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THE INGREDIENT EDIT BEAUT.IN / 76687

HYDROQUINONE

Hydroquinone is the aromatic organic compound that conforms to the formula:

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YOUR LABEL, DECODED.Follow the references ↓
INCI / SOURCE NAMEHYDROQUINONE
CAS REFERENCE123-31-9
RECORDED FUNCTIONS5 cosmetic roles
RESEARCH COVERAGESource dossierView evidence scope ↗
01 / BENEFITS & USES

What it brings to beauty.

Explore the recorded roles of HYDROQUINONE and what they can mean in a cosmetic formula.

Source-function explanation

The panels below interpret this ingredient’s recorded functions. They describe possible contributions, not proven clinical results. Any individually reviewed study is shown separately.

01 / COSMETIC CONTEXT

For skin

No skin-specific function has been mapped from this source record. Ingredient-specific skin benefits have not yet been reviewed here.

02 / COSMETIC CONTEXT

For hair

  • BleachingCan lighten hair colour in the relevant formulated system; bleaching is not a conditioning benefit.
  • Hair DyeingContributes to hair colour. This is an appearance-changing use, not a repair or growth benefit.
03 / FORMULATION ROLE

In cosmetics

  • BleachingHelps lighten the colour of a material such as hair. Product type and use conditions need separate assessment.
  • Hair DyeingContributes colour to hair. Use conditions and restrictions need to be checked separately.
  • AntioxidantHelps slow oxidation in a cosmetic formula. This function alone does not demonstrate a clinical skin benefit.
Explore 2 more roles
  • ReducingParticipates in reduction reactions within a cosmetic formulation.
  • FragranceContributes scent to a product. Fragrance character depends on the ingredient blend.

Possible formulation contexts

Examples associated with the recorded function classes; these are not verified product listings or instructions to apply the raw ingredient.

  • Bleaching systems
  • Hair-colour formulas
  • Oxidation-control systems
  • Controlled chemical-reaction systems
  • Fragrance systems
Read the benefit with the formula.

Ingredient form, concentration, pH, delivery system and contact time can change the result. A skin finding does not establish a hair benefit; a conditioning or fibre result does not establish hair growth.

CosIng record · function source ↗
02 / KNOW THE NAME

Ingredient identity

COSING SOURCE DESCRIPTION

Hydroquinone is the aromatic organic compound that conforms to the formula:

European Commission · source text, with formatting normalised · CC BY 4.0
Source ingredient name
HYDROQUINONE
CAS identifier(s)
123-31-9
EC identifier(s)
204-617-8
Other source names / search aliases
No additional names recorded

CAS and EC identifiers are source references. A botanical extract, polymer or mixture may have more than one identifier; a name does not establish purity, supplier grade or sourcing.

Chemical names in the source

  • Hydroquinone

Matched chemical reference

PubChem compound ID
785
Molecular formula
C6H6O2
Molecular weight
110.11 g/mol
Systematic name
benzene-1,4-diol
InChIKey
QIGBRXMKCJKVMJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N

Matched through one source CAS and a confirmed ingredient name or source alias. These facts describe the matched PubChem record; they do not describe particle form, supplier grade or finished-product performance.

03 / INSIDE THE FORMULA

What does it do?

Antioxidant

Helps slow oxidation in a cosmetic formula. This function alone does not demonstrate a clinical skin benefit.

Bleaching

Helps lighten the colour of a material such as hair. Product type and use conditions need separate assessment.

Hair Dyeing

Contributes colour to hair. Use conditions and restrictions need to be checked separately.

Fragrance

Contributes scent to a product. Fragrance character depends on the ingredient blend.

Reducing

Participates in reduction reactions within a cosmetic formulation.

Functions describe possible roles in a formulation. They do not establish the performance of every product containing this ingredient.

04 / READ THE LABEL

Match the complete name.

Look for the complete name HYDROQUINONE. Similar words, derivatives and salts can refer to different ingredients.

A label usually does not tell you the supplier grade, extraction method or exact concentration of each ingredient. An individual ingredient cannot reveal the overall behaviour of a finished formula.

Expanded Beaut.in explanation in progress

This entry currently documents source identity and functions. Ingredient-specific efficacy studies, sensitisation context and India-specific restrictions still need an editorial review.

05 / EVIDENCE & REGULATORY CONTEXT

Keep the context in view.

European Union source references

Conditions below are taken from the dated CosIng annex export. A reference can cover a group of substances and specific product types. Read all conditions together; this is not an assessment of an Indian product.

Annex II/1339 · Prohibition list (EU source) Identity matched to source row
Chemical name / INN
1,4-Dihydroxybenzene (Hydroquinone), with the exception of entry 14 in Annex III
Regulation
(EC) 2013/344
Update Date
07/05/2013
European Commission · Annex source ↗
Annex III/14 · Restricted-substance list (EU source) Identity matched to source row
Chemical name / INN
Hydroquinone
Product Type, body parts
Artificial nail systems
Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation
0.02% (after mixing for use)
Other
Professional use
Wording of conditions of use and warnings
- For professional use only
- Avoid skin contact
- Read directions for use carefully
Regulation
(EC) 2013/344
Update Date
14/05/2013
European Commission · Annex source ↗
India

Applicable Cosmetics Rules and standards need to be checked for the ingredient, product type and use. Ingredient-specific restrictions have not yet been mapped here.

European Union

CosIng records do not authorise use. Check the current Cosmetics Regulation and annexes for restrictions and conditions.

United States

FDA guidance has a US scope. Product classification, colour additives and other ingredient conditions require separate checks.

Individual experience

No personalised suitability or allergy assessment is provided. A source function is separate from human efficacy and finished-product testing.

Independent clinical evidence synthesis
Not yet completed
Ingredient safety score
Not assigned
Concentration / exposure limits
Not inferred from the ingredient name
06 / FOLLOW THE REFERENCE

Sources & record history

About this image

2D structure · PubChem CID 785 · 2D structure depiction using the PubChem isomeric SMILES record. This does not show particle size, crystal form, supplier grade or raw-material appearance.

Structure rendered for Beaut.in from PubChem data.

Original image / data source ↗

Rendered from the source isomeric SMILES representation. This is not a photograph of the cosmetic raw material. · Reference checked 28 October 2026.

  1. European Commission · CosIng ingredient record ↗

    Identity, identifiers and functions. Snapshot checked 28 October 2026. CosIng source reference: 76687.

  2. European Commission · Database scope & limitations ↗
  3. CDSCO · India cosmetics framework ↗
  4. FDA · US cosmetics guidance ↗

Beaut.in explains ingredient information in original language. Source inclusion does not constitute endorsement. Source descriptions and annex-table fields are reproduced with credit to the European Union; formatting is normalised. The current record is a dated snapshot, not a live regulatory monitor. Reuse terms: European Commission · CC BY 4.0 ↗.

THE BEAUT.IN PRODUCT INDEX

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This growing index keeps its product reports on Beaut.in. References were captured on 27 October 2026. Final prices, stock, pack details, seller, delivery and returns must be checked at the retailer.

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Similar purpose does not establish an equivalent formula or a verified dupe. No quality score is calculated. Ingredient detail here is a source reference; confirm the current Indian pack.