Regulatory data is for reference only. Always verify with the official regulator before making formulation decisions. Last refreshed: 10/13/2026.
Ingredients/1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone),
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone),CAS 123-31-9
EU CosIng II — prohibitedEU CosIng III — restrictedFDA CFR 21 CFR 310.545 — restrictedASEAN II — prohibitedASEAN III — restrictedHealth Canada — restrictedJapan MHLW — prohibitedJapan MHLW — restrictedKorea MFDS — prohibitedUK OPSS — prohibitedUK OPSS — restrictedBrazil ANVISA — restricted
Is 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), restricted in cosmetics?
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), is prohibited in EU CosIng, ASEAN, Japan MHLW, Korea MFDS and UK OPSS and restricted in EU CosIng, FDA, ASEAN, Health Canada, Japan MHLW, UK OPSS and Brazil ANVISA. Markets not named here hold no entry for it, which is not a clearance.
- CAS
- 123-31-9
- INCI
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone),
- Data refreshed
- 2026-10-13
Regulatory status
| Source | Status | Annex / Details | Limit / Conditions | Last updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EU CosIng | prohibited | Annex II | — | — |
| EU CosIng | restricted | Annex III | 0.02% (after mixing for use) | — |
| FDA | restricted | CFR 21 CFR 310.545 | No longer GRASE for OTC use as skin bleaching agent; requires prescription or reformulation. Prohibited from OTC drug marketing. | — |
| ASEAN | prohibited | Annex II | — | — |
| ASEAN | restricted | Annex III | 0.02% (after mixing for use) | — |
| Health Canada | restricted | — | a) Oxidizing colouring agent for hair dyes - max 0.3% b) Nail products - max 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) Cyanoacrylate adhesive products for eyelash and eyebrow extensions - max 0.1% | 10/7/2026 |
| Japan MHLW | prohibited | — | Prohibited in regular cosmetics; permitted up to 2% in quasi-drugs (医薬部外品) for skin lightening | 4/1/2001 |
| Japan MHLW | restricted | — | 2% | 4/1/2001 |
| Korea MFDS | prohibited | — | Prohibited in general cosmetics; permitted up to 2% in functional cosmetics for whitening under doctor prescription | 1/1/2020 |
| UK OPSS | prohibited | — | Source: legislation.gov.uk retained EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex Ii | 10/5/2026 |
| UK OPSS | restricted | — | 0,02 % (after mixing for use) | 10/5/2026 |
| Brazil ANVISA | restricted | — | 0,02% (para uso após a mistura) | 10/7/2026 |
What this means
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), has regulatory signals in EU CosIng, FDA, ASEAN, Health Canada, Japan MHLW, Korea MFDS, UK OPSS, Brazil ANVISA. Review the source links above for the official conditions and latest updates.
Recent regulatory changes
No recorded regulatory changes for 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), yet.
Common questions
- Is 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), restricted in EU cosmetics?
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), is prohibited in EU cosmetics according to EU CosIng Annex II.
- Is 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), restricted by the FDA in the US?
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), is on the FDA's restricted substances list for cosmetics (CFR 21 CFR 310.545): No longer GRASE for OTC use as skin bleaching agent; requires prescription or reformulation. Prohibited from OTC drug marketing.
- Is 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), restricted under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive?
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), is prohibited under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive Annex II.
- Is 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), restricted in Health Canada?
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), is restricted in cosmetics under Health Canada.
- Is 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), restricted in Japan MHLW?
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), is prohibited in cosmetics under Japan MHLW.
- Is 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), restricted in Korea MFDS?
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), is prohibited in cosmetics under Korea MFDS.
- Is 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), restricted in UK OPSS?
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), is prohibited in cosmetics under UK OPSS.
- Is 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), restricted in Brazil ANVISA?
- 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), is restricted in cosmetics under Brazil ANVISA with a maximum concentration of 0,02% (para uso após a mistura).
- What is the CAS number for 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone),?
- The CAS number for 1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), is 123-31-9.
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