even know that there is such a controversy and continue using product.

Posted January 26, 2007 5:15 PM

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