(2) Hydroquinone

WHAT ARE THE WHITENING 

INGREDIENTS IN SKIN CARE?

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(2)

Hydroquinone

Description 

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  An industrial chemical. combined form of glucose in arbutin.

How it works

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 Inhibits DNA synthesis and mitochondrial enzymes, has direct cytotoxic effects toward melanocytes. Also competes for tyrosine oxidation in active melanocytes.

Efficacy

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Inhibits DNA synthesis and mitochondrial enzymes, has direct cytotoxic effects toward melanocytes. Also competes for tyrosine oxidation in active melanocytes.

Safe to use on darker skin

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 Mostly safe, but risks exist. Exogenous ochronosis has been observed in black patients who have used high concentrations of hydroquinone for many years. 

Thus, hydroquinone should be discontinued if no improvement occurs within 4-6 months.