ALL >> General >> View Article
Prohibition Of Hydroquinone In Cosmetics Products In India

The ointments used for decreasing the skin pigmentation consist of a very strong bleaching agent called hydroquinone. But effective from April 1, 2019, this chemical has been banned and cannot be sold over-the-counter in India. This step has been taken by the authorities because the unrestricted use of such products is causing redness, discoloration, and inflammation and sometimes its long term use may cause permanent blemishes.
What is hydroquinone?
It is one of the major ingredients that is used in most skin lightening cosmetic products. Its main function is to prohibit the production of melanin in the skin and is highly effective in the treatment of some conditions like hyperpigmentation, melasma, and other similar treatments.
Why is hydroquinone being prohibited in all cosmetics products in India?
Some research evidence has proved that hydroquinone is acting as a cancer-causing chemical. Hydroquinone is also linked with a major medical condition called ochronosis that makes the skin very dark and thick. In this condition, some dome-shaped yellow spots and greyish brown spots are also seen on the ...
... skin. In some cases, these spots have also been observed in people using creams containing hydroquinone for a very short period.
Along with that, some studies have shown that the adrenal glands function abnormally with high levels of mercury in them in people using hydroquinone containing cosmetic products. Unchecked usage of such products leads to irritation, skin rashes, and long term use can cause irreversible skin damage.
Hydroquinone is ‘strictly to be sold by prescription drug’ all across the world, but in India, it was not well regulated. So any company can mix these substances as one of the ingredients and can sell it.
Because of all the ill effects of these chemicals, the relevant sources from Union Health Ministry have made some amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetic Import India Rules of 1945, which makes the cosmetics products containing hydroquinone to fall under section H of these rules. These amendments were highly recommended by the Drug Technical Advisory Board, which is one of the highest drug advisory bodies based on technical matters.
Any cosmetic product with hydroquinone cannot be sold over-the-counter without a doctor's prescription from April 2019.
Henceforth, all products containing hydroquinone need approval from DCGI, before they are sold as a drug to the public.
Add Comment
General Articles
1. Hr Management: How To Handle Termination Of EmploymentAuthor: Rosalina Wolf
2. Dme Billing And Home Health Billing: Integrated Medical Billing Services For Better Care
Author: Charlie Robinson
3. High Employability Through 64 Kala Concept
Author: Chaitanya Kumari
4. Softlink Global Ceo Amit Maheshwari Honoured With Best Entrepreneur Award At Maharashtra Corporate & Education Excellence Awards 2025
Author: Softlink Global
5. Why Businesses Are Switching To Open Source Alternatives To Crystal Reports
Author: Vhelical
6. Why Eastern Europe Is The Smartest Bet For B2b Travel In 2025
Author: seopass
7. Sap Erp Software In Udaipur – The Digital Core Of Scalable Business Success
Author: Akansha
8. Gws Tele Services: Powering India's Digital Future
Author: GWS Tele Services
9. The Future Of Clinic Management Software: What To Expect In 2026
Author: sheetal
10. 11 Hills Park In Dubai By Townx
Author: TownX
11. What Happens If You Don’t Replace A Missing Tooth?
Author: Dr indveer reddy
12. Why You Need A Tracker For Your Car: Benefits, Features & Buying Guide
Author: What Is a Tracker for Car?
13. Create A Marketplace Like Amazon
Author: davidbeckam
14. Autonomous Vehicles Market Insights And trends
Author: Rutuja kadam
15. Key Trends In The Automotive Parts sector
Author: Rutuja kadam