Hydroquinone is one of the active ingredients used in most of the skin brightening creams . This ingredient is very harmful to your skin and it may lead to various side effects. It may also result in skin cancer. So, you must be very careful while you choose any of these creams or lotions. This ingredient has been banned by the FDA and it must not be used in any skin care product above 2%. Be sure that you check all the ingredients of the skin products that you go for in order to avoid the harmful effects of this ingredient.