Derms protest planned FDA ban

Schaumburg, Ill. - The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) will object to a proposed federal ban of over-the-counter sales of hydroquinone.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared that products containing the bleaching agent pose risks of cancer and skin discoloration, and has proposed a ban on nonprescription sales.

If the agent is banned, all existing cosmetic products containing hydroquinone would need to submit a new drug application for the FDA's review, according to news reports.