Why is the Food and Drug Administration considering making hydroquinone products available by prescription only?
In September 2006, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that products containing hydroquinone be sold only with a prescription due to their opinion that it poses certain health risks. There are some animal studies showing it may be a possible carcinogen, and studies from Africa have shown a risk of a skin disorder called ochronosis (Source: http://www.fda.gov/OHRMS/DOCKETS/98fr/E6-14263.htm).
