Bleaching

Bleaching ingredients are used to lighten natural or acquired pigment. In cosmetics, they can reduce the severity of dark spots on the skin, make the tone more even, or reduce the intensity of coloring of hair and dental surfaces due to chemical effects on colored compounds. In the European list of cosmetic functions, this group is described as substances that lighten the shade of skin or hair. (ec.europa.eu )

Most often, this effect is associated with the effect on melanin or with the oxidation of pigments. For example, Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbamide Peroxide are mainly used as whitening ingredients in dental products and some hair products; it is hydrogen peroxide that is considered the main asset in teeth whitening formulas. Historically, Hydroquinone has been used in skin products to reduce melanin formation, but in the United States, the FDA indicates that over-the-counter skin lightening products with hydroquinone are not considered safe and effective, and may cause undesirable reactions, including irritation and ochronosis. (ec.europa.eu )

It is important for the consumer to understand that such ingredients do not affect the texture of the cream or shampoo, but primarily the color result — lightening of spots, hair or plaque / pigmentation. In this case, the severity of the effect depends on the concentration, the time of contact and the area of application. For products with peroxide compounds, regulators separately emphasize the need for safety control, since at high concentrations they can irritate the skin, mucous membranes and eyes more strongly. (ec.europa.eu )