DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION OF HYDROQUINONE IN WHITENING CREAMS USING UV-VISIBLE SPECTROPHOTOMETRY: HEALTH IMPLICATIONS AND REGULATORY CONCERNS
Keywords:
Hydroquinone, Whitening Creams, UV-Visible Spectrophotometry, Cosmetic Safety, Dermatological Risks, Skin Lightening, Regulatory LimitAbstract
Whitening creams are widely used to lighten skin tone, with hydroquinone being one of the most common active ingredients. This study utilized UV-visible spectrophotometry to detect the presence and concentration of hydroquinone in various whitening cream samples from different manufacturers. Findings revealed that all tested creams contained hydroquinone, with concentrations ranging from 0.07% to 4%. Notably, 35% of the screened samples exceeded the 2% threshold, which is the maximum limit allowed in some countries.
The detection of high hydroquinone levels (>2%) raises concerns regarding potential health risks for consumers. Long-term exposure to hydroquinone has been associated with premature skin aging, skin cancer, hypertension, diabetes, depression, and identity disorders. Additionally, seven out of ten users were diagnosed with at least one dermatological issue related to skin bleaching.
In this study, statistical analyses were performed, including mean, median, standard deviation, variance calculations, and calibration curve plotting to assess the distribution of hydroquinone concentrations across different samples. The results highlight the need for stricter regulations and consumer awareness regarding the use of whitening creams containing hydroquinone.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Madiha Batool, Ayesha Aslami, Shiza Afzal, Fareed Ahmad, Ume Kalsoom, Asim Ali, Najeeb Ullah, Nasir Khane, Hamad Ahmadd, Syed Ahmad Raza Bokhari, Hafiz Muhammad Faizan Haider, Ejaz Ahmad, Abdul Shakoor, Majid Nazir, Razia Batool, Ameena Fatima, Uzman Khana, Syed Sibt-E-Hassan Kazmik (Author)
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