Philippine Dermatological Society – Official Statement

In its efforts to assure skin safety amongst Filipinos via its Skin Safety Campaign, an educational drive, including the publication of guidelines or articles on skin care and certain skin care ingredients was launched.

It is most unfortunate that the Philippine Dermatological Society has been misquoted and statements taken out of context.

The Philippine Dermatological Society recommends the regulated use of Hydroquinone (HQ) as proposed by the Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD). All preparations containing less than or equal to two percent (2%) HQ can be dispensed without the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.  Preparations containing more than two percent (2%) but less than or equal to four percent (4%) HQ must be dispensed under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. Preparations containing more than four percent (4%) but less than five percent (5%) HQ must be dispensed only by licensed pharmacists of registered drug outlets upon the presentation of a proper prescription.  Furthermore, to help prevent the abuse of HQ usage, the PDS supports efforts moving for a stricter regulation on HQ-containing products as proposed by the BFAD, such as making all concentrations of HQ available only upon the presentation of a proper prescription.

For further information, please read the entire article found on our website entitled “Unsupervised Hydroquinone Use: Beware of what you put on your skin”, as published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on November 12, 2009.

For the Board of Directors,

Dr. Georgina C. Pastorfide, FPDS
President
Philippine Dermatological Society