First You See It, Then You Don’t: The Case of the Fading-Fade Gel

Last year, I purchased this new fade gel for skin discolorations hoping to find a decent over-the-counter (OTC). Much to my surprise, within two weeks after the initial application I noticed several of my darker scars had begun to fade away! I had only previously seen this kind of result from prescription creams so of course I went back to Ulta to get more—but they were out! When I went back a couple weeks later, it had been discontinued.

Of course I was HOT. I had found something that was bulk-buying worthy, but just that quickly it was gone. So I looked to the Internet, not really seeing anything that had the same packaging. I thought that was strange, but also not finding any recall information I just kept looking. It resurfaced a few weeks later online, but—you know, the shipping—ARRGH! I ended up getting it for a decent price; however, I was still curious as to why it disappeared for that stretch of time.

What It Is, and Why This Gel Was Pseudo-detective Worthy
The product is from NeoStrata’s Neoceuticals line, and it’s called the HQ Skin Lightening Gel. I believe what is different about it is the combination of the hydroquinone with kojic acid, another skin-brightening agent. This particular formula is 3% kojic acid with 2% hydroquinone, and not a laundry list of other products that would make you want to scream. It got the job done quickly.

The Disappearing Act (Perhaps?)
Hydroquinone has always been the one of the key ingredients in fade creams or hyperpigmentation treatments, and is usually maxed at 2% without a prescription (with a prescription you can get a higher concentration). It seems some other countries had banned it after finding that some populations experienced extreme side effects post product usage. While the U.S. (FDA) was considering a ban as well, I believe the conclusion was that the OTC recipes just needed to be reformulated to ensure safety and that the benefits outweighed the risks, yada, yada. Without going into detail, my science background is forcing me to include the clinical information; but be warned, this is NOT bedtime reading:
http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/98fr/e6-14263.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/hydroquinone_with_sunscreens-topical/article.htm
http://www.drugs.com/mtm/hydroquinone-topical.html
Disclaimer: Basically, use at your own risk, and make sure you use a sunscreen with this product. I am not qualified to give medical advice, so check with a Doc if you need to!

Mystery Solved
I’ve seen other variations of this product, but the only place I found it for a reasonable price was Skin-Etc. Here I paid about $34 for each 1 oz. tube and I got two, both to have a stash and to get the “free shipping for orders of more than $50.” I believe when I purchased it in-store I paid about $38. I know the price is hefty, so decide for yourself if it’s worth it. For me, the case is closed.