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Quick answer: Hydroquinone carries the heavier risk profile. Zinc pyrithione is banned in the EU and allowed in the US; Hydroquinone is banned in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Zinc pyrithione | Hydroquinone |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Banned | Banned |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium | high |
| Banned in | European Union | European Union |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | cmr | cmr |
| Where it hides | anti-dandruff shampoo, anti-acne products | skin-lightening cream, dark-spot corrector |
Zinc pyrithione is an antifungal and antibacterial active in dandruff shampoos.
Hydroquinone is a skin-lightening agent that inhibits melanin production.
Zinc pyrithione: Reclassified as a reproductive toxicant in the EU and banned as a cosmetic preservative in 2022; still a key US OTC dandruff active.
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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