One embodiment of the invention is a composition which comprises hydroquinone (about 1% to about 12%, preferably about 2% to about 10%, more preferably about 2% to about 8%, more preferably with about 2% to about 4%, and most preferably about 3% to about 4%) and has a neutral pH of from about 5.5 to about 8.0, more preferably a pH of from about 5.5 to about 7.5, and most preferably at a pH of from