The Benefits (and Dangers) of Hydroquinone

Hydroquinone is a topical agent used in dermatology for reducing pigmentation and discoloration in the skin. It is available in the U.S. in over-the-counter strengths of up to 2 percent, with higher concentrations available only by prescription. Because of dangers associated with hydroquinone several countries, such as the U.K. and Japan, have banned its use.

Consumers are now getting hydroquinone on the internet without the benefit of medical supervision, which can have dangerous consequences. Over the past six years, the internet has been inundated with discounted skincare products, including hydroquinone-based skin bleaching creams that are being sold direct to consumers. In the past, hydroquinone could only be obtained with a prescription or under the care of a physician. We are seeing a wave of cases of hyperpigmentation from consumers using hydroquinone for the wrong indications and without adequate sun protection. Without seeing a qualified dermatologist or licensed skincare professional, there is so much misuse and overuse of this potent topical agent.

Our skincare collection, the ZO® Medical range, is available exclusively through healthcare practitioners around the world—you can only use our formulations through your dermatologist or plastic surgeon, because they are the skincare experts and can instruct you on how to use these potent and effective products in an optimal way.

MELAMIN™ contains 4% USP hydroquinone and is s highly effective solution to lighten hyperpigmentation. The MELAMIN formulation alters the essential subcellular metabolic processes that cause cytolysis and inhibits melanin production, resulting in a more even skin color and tone. Similarly, MELAMIX™ also contains 4% USP hydroquinone. It is a gradual bleaching cream that works to penetrate the skin and effectively deliver the active ingredients of the system to the melanocytes. MELAMIX reduces the appearance of chloasma, melasma, and freckles and optimizes delivery of active ingredients.

ZO Skin Health is on a mission to help make our customers aware of the dangerous consequences of prolonged use of hydroquinone without medical supervision, and to provide safe concentrations of hydroquinone through prescription-only products engineered to to safely correct hyperpigmentation and other skin discoloration issues.