natural skin remedies like Shea butter, lemon juice, lavender oil, or aloe vera gel works wonders without the harsh effects of bleaching agents like hydroquinone, which is a "suspected carcinogen and probable neurotixin and skin sensitizer. Hydroquinone can also cause a skin disease called ochronosis, which leaves irreversible black-blue lesions on the skin. This bleaching agent is found in some skin-lightening products and moisturizers."
source: www.SafeCosmetics.org