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Quick answer: Hydroquinone carries the heavier risk profile. Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin is — in the EU and — in the US; Hydroquinone is banned in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin | Hydroquinone |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | — | Banned |
| US status | — | Allowed |
| Risk level | — | high |
| Banned in | European Union, Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand | European Union |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | additive | cmr |
| Where it hides | — | skin-lightening cream, dark-spot corrector |
Recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) is the synthetic version of bovine growth hormone (BST), naturally produced by the pituitary gland in cattle. The recombinant version is produced using genetically engineered bacteria and is injected into dairy cows to increase milk production by 10-15%. Brand name: Posilac.
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that inhibits melanin production.
Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin: See recombinant-bovine-growth-hormone-rbgh for full detail. Key concerns: rBST elevates IGF-1 in milk; elevated blood IGF-1 is associated with breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer risk in epidemiological studies. Animal welfare: increased mastitis (up to 25-50% higher rates), lameness, and antibiotic use. The Codex Alimentarius Commission declined to endorse rBST safety MRLs in a historic 33-29 vote. Health Canada rejected rBST approval in 1999 after finding it caused significant animal health problems requiring increased antibiotic use.
Hydroquinone: Linked to ochronosis and possible carcinogenicity. Banned in EU cosmetics; sold over-the-counter in the US up to 2%.
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