Hydroquinone creams for skin-bleaching purposes are currently available over-the-counter in 2% solution creams, and at higher concentrations (up to 5%) by prescription only in the United States.1
References:
- National Toxicology Program. U.S. Food & Drug Administration: Nomination Profile: Hydroquinone. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. [Online] May 21, 2009. http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/NTP/Noms/Support_Docs/Hydroquinone_may2009.pdf.