While skin-lightening creams are a regular part of skincare in today’s world, most of them contain dangerous ingredients that cause damage to your skin and health.
It’s unfortunate because there are so many ways to lighten your skin effectively and safely without resorting to harmful ingredients.
If you’re looking to tone your skin or get a lightening cream, here are some popular skin-lightening active ingredients that you should avoid completely.
1. Mercury
Mercury became a go-to whitening agent for its ability to inhibit the formation of melanin when applied to one’s skin. It was cheap, readily available, and seemed to get the job done, but it’s very dangerous, as declared by the FDA.
It is toxic, and once it gets into the body, it becomes impossible to flush the mercury out of the body and can even lead to liver damage and kidney failure.
Companies can be tricky, and some use other names aside from mercury, such as mercurous chloride, calomel, mercuric, or mercurio. Seeing any of these words in your favorite moisturizer means tossing it in the trash immediately.
2. Hydroquinone
It’s a controversial skin-lightening ingredient, but it differs from the others on this list in one crucial way: it is safe as long as you know how to use it. It is widely acknowledged that a dosage of 2% or less of this chemical is safe for the skin. For those with more severe cases of discoloration, doctors can prescribe creams with up to 4% hydroquinone content.
However, be cautious since hydroquinone is not meant for long-term use. In fact, doctors prescribe it for a minimum of three months only lest it affect you by inhibiting other key enzymes in your body.
3. Benoquin (Monobenzone)
Benoquin, also known as monobenzone, is a topical drug specifically approved for the treatment of vitiligo by removing remaining pigment in those who have the condition. It was popularized by Michael Jackson while alive due to his struggles with vitiligo.
If you’re about to purchase a lightening cream that has monobenzone, this is one skin-lightening ingredient that’s harmful for you. Avoid it!
4. Corticosteroids
If you have ever used corticosteroids, you may have noticed that they do lighten your skin, but this doesn’t mean it’s safe to include them in your nightly routine.
Originally meant to treat skin conditions, corticosteroids are often abused in bleaching products to lighten skin quickly.
ALSO READ: If You Are Crazy About Skin Lightening Creams, You Should Read These Facts Right Away
