DANGER: HYDROQUINONE

Careful with your skin whiteners

Studies have shown that the unsupervised use of hydroquinone has resulted in side effects

ranging from skin discoloration and disfiguring to ‘fish odor syndrome,’ a condition where the body exudes an

offensive odor through the breath, saliva, sweat or urine. Side effects have resulted in

hydroquinone being banned in Europe, Australia and Japan.

Studies and tests have shown that there are indeed side effects to prolonged and

unsupervised use of hydroquinone in excess of the acceptable formulation and dosage.

The US FDA has described hydroquinone as a ‘possible carcinogen’ and said it has

documented links to a skin-disfiguring condition called ochronosis, a dermatological

disorder that results in the adverse pigmentation of cartilage.

Filipinos to be fully aware and conscious of the effects of hydroquinone. The

Philippine Dermatological Society says Filipino consumers are prone to using

high concentrations of hydroquinone on large areas of their body over a

prolonged period of time, from several months to several years.

Unethical practices by some manufacturers compound the problem. The accepted hydroquinone concentration in a skin

whitener is 2 to 4%, although PDS says some products have been found to have a

hydroquinone concentration of up to 6 to 8.5%. At 4% hydroquinone, doctors highly recommend limited use under supervised

conditions. In the Philippines, skin whiteners with 4% hydroquinone are sold over-the-counter without need for a prescription.

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET TOO MUCH

HYDROQUINONE

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET TOO MUCH

HYDROQUINONE

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET TOO MUCH

HYDROQUINONE

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET TOO MUCH

HYDROQUINONE