The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) originally ruled that hydroquinone products with concentrations of 2% are generally recognized as safe and effective.

However, in 2006, the FDA proposed that the National Toxicology Program conduct additional studies on hydroquinone because of some research indicating that hydroquinone can act as a carcinogen in rats and mice when taken orally. Various studies are currently in progress.

“Because of its extensive use internationally, there are a lot of studies on this molecule, some suggesting that it might be carcinogenic, But overall, it is a rather safe molecule, when used short-term by experts.”

Alternatives to hydroquinone

Skin-lightening ingredients besides hydroquinone include azelaic acid, glycolic acid, kojic acid, retinoids (retinol, tretinoin, adapalene gel, or tazarotene), and vitamin C, so look for creams that contain one or more of these agents.

As with hydroquinone creams, be sure to seek out products that are made in the United States or recommended by your dermatologist, since other countries don’t regulate cosmetic products as closely and they could contain potentially harmful ingredients.

“While I do use hydroquinone for my patients, I also use other ingredients that help block that pigment-making enzyme,” Dr. Kormeili says. “These ingredients include azelaic acid, kojic acid, and licorice. In combination with topical tretinoin — not retinol! — they work rather well.”

Bleaching creams aren’t the only options for lightening hyperpigmented skin. Other skin lightening treatments include laser lightening, photorejuvenation, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, tranexamic acid, and glutathione injections.

Each option comes with its own side effects and risks, and a dermatologist will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment for your hyperpigmentation and skin tone.

“Like everything else in medicine, one hyperpigmentation treatment may work for one person and may not work as well for another,” Dr. Khatri says. In addition, providers can recommend a tapering protocol with an alternative topical agent to prevent rebound or re-pigmentation of the areas when hydroquinone is discontinued.

Hydroquinone is one of the staple solutions to hyperpigmentation, and there is a reason it’s still widely used after all these decades. In the vast majority of cases, it works, at least to some extent. However, if you’ve tried hydroquinone and it didn’t work or you’re looking for faster results, ask a doctor for more information about other skin lightening products and procedures.

Bleaching Creams

If you’re too squeamish to go under the laser, fear not! Skin lightening cream can be used to permanently lighten skin at home relatively safely. There are several unique bleaching creams out there, most of which contain the topical skin-bleaching agent hydroquinone. This ingredient is used in a wide range of products designed to lighten skin and correct hyperpigmentation. It can be used for all-over lightening or to lighten darker skin on the knees and elbows.

Hydroquinone works by limiting the skin’s ability to produce melanin through a concentration of between 2 and 4 percent, with 4 percent being the standard used in prescription-strength creams. Most people report seeing visible results within 12 weeks of consistent use, especially when SPF 35+ sunblock is applied regularly. Sunburn can complicate the medication’s ability to work properly, and can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

In simple terms, hydroquinone can be seen as a garden hose. When clamped tightly, hydroquinone can prevent the transfer and excess production of darker pigment to a specific area. When released, if you are ultimately more prone to your skin tone darkening (as in the case of people with Melasma) then the pigment returns. Professionals often advise people experiencing re-pigmentation after stopping hydroquinone to taper off slowly, and occasionally add another antioxidant rich lotion or serum in the process.

There is also a wide range of skin lightening home remedies people try, ranging from citrus peel and yogurt treatments to milk and honey masks that affect the production of melanin. In general, these treatments work by harnessing the same potent acids used in chemical peels (especially lactic acid from milk and citric acid from oranges or lemons) to slough away the top layers of the skin to create a fresh, new appearance.

Bleaching Creams: Side Effects and Risks

Hydroquinone has gotten a bad rap over the years, and for good reason. Skin whiteners containing this ingredient were banned in South Africa years ago due to skincare companies adding harmful active ingredients like mercury and glucocorticoids to their products.

Fortunately, this additive is significantly less harmful when used on its own. With that being said, this skin whitening treatment can cause a skin issue called exogenous ochronosis, which in turn causes speckled pigmentation all over the body and face.

Lightening ingredients like hydroquinone have also been linked to liver damage when taken orally. Other side effects and risks of hydroquinone include photosensitivity, allergic reaction and toxicity, which can trigger ringing of the ears, nausea and seizures. Home skin whitening remedies are significantly less risky in terms of long-term use. As long as you use safe, gentle and natural ingredients to create home lightening creams and peels, there’s a good chance you won’t see many harmful side effects.

Skin Lightening Chemical Peels

Chemical peels have become a skincare cure-all for a range of issues, from fine lines and wrinkles to depigmentation and dark spots. These treatments work by removing the outer layer of the skin via chemical compounds and acids — primarily alpha-hydroxy acid like glycolic acid as well as salicylic acid, azelaic acid, citric acid and lactic acid. These treatments can be performed in-office by a specialist or at home using over-the-counter or homemade peels.

Choosing which type of chemical peel to use comes down to your specific skin issues. If you’re looking for an all-over lighter complexion, you’ll want to invest in one of the deeper, more intense chemical peels available. Those who just want to correct stubborn discoloration and dark spots can see big gains from gentler chemical peels. Different skin types lend themselves better to different types of peels. For example, those with acne-prone or oily skin can benefit from a lightening salicylic acid peel.

Chemical Peel Side Effects and Risks

The great thing about chemical peels is that they produce consistent results with few side effects or risks. In general, most patients report mild redness and irritation after undergoing a dermal peel. In the cases of deeper and more intense peels, permanent scarring — especially on the lower part of the face — is possible. Some people also report blemishes and viral flare-ups after having a chemical peel.

And, of course, chemical peels can cause hypopigmentation and other skin lightening effects in those with deeper skin tones. In some cases, especially after a superficial peel, hyperpigmentation (the darkening of skin) can occur. We highly recommend speaking with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist about your specific skin type and skin concerns, as he or she will be able to determine which type of acid is best suited for your skin.

Tranexamic Acid for Topical or Oral Skin Lightening

Steering away from an overly technical discussion, essentially the tranexamic acid inhibits a pathway that leads to increased pigment when exposed to UV. Studies going back to the 1980s have tested the chemical both topically and orally to improve skin tone, especially in pigmentary disorders like Melasma. Tranexamic acid applied orally is used to temporarily treat pigment irregularities, specifically in Melasma sufferers, with minimal adverse effects when monitored properly. It is not appropriate for patients with a history of heart problems, stroke, or blood clotting issues.

One study published in August of 2014 concluded that topical tranexamic acid did improve skin tone, but not as well as combination topical steroid and hydroquinone, in individuals with Melasma. Currently, topical tranexamic acid can be found in Skin Medica’s Lytera 2.0 serum among many other potent antioxidants that aid in skin tone repair. It can be found at professional seller locations like physician offices and authorized medical spas.

Glowing skin doesn’t stop on your face, which is why iconic makeup artist Pat McGrath recommends always using highlighter on your décolletage. “My Skin Fetish highlighter stick works amazingly as a body shimmer,” she says.

Her best advice for putting it on so it looks natural and not contrived? “The trick is to hunch your shoulders forward so your collarbones pop out; that’s where you want it,” she says. After that, McGrath recommends adding a powder on top for even more glow: “It photographs beautifully.”

Use toner before serum or moisturizer.

Using a great moisturizer is a no-brainer for getting glowing, healthy skin, but what you use before it is just as important: toner. Toners get a bad rep for either doing nothing or totally stripping your skin, but the new generation is essential for hydrating and prepping your skin. “Think of it as a glass of water for your skin,” says Nachi Click, owner of Mist Beauty. “Serums and creams can penetrate deeper if your skin is hydrated.” Shop some of our favorites below, and see here for some of the best toners we can’t live without.

Strengthen your skin barrier.

Exfoliating two to three times a week is great for your skin, but any more and you can risk compromising your skin’s barrier function (i.e., its ability to keep moisture in and damaging elements like free radicals out). A weak barrier can lead to flakes, dryness, and irritation. The good news is that there are now treatments formulated specifically to strengthen and repair your skin barrier (look for keywords like soothing, replenishing, and barrier repair on the label). Charlotte Cho, cofounder of Soko Glam, swears by the Thank You Farmer Back to Relax Soothing Gel Mask, while we love Dr. Loretta’s Intense Replenishing Serum.

Add vitamin C to your routine.

Ask any skin expert, and they’ll recommend a vitamin C serum for radiant skin. “Apply five drops of vitamin C serum underneath SPF each morning to target free radical damage, help lighten dark spots, and even out your skin tone,” says Natalie Smyth, an influencer and skin-care expert. See some of our favorites below, or click here for more of the best vitamin C serums.

Switch to a chemical exfoliator.

Swap your classic face scrub for a chemical exfoliator—i.e., a peel or serum that uses AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs—which tend to be less abrasive on your skin. “Physical exfoliants sand your skin’s surface,” says New York dermatologist Dennis Gross, M.D., whereas acids break apart the bonds that hold dead skin in place to gently clear it away. Chemical exfoliators also have a bonus when used regularly: “By increasing cell turnover, you’re going to encourage the creation of new collagen,” says Gross. “So you’ll see a firming effect over time.”

Start by using a gentle acid a few times a week, or a stronger one once a week to knock out dullness, clear away dead skin cells, and unclog pores.

Binge-mask.  

While most of us might save a sheet mask for a special occasion or spa night, when your skin is acting particularly finicky, consider making it a daily thing. “When my face looks blah, I’ll do sheet masks like St. Ives Glowing Apricot Sheet Mask for seven days straight. “It has a compounding effect of hydrating and smoothing that delivers a crazy glow by week’s end.”

Finally, an easy way to decode those YouTube tutorials.

Applying eyeshadow is relatively easy. However, learning to apply eye makeup the right way is no simple task. How do you choose the right shade for your eye color and skin tone? Do you really need 10 makeup brushes? Will you ever use every color in that eyeshadow palette?

We know that it’s easy to get confused about the best ways to make your eyes pop, so we’ve crafted a 5-step guide to show you exactly how to handle all those eyeliners, mascaras, and shadows, no matter your eye shape or color. Let’s get started:

Start with great makeup brushes.

There’s a reason famous artists don’t finger paint: it’s much harder to create a masterpiece without the proper tools. The same holds true for makeup application. Invest in a few good cosmetic brushes for even, precise, and hygienic makeup application. Luckily, you can get great ones without dropping an entire paycheck.

When we tested the best makeup brushes in our Beauty Lab, we found that synthetic brushes are almost always preferable to their natural-fiber counterparts, and they are more affordable, easier to clean, and allergy-friendly. (Psst: All of our winners were synthetic, and the pros couldn’t differentiate them from pricier natural picks!)

Apply a base eyeshadow to the lid.

Using your eyeshadow brush, sweep your favorite base shade on your eyelid. If you have brown eyes, shimmer might be the way to go — look how Mandy Moore rocks it on the red carpet.

Depending on the look you’re going for, you can bring this base color all the way up to your brow bone in preparation for a more dramatic smoky eye, or you can stop at the crease of your eye for a basic, everyday look.

In the latter case, here’s a foolproof trick: place the color into the crease of your eye when your eyes are open, and work down toward the lash line. That way, you’ll never overshoot your crease or end up with messy lines.

Concentrate darker shadow in the eye crease.

Dark colors attract light, so placing a darker tone of shadow in the crease of the eye makes your eyes pop by adding depth and dimension in the exact right spot.

To get the look, dip a domed brush into a dark shadow and sweep it right along the eye socket, following the shape of your eye between your brow bone and eyelid. is a universally flattering choice, no matter your eye color.

If you (like me!) have hooded eyes, your upper lid covers most of your mobile lid when your eyes are open. That means you will have to play with different, higher placements for crease shadow, because if you simply apply along the eye socket, the color will disappear when you open your eyes. Instead, start with your eyes open and use your brush to mark where you want that dark color to start in order to be visible. Then, close your eyes and blend across, smoothing out any hard lines and focusing pigment on the outermost corner of the eye in a “V” shape.

Rim your lash lines in a super-dark color.

Eyeliner that’s applied correctly can make your lashes look thicker and eyes look wider. If you’re not a huge fan of eyeliner, you can get a similarly impactful look (that’s easier to wash off!) with a super-dark eyeshadow. Use a flat, short-bristled brush, like this one to press the dark color along the edges of your upper eyelid where your eyelashes begin, and along the lower lash line.

If you like to wear liner on your waterline (the inner-most rim of the eye), be aware that the bristles might irritate your eye. In that case, you can trace this line with our favorite eyeliner, or (beauty hack alert!) apply a pale nude liner to the waterline to make the eye look wider and more awake. Just be sure you choose something waterproof.

Highlight with a pretty shimmery shadow.

Make your brows pop and add lift by adding a shimmery pale eyeshadow or pencil directly under the brow.  is an easy-to-use pencil, or you can for more shimmer. Add the same pearly light color to the inner corner of the eye to brighten things up, too. Finish with a few coats of our favorite mascara, and you’re good to go.

When it comes to achieving a flawless finish, concealer plays a big part. It has the ability to disguise dark circles when you’re running on little to no sleep, cover up blemishes and balance out any redness. But it’s not quite as simple as dabbing a bit under your eyes and dashing out the door.

If you want to learn how to apply concealer like a pro, there are a few little tricks that’ll up your concealer game a great deal, leaving your skin looking as though it’s been airbrushed.

Ready? Here are a few expert tips on how to get the most from your concealer…

Foundation First

If you tend to wear foundation, apply that first then pop your concealer on on top, wherever you think it’s needed.

Draw a Triangle

The best and most flattering way to conceal your eye area is to draw a triangle under your eye, with the point reaching your cheek. Not only will this conceal any signs of dark circles, but it will also create the illusion your face is more lifted.

Blemishes? Go Green

If you’re covering up a spot, use a green concealer (only on the spot, not the area around it) first to help cancel out any redness, then once this has ‘set’, dab on your usual concealer to add more camouflage, blending it into the skin around the blemish too. Always apply both with a clean concealer brush to avoid bacteria spreading.

Bright Eyes

Opt for a concealer that is a little lighter than your skin tone and paint on a V in the centre of your eyelid and just below the brow bone, then lightly blend it in for eyes that look well-rested, bright and awake. FYI, ideal if you’re hungover.

Conceal Tiredness

Peach hued concealers are the best shade for covered under eye bags. The tones will cancel out any blue shadows. Gently dab it under your eyes using your ring finger, then blend your usual concealer over the top.

Choosing The Right Concealer

If you’re after high coverage, then a cream, stick or pencil is your best bet, while liquid formulas or concealers you apply with a wand are perfect for medium coverage. Then if you only need a little light concealing, a pen with a brush tip should be your go-to.