Pornographic film actresses were the first to undergo the anal bleaching process, in an effort to lighten the color of their anuses to match the rest of their skin.
[7] However, modern products are more likely to be designed with sensitive skin in mind, and are aimed at producing lightening effects without irritation.
The process performed with creams containing hydroquinone is banned in some countries, such as the member states of the EU.
[9] All over-the-counter (OTC) sales over hydroquinone were banned in the US with the CARES Act of 2020 and a prescription is now required for purchase.
[16] One salon that performed the procedure received an increase in queries in 2005 attributed to an episode of Dr. 90210 on E!, when porn star Tabitha Stevens was filmed having her anus bleached.