HYDROQUINONE

BannedCAS 123-31-937 regulations across 23 markets

HYDROQUINONE is a cosmetic ingredient classified as Light Stabilizer. Also known as 하이드로퀴논, CAS 123-31-9. It is regulated in 23 markets including UAE, Armenia, Australia.

Also Known As

Common names
하이드로퀴논
CAS Number
123-31-9

Market Overview — 29 Markets

European Union2
United Kingdom2
United States
California
Maryland
Washington
Canada1
Brazil1
South Korea1
Japan
Taiwan
Australia1
Singapore2
Malaysia2
Thailand2
Indonesia2
Vietnam2
Philippines2
UAE2
Saudi Arabia2
Qatar2
Oman2
Kuwait2
Bahrain2
Russia1
Belarus1
Kazakhstan1
Armenia1
Kyrgyzstan1

Detailed Regulations

Europe4 regulations
European UnionBannedAnnex II #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: EC 1223/2009 Annex II

European UnionRestrictedAnnex III #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
- For professional use only - Avoid skin contact - Read directions for use carefully
Other conditions
Professional use

Source: EC 1223/2009 Annex III

United KingdomBannedAnnex II #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: UK retained EC 1223/2009 Annex II

United KingdomRestrictedAnnex III #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0,02 % (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
Max: 0,02 % (after mixing for use) For professional use only Avoid skin contact Read directions for use carefully
Other conditions
Professional use only

Source: UK retained EC 1223/2009 Annex III

Americas2 regulations
CanadaRestrictedAnnex Table 2 (Restricted)
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
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) 0.1%
Conditions of use
a) Oxidizing colouring agent for hair dyes b) Nail products c) Cyanoacrylate adhesive products for eyelash and eyebrow extensions | Warning: a) "Avoid skin contact" "Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows" "Rinse eyes immediately if the product comes into contact with eyes" b) "Avoid skin contact" "Read directions carefully before using" c) "Avoid skin contact" "Read directions carefully before using"

Source: Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist

BrazilBannedAnnex RDC_529 #1339
Chemical name
1,4-dihidroxibenzeno (Hidroquinona)
CAS
123-31-9

Source: ANVISA RDC 529

East Asia & Oceania2 regulations
South KoreaBannedAnnex banned #M343
Chemical name
Hydroquinone

Source: MFDS Korea Cosmetics Regulation

AustraliaRestrictedAnnex Schedule 6 (Poison) #SUSMP Schedule 6
Chemical name
HYDROQUINONE except
Conditions of use
(a) when included in Schedule 2 or 4; or (b) in preparations containing 10% or less of hydroquinone.

Source: TGA SUSMP F2026L00060

ASEAN12 regulations
SingaporeBannedAnnex ACD Annex II (Prohibited) #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene ( / Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

SingaporeRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
Professional use only | Label: • For professional use only • Avoid skin contact • Read directions for use carefully

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

MalaysiaBannedAnnex ACD Annex II (Prohibited) #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene ( / Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

MalaysiaRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
Professional use only | Label: • For professional use only • Avoid skin contact • Read directions for use carefully

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

ThailandBannedAnnex ACD Annex II (Prohibited) #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene ( / Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

ThailandRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
Professional use only | Label: • For professional use only • Avoid skin contact • Read directions for use carefully

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

IndonesiaBannedAnnex ACD Annex II (Prohibited) #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene ( / Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

IndonesiaRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
Professional use only | Label: • For professional use only • Avoid skin contact • Read directions for use carefully

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

VietnamBannedAnnex ACD Annex II (Prohibited) #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene ( / Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

VietnamRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
Professional use only | Label: • For professional use only • Avoid skin contact • Read directions for use carefully

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

PhilippinesBannedAnnex ACD Annex II (Prohibited) #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene ( / Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

PhilippinesRestrictedAnnex ACD Annex III (Restricted) #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
Professional use only | Label: • For professional use only • Avoid skin contact • Read directions for use carefully

Source: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (HSA Dec 2025)

GCC12 regulations
UAEBannedAnnex II #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 II)

UAERestrictedAnnex III #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
- For professional use only - Avoid skin contact - Read directions for use carefully
Other conditions
Professional use

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

Saudi ArabiaBannedAnnex II #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 II)

Saudi ArabiaRestrictedAnnex III #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
- For professional use only - Avoid skin contact - Read directions for use carefully
Other conditions
Professional use

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

QatarBannedAnnex II #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 II)

QatarRestrictedAnnex III #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
- For professional use only - Avoid skin contact - Read directions for use carefully
Other conditions
Professional use

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

OmanBannedAnnex II #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 II)

OmanRestrictedAnnex III #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
- For professional use only - Avoid skin contact - Read directions for use carefully
Other conditions
Professional use

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

KuwaitBannedAnnex II #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 II)

KuwaitRestrictedAnnex III #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
- For professional use only - Avoid skin contact - Read directions for use carefully
Other conditions
Professional use

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

BahrainBannedAnnex II #1339
Chemical name
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
CAS
123-31-9

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 II)

BahrainRestrictedAnnex III #14
Chemical name
Hydroquinone
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Product type
Artificial nail systems
Conditions of use
- For professional use only - Avoid skin contact - Read directions for use carefully
Other conditions
Professional use

Source: GSO 1943:2024 (based on EU 1223/2009 III)

EAEU5 regulations
RussiaRestrictedAnnex 2 #14
Chemical name
Гидрохинон (Hydroquinone)
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0,02 процента (после смешивания для применения)
Product type
Искусственные системы для ногтей
Conditions of use
Только для профессионального применения. Исключить контакт с кожей. Применять в соответствии с инструкцией.
Other conditions
Только профессиональное применение

Source: TR CU 009/2011 Annex 2 (Restricted Substances) (Ref 14)

BelarusRestrictedAnnex 2 #14
Chemical name
Гидрохинон (Hydroquinone)
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0,02 процента (после смешивания для применения)
Product type
Искусственные системы для ногтей
Conditions of use
Только для профессионального применения. Исключить контакт с кожей. Применять в соответствии с инструкцией.
Other conditions
Только профессиональное применение

Source: TR CU 009/2011 Annex 2 (Restricted Substances) (Ref 14)

KazakhstanRestrictedAnnex 2 #14
Chemical name
Гидрохинон (Hydroquinone)
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0,02 процента (после смешивания для применения)
Product type
Искусственные системы для ногтей
Conditions of use
Только для профессионального применения. Исключить контакт с кожей. Применять в соответствии с инструкцией.
Other conditions
Только профессиональное применение

Source: TR CU 009/2011 Annex 2 (Restricted Substances) (Ref 14)

ArmeniaRestrictedAnnex 2 #14
Chemical name
Гидрохинон (Hydroquinone)
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0,02 процента (после смешивания для применения)
Product type
Искусственные системы для ногтей
Conditions of use
Только для профессионального применения. Исключить контакт с кожей. Применять в соответствии с инструкцией.
Other conditions
Только профессиональное применение

Source: TR CU 009/2011 Annex 2 (Restricted Substances) (Ref 14)

KyrgyzstanRestrictedAnnex 2 #14
Chemical name
Гидрохинон (Hydroquinone)
CAS
123-31-9
Max concentration
0,02 процента (после смешивания для применения)
Product type
Искусственные системы для ногтей
Conditions of use
Только для профессионального применения. Исключить контакт с кожей. Применять в соответствии с инструкцией.
Other conditions
Только профессиональное применение

Source: TR CU 009/2011 Annex 2 (Restricted Substances) (Ref 14)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HYDROQUINONE banned in any country?

Yes, HYDROQUINONE is banned in UAE, Bahrain, Brazil, European Union, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam. Always check current regulations before formulating products for these markets.

What are the restrictions on HYDROQUINONE in cosmetics?

HYDROQUINONE is restricted or has conditions of use in UAE, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Canada, European Union, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam. Restrictions may include maximum concentration limits, product type limitations, or mandatory labeling requirements. See the detailed regulations above for specifics.

Can I use HYDROQUINONE in cosmetics?

HYDROQUINONE is regulated in 23 markets. It is banned in UAE, Bahrain, Brazil, European Union, Indonesia, South Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam. It has restrictions in UAE, Armenia, Australia, Bahrain, Belarus, Canada, European Union, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, United Kingdom, Vietnam. Use Formpli's free screening tool to check your full ingredient list against all 26 markets at once.

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This information is for reference only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Regulations change — always verify with official sources and consult a regulatory specialist before exporting cosmetic products. Data sourced from EU COSING, US FDA, Health Canada, MHLW Japan, MFDS Korea, ASEAN ACD, GCC SFDA, TGA Australia, ANVISA Brazil, EAEU TR CU, and Taiwan TFDA.