Profile: Hydroquinone

INCI name:   Hydroquinone.

Function:   Antioxidant, brightening agent, hair colouring agent, masking agent, reducing agent, stabilising agent.

Origin:   Synthetic.

Concentration allowed by the EU regulation:   Banned in Europe in cosmetic products. Up to 0.02% in products for the preparation of artificial nails.

Where to find it / Where they are found?:   Semi-permanent nail varnishes, skin lightening treatments, nail glues, moisturising creams, deodorants/anti-perspirants.

Health risks:   Potential carcinogen, potential allergen, potential skin irritant, potential reproductive toxin.

Environmental risks:   Aquatic ecotoxicity, substance with low biodegradability.

Alternative :  

Additional information:   In Europe, for professional use only. Avoid contact with the skin. Also prohibited in the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Africa.