arbutin

Hi Anon,

Welcome to EmpowHER and thanks for your question. Up until a number of years ago a large number of companies that produced anti-aging products said to have skin lightening properties included hydroquinone as a major ingredient. However, on the 29th of August 2006, the Food and Drugs Administration announced that they would be proposing a ban on products containing hydroquinone and that it would only be available under prescription. This was due to the results following tests carried out on mice and rats showing that hydroquinone may possibly have carcinogenic properties. The manufacturers of these products did not, of course want to stop their production of well-selling skin lightening creams, and so they were forced to quickly come up with an alternative. The alternative used by many was Arbutin. Arbutin is said by these manufacturers to be a safe ingredient and to not have the possible side effects associated with Hydroquinone. Hope this information was helpful?

Best,

Daisy