<p>Effects of Skin Lightening Cream Agents – Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid, on the Skin of Adult Female Experimental Rats</p>

The study on 80 adult female Wistar rats examined the effects of hydroquinone and kojic acid, common in skin lightening creams. Hydroquinone disrupted the stratum corneum, increasing skin fragility, UV susceptibility, and inflammation, potentially raising skin cancer risk. Kojic acid did not cause disruption and slightly reduced hydroquinone's effects, suggesting its potential as a co-ingredient. Aloe vera gel helped mitigate hydroquinone's harmful effects by preserving the stratum corneum and reducing inflammation. The study concluded that the safety of hydroquinone and kojic acid was questionable, recommending further research on their long-term effects.