Is Deoxyarbutin Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Deoxyarbutin is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Deoxyarbutin. CAS 53936-56-4.
Is Deoxyarbutin banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | skin-lightening cream |
| CAS number | 53936-56-4 |
What is Deoxyarbutin?
Deoxyarbutin (Deoxyarbutin) is a skin-lightening agent that releases hydroquinone.
Why is Deoxyarbutin used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Deoxyarbutin dangerous? Documented risks
Releases hydroquinone; restricted in the EU.
Products that may contain Deoxyarbutin
- skin-lightening cream
How to avoid Deoxyarbutin: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about Deoxyarbutin
Is Deoxyarbutin banned in the EU?
Deoxyarbutin is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Deoxyarbutin in US cosmetics?
Yes — Deoxyarbutin can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain Deoxyarbutin?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Deoxyarbutin automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Deoxyarbutin?
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.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.