Hydroquinone
Avoid
Official INCI name
A strong skin-lightening agent. Banned in over-the-counter cosmetics in the EU and in the US since 2020; can cause irritation and, with long use, a blue-black darkening of skin.
What it does
Active. Does something to the skin: exfoliating acids, retinoids, vitamins, peptides, soothing agents.
Worth knowing
Can irritate or dry out skin, especially at higher strength or in leave-on products.
“Hydroquinone” is its name in the EU glossary of common ingredient names (no. 13185), the names labels in the EU must use. © European Union, EUR-Lex.