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Answer: Deoxyarbutin is restricted (not fully banned) in European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: medium. Commonly found in: skin-lightening cream.
TL;DR: Deoxyarbutin is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Deoxyarbutin. CAS 53936-56-4.
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | skin-lightening cream |
| CAS number | 53936-56-4 |
Deoxyarbutin (Deoxyarbutin) is a skin-lightening agent that releases hydroquinone.
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Releases hydroquinone; restricted in the EU.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Deoxyarbutinwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Deoxyarbutin is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Deoxyarbutin can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Deoxyarbutin automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Deoxyarbutin.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Deoxyarbutin or other ingredients banned overseas.
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