Hydroquinone(in 58 products)
Banned by Gov or classified as a carcinogen by IARC
Banned by Gov or classified as a carcinogen by IARC
Potential Risk Index®:
About:
Functions:
1. Antioxidant - Reduces oxidation to prevent the formation of free radicals which may be harmful to health.
2. Contaminant / Impurity - Unintended/unwanted by-product
3. Experimental / Patented - Relatively new ingredient with limited data available
4. Skin Whitening Agent - Reduces the melanin content of the skin
Hydroquinone is used as a developing agent in black-and-white photography, lithography, and x-ray films. It is also used as an intermediate to produce antioxidants for rubber and food. It is added to a number of industrial monomers to inhibit polymerization during shipping, storage, and processing.
Produced as an inhibitor, an antioxidant, and an intermediate in the synthesis of dyes, motor fuels, and oils; in photographic processing; and naturally in certain plant species, Hydroquinone is a phenol derivative with antioxidant properties that can cause toxicity in several organs, notably the kidney. Used as a topical treatment for skin hyperpigmentation and in various cosmetic products, it is metabolized mainly to glutathione conjugates and forms mutagenic DNA adducts in in-vitro systems. [1]
EU CosIng Annex III Restriction Information:
Regulation:
(EC) No 344/2013
Regulated By:
2008/88/EC
Annex/Ref#:
III/14
Product Type, body parts:
Artificial nail systems
Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation:
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Other:
Professional use
Wording of conditions of use and warnings:
- For professional use only
- Avoid skin contact
- Read directions for use carefully
SCCS opinions:
0486/01 - Opinion on The Use of Benzoyl Peroxide (BPO), Hydroquinone (HQ), Hydroquinone methylether (MEHQ) in artificial nail systems
0059/98 - Foreseeable use of hair dyes
0078/98 - Opinion concerning Hydroquinone (1,4-Dihydroxybenzene) as a Hair Dye Constituent
Scientific References:
1. PubChem: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/785
Regulatory References:
1. EU CosIng Annex II, SUBSTANCES PROHIBITED IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS [2017]
- Ref: II/1339
2. CANADA INGREDIENT HOTLIST, List of Ingredients that are Prohibited for Use in Cosmetic Products [2019]
- Hydroquinone
3. Association of Southeast Asian Nations Annex II, Prohibited
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
4. South Korea - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety - Prohibited/Restricted Chemicals
- Ref: 861
5. CANADA INGREDIENT HOTLIST, List of Ingredients that are Restricted for Use in Cosmetic Products [2019]
- Hydroquinone
6. EU CosIng Annex III, SUBSTANCES WITH RESTRICTIONS IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS [2018]
- Ref: III/14
7. US CARB Identified Toxic Air Contaminants
- Hydroquinone
Safety and Hazards (UN GHS):
1. Harmful if swallowed (H302)
2. Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin (H302+H312)
3. Harmful in contact with skin (H312)
4. May cause an allergic skin reaction (H317)
5. Causes serious eye damage (H318)
6. May cause genetic defects (H340)
7. Suspected of causing genetic defects (H341)
8. Suspected of causing cancer (H351)
9. Causes damage to organs (H370)
10. Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (H373)
11. Very toxic to aquatic life (H400)
12. Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H410)
Potential Health Concerns For:
1. Bone Marrow Diseases (PubMed ID:2551665)
2. Cell Transformation, Neoplastic (PubMed ID:30506647)
3. Chromosome Aberrations (PubMed ID:10706450)
4. Chromosome Breakage (PubMed ID:7517507)
5. Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (PubMed ID:26795242)
6. Edema (PubMed ID:29908986)
7. Kidney Diseases (PubMed ID:9450487)
8. Kidney Neoplasms (PubMed ID:9450487)
9. Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective (PubMed ID:14599448)
10. Neoplasm Invasiveness (PubMed ID:26807887)
11. Occupational Diseases (PubMed ID:9930093)
12. Ochronosis (PubMed ID:31256213)
13. Poisoning (PubMed ID:27750016)
14. Polyploidy (PubMed ID:7517507)
15. Respiratory Tract Diseases (PubMed ID:22414385)
16. Vitiligo (PubMed ID:31256213)
17. Weight Loss (PubMed ID:29908986)
Potential Health Benefits For:
1. Brain Ischemia (PubMed ID:27587462)
2. Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury (PubMed ID:20054000)
3. Melanosis (PubMed ID:22151936)
4. Shock, Septic (PubMed ID:20054000)
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