Hydroquinone is considered the primary topical ingredient for inhibiting melanin production in the skin and as such is added to skin whitening creams to cover the effects of hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone is a strong inhibitor of melanin production, meaning that it prevents skin from making the substance responsible for skin color. However, Hydroquinone does not actually bleach the skin; it actually disrupts the synthesis and production of melanin. Melanin is in your skin to protect you from the harm caused by the suns UV rays. If you disrupt the melanin process you run the risk of losing the natural protection and can therefore be more susceptible to skin problems.

Some skin whitening creams contain a chemical called hydroquinone which is highly toxic and has been found to be linked by laboratory testing to some cases of Leukaemia cancer. This chemical is viewed as being so dangerous that it has been banned in the use of cosmetic goods in the European Union. However this ingredient is still widely used in products that can be purchased elsewhere over the counter and online. Because of hydroquinone's action on the skin, it can be irritant, particularly in higher concentrations of 4% or greater. Some creams have been created that combine 4% hydroquinone with tretinoin and a form of cortisone (steroids). The cortisone is included for anti-inflammatory purposes. The negative side effect of the repeated application of cortisone is countered by the positive effect of the tretinoin so that it does not cause thinning of skin and damage to collagen.

There have been some concerns about hydroquinone's safety on the skin. However, much of the research when it comes to the topical application indicates that the harmful reactions are minor or a result of using extremely high concentrations or from other skin-lightening agents such as mercury or glucocorticoids. This is particularly true in Africa and India where un-regulated skin whitening creams are commonplace. Hydroquinone can be an unstable ingredient in cosmetic creams and products. When exposed to air or sunlight it can turn a strange shade of brown. Therefore, when you are considering purchasing one of the hydroquinone creams, it must be packaged in a non-transparent container that minimizes light and air exposure. Hydroquinone creams packaged in jars are not recommended because they become ineffective shortly after opening.

There are various other alternative lighteners, many of which are derivatives of hydroquinone. Examples include, Mitracarpus scaber extract, Uva ursi (bearberry) extract, Morus bombycis (mulberry), Morus alba (white mulberry), and Broussonetia papyrifera (paper mulberry). All of these contain the compound “arbutin” which can inhibit melanin production. Pure forms of arbutin are considered more potent for affecting skin whitening. Meladerm is one such pigment reducing whitening cream. This treatment can inhibit the production of melanin in our body and thus help in skin whitening. It also contains no Hydroquinone, mercury or steroids.
Other options with some amount of research regarding their potential skin lightening abilities are kojic acid, licorice extract, azelaic acid, and stabilized vitamin C.

If you are determine to purchase Hydroquinone creams try to find ones that have a strong reputation. You can do this by doing a quick search online to find out if there have been any articles written about the creams.