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Quick answer: Hydroquinone carries the heavier risk profile. Hydroquinone is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; p-Phenylenediamine is restricted in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Hydroquinone | p-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 | permanent hair dye, black henna tattoos |
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that inhibits melanin production.
p-Phenylenediamine is a primary intermediate in permanent hair dye.
Hydroquinone: Linked to ochronosis and possible carcinogenicity. Banned in EU cosmetics; sold over-the-counter in the US up to 2%.
p-Phenylenediamine: A potent allergen and sensitizer. Strictly concentration-limited in the EU; less tightly controlled in the US.
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