Hydroquinone
Never allowed
Hydroquinone · Idrochinone
A skin-lightening agent that works by suppressing melanin production.
- What it does
- Actives & treatment
- Our take
- Banned for cosmetic use in the EU and linked to ochronosis, permanent blue-black discoloration, with prolonged use. Setting the safety question aside entirely: we're not in the business of selling skin lightening.
- Best for
- Dark marks & dullness
- Instead try
- Niacinamide, azelaic acid, licorice root and vitamin C for post-acne marks.
What we read
- EU Reg. 1223/2009 Annex II · reviewed Sep 2026
Every other ingredient, with the same treatment.
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