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Answer: Yes — Hydroquinone is banned in 1 country/region including European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: high. Commonly found in: skin-lightening cream, dark-spot corrector.
TL;DR: Hydroquinone is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Hydroquinone. CAS 123-31-9.
| EU status | Banned |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | skin-lightening cream, dark-spot corrector |
| CAS number | 123-31-9 |
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that inhibits melanin production.
It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.
Linked to ochronosis and possible carcinogenicity. Banned in EU cosmetics; sold over-the-counter in the US up to 2%.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Hydroquinonewith 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.
Hydroquinone is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Hydroquinone 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 Hydroquinone automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Hydroquinone.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Hydroquinone or other ingredients banned overseas.
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