Korean: 하이드로퀴논 · CAS 123-31-9 · Functions: antioxidant, bleaching, fragrance, hair dyeing, reducing
Restricted MFDS restricted ingredients
Source: MFDS — cosmetic ingredient use restrictions · checked Oct 17, 2026
Prohibited only in certain forms or uses Annex II/1339
Conditions: 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
Source: EU CosIng — Annex II · checked Oct 17, 2026
Restricted Annex III/14
Maximum: 0.02% (after mixing for use)
Conditions: Product type: Artificial nail systems Professional use
Required label warning: - For professional use only - Avoid skin contact - Read directions for use carefully
Source: EU CosIng — Annex III · checked Oct 17, 2026
Restricted OTC skin lightening (CARES Act, 2020)
Conditions: Not on the cosmetics ban list, but since the CARES Act (March 2020) over-the-counter skin-lightening products with hydroquinone cannot be legally marketed in the U.S. without FDA approval; unapproved products had to leave the market by September 23, 2020. The FDA says many of its safety concerns also apply to hydroquinone in cosmetics.
Source: FDA — OTC skin lightening products · checked Oct 17, 2026
How Hydroquinone is treated in 5 more markets, from the overseas cosmetic regulation database compiled by Korea's MFDS. Always confirm with the regulator of that country before selling there.
| Market | Status | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| CN China | Restricted | — |
| AS ASEAN (10 countries) | Restricted | MFDS summary (Korean): with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III^Annex III의 entry 14는 제외 * 【Restrictions】 Field of application and/or use : Artificial nail systems * 제한 【사용 범위】 : 인조 손톱에 * 【Restrictions】 Maximum authorised concentration in the finished cosmetic product : 0.02% after mixing for use * 제한 【완제품에서 허용된... |
| CA Canada | Restricted | 【Restrictions】 Conditions of Use by product type : (a) Oxidizing colouring agent for hair dyes (b) Nail products (c) Cyanoacrylate adhesive products for eyelash and eyebrow extensions 【Restrictions】 Maximum Concentration Permitted : (a) 0.3% (b) 0.1% If hydroquinone and p-hydroxyanisole are used in the same product, the total concentration of the 2 ingredients may not exceed 0.1% (c)... |
| BR Brazil | Restricted | MFDS summary (Korean): with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III^Annex III의 entry 14는 제외 |
| AR Argentina | Restricted | MFDS summary (Korean): with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III^Annex III의 entry 14는 제외 |
Source: MFDS cosmetic ingredient use restrictions — overseas regulations · checked Oct 17, 2026
HYDROQUINONE 하이드로퀴논
Information only, not medical advice. Rules change — always check the linked official source. If you are pregnant, have a skin condition or allergies, ask a dermatologist or pharmacist.
In the EU's CosIng records it is listed as “Prohibited only in certain forms or uses” (EU CosIng — Annex II). The same records also list it as: Restricted. It is not a general ban — the condition reads: “1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III”
In Korea's MFDS records it is listed as “Restricted” (MFDS — cosmetic ingredient use restrictions). A restricted ingredient is allowed within the stated conditions.
In the FDA's records it is listed as “Restricted” (FDA — OTC skin lightening products). A restricted ingredient is allowed within the stated conditions.
The EU's CosIng inventory lists its functions as: antioxidant, bleaching, fragrance, hair dyeing, reducing.
Korea's MFDS standard Korean name is 하이드로퀴논.
1 products we checked list it, for example Cos De BAHA 2% Hydroquinone + Arbutin + Niacinamide 4% Serum - Dark Spot Corrector Remover + Melasma Treatment Fade Gel + hyperpigmentation, 30ml.
CAS 123-31-9 (from official records).