Contrary to popular belief, hydroquinone-based skin lightening products are not good for African-American skin. When hydroquinone is used on black skin in high concentrations or for long periods of time, it really does make those areas look darker! Hydroquinone bleaches the skin, but if you’re looking for skin lighteners for African Americans, you’re better off considering those with natural ingredients that work by restricting the amount of pigment produced rather than bleaching.

Makari – Makari is probably one of the most popular skin lightening products for African Americans. They offer facial creams, cleansers, toners, body lotions, and rinse-off tablets. Makari products contain only naturally derived products such as licorice root and bearberry extract (arbutin). Although very effective, some Makari users have reported breakouts on the face after using some of the creams, particularly the Caviar cream. If you’re prone to breakouts, this may not be for you, but there are plenty of other alternatives available.

Meladerm – Meladerm is designed for all skin types and complexions, but it is very popular among African-Americans simply because it works so well. Meladerm is made by a company called Civant, and again, it contains only naturally-derived skin whitening ingredients. You can expect to start seeing results within 2 weeks. Another great advantage of Meladerm is that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it doesn’t work for you, simply return the unused portion within 30 days for a full refund.

skin whitening pills – Skin whitening pills usually contain glutathione, an antioxidant that has many health benefits, including boosting the immune system; skin lightening turns out to be a side effect. L-Glutamine contains 1000mg of glutathione and you can buy a pack of 240 capsules for around $25.

Makari Orlight Whitening Pills work slightly differently as they do not contain glutathione. Using bearberry extract, vitamin C and vitamin E, they effectively balance pigment production throughout the body to even out skin tone.

Skin lightening soaps – Skin whitening soaps are another alternative when it comes to lightening the skin of African Americans. Skin-whitening soaps that contain natural pigment-suppressing ingredients can help even out skin tone all over the body. One of the most popular is Likas Papaya Skin Whitening Herbal Soap.

kojic acid It is another natural skin lightener and kojic acid soaps are also effective in lightening all skin. Soaps have a more gradual effect on the skin, so if you want faster results, one of the creams like Meladerm will be able to provide it.

There are so many skin lighteners for African Americans available on the market that it means you don’t have to resort to dangerous and ineffective hydroquine-based products.