What is the best bleach cream?

The best skin-bleaching creams are Obagi Nu-Derm Clear, Esoterica and Porcelana, according to About.com. For best results, apply these creams to dark spots on the skin twice a day.

When shopping for a skin-lightening cream, look for labels that say "hydroquinone," as this type tends to be less irritating to the skin. Hydroquinone prevents melanin production and is the only skin-lightening ingredient approved by the Food and Drug Administration, as of 2015. However, the safety of this ingredient is debatable, as it has been shown to cause cancer in laboratory mice. Skin-bleaching creams that contain over 2 percent hydroquinone require a doctor's prescription.