Hi, I can understand your concern for getting fair color. Brite cream contains hydroquinone in it. Regarding particularly about Hydroquinone, its main effect is bleaching the skin. It is quite a safe cream to use but only under dermatological guideline and not as self application. It can be used both by men and women on face. Regarding the safety issues as with any other medicated cream if you use in higher amount will be producing redness and so is also true with this cream also. So it is always better to use this/any cream under strict medical supervision. It should be applied at night time only and no tin day time as can cause sun sensitivity and further black discoloration or pigmentation. Take care.