For some dermatologists, hydroquinone is the go-to ingredient for lightening skin and treating pigmentation problems such as sun damage, melanoma, freckles, birth marks, and acne scars.
However, some people have skin that is too sensitive for this somewhat harsh product, which is known to cause irritation and rashes as well as more serious side effects like thyroid disorder, leukemia and liver damage.
That's why hydroquinone free skin lightening cream is so important.
Such products work just as effectively as their hydroquinone counterparts but with none of the associated side effects.
Holistic Lighteners - Holistic lighteners generally feature a mix of plant extracts and natural acids.
For example, they might include such ingredients as kojic acid, azelaic acid, licorice extract, mulberry extract, and bearberry extract.
There are no artificial ingredients in this type of hydroquinone free skin lightening cream.
Vitamin C Serums - Vitamin C is a known skin lightening agent, though it is not particularly powerful on its own.
However, when blended with other ingredients, such as those mentioned above, it can become an excellent hydroquinone free skin lightening cream.
Antioxidant Creams - Creams that are produced with added antioxidants are great for lightening the skin.
Not only can they help correct pigmentation problems, but the antioxidants help prevent future skin damage, especially from the sun.
Tretinoin Creams - Tretinoin is the acid form of Vitamin A and a good alternative to hydroquinone.
It is used regularly to treat acne, but can also help with other pigmentation problems as well.
In fact, tretinoin proved itself one of the best remedies when tested as a solution to sun damaged skin.
So, if you are looking for a cream that might work, check the ingredients list for tretinoin.
Arbutin Creams - Arbutin may be the most effective natural skin lightening ingredient.
Be sure the cream you use contains "alpha arbutin.
" If it just says arbutin, it's probably beta arbutin which is not nearly as effective.
If a product contains alpha arbutin, it's probably a very effective hydroquinone free skin lightening cream.