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Quick answer: Hydroquinone carries the heavier risk profile. Hydroquinone is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; m-Phenylenediamine is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Hydroquinone | m-Phenylenediamine |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Restricted |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | high | high |
| Banned in | European Union | — |
| Restricted in | — | European Union |
| Category | cmr | cmr |
| Where it hides | skin-lightening cream, dark-spot corrector | hair dye |
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that inhibits melanin production.
m-Phenylenediamine (m-Phenylenediamine) is a hair-dye intermediate.
Hydroquinone: Linked to ochronosis and possible carcinogenicity. Banned in EU cosmetics; sold over-the-counter in the US up to 2%.
m-Phenylenediamine: A possible carcinogen and strong sensitizer; restricted in the EU.
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