Abstract

Hydroquinone (HQ), a dihydroxylated benzene derivative, having the chemical formula C₆H₄(OH)₂. It is used in body care products for the rapeuticaly as a topical agent for the treatment of certain skin conditions but only allowable at a very low concentration. The abuse of HQ will damage the skin and the sensitive area on the face. Due to this, many countries prohibited the use of HQ. Ten (10) samples of skin-lightening creams containing hydroquinone were randomly sampled based on consumer demand from the open market in Aden city, Yemen. The most of labels on the packages did not indicate the presence of hydroquinone. The creams were analyzed for total hydroquinone (by UV spectrophotometr) and pH values (by pH meter).The results indicate that the pH values in all the samples were found out permissible limits. The concentration of hydroquinone in the creams ranged from below 0.076 to 4.533%. Thirty percent (30%) of analyzed cream samples contained hydroquinone levels higher than the international limits, as WHO, EU and USFDA. The use of such creams may lead to health hazards. Therefore, it is recommended that all skin-lightening creams should be checked for hydroquinone levels before marketing.