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Annex III Entry 14 CMR14/05/2013

HYDROQUINONE

Hydroquinone

HYDROQUINONE is listed in Annex III and may only be used under the conditions shown in this record. Maximum concentration in this record: 0.02% (after mixing for use).

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Restricted substance— Annex III, EU Regulation 1223/2009
Max conc.: 0.02% (after mixing for use)
Entry: 14
CMR

Record details

Maximum concentration

0.02% (after mixing for use)

Product type

Artificial nail systems

Other restrictions

Professional use

Warnings

- For professional use only
- Avoid skin contact
- Read directions for use carefully

INCI glossary name

HYDROQUINONE

Chemical name

Hydroquinone

Regulatory information

Regulation

(EC) 2013/344

SCCS opinions

Identified ingredients

CMR

CategoryCarcinogenicMutagenicReprotoxic
Cat. 2✓✓—

Key data

CAS
123-31-9
EC
204-617-8
Annex
III
Entry number
14

Inventory links for HYDROQUINONE

Inventory Restriction reference
Ref 76687

HYDROQUINONE

CAS: 123-31-9
EC: 204-617-8

Direct matches are limited for this record, so nearby entries from Annex III are shown as well.

Annex III 11
Nearby record in the same annex

DICHLOROPHEN

CAS: 97-23-4
EC: 202-567-1
Annex III 16
Nearby record in the same annex

1-NAPHTHOL

CAS: 90-15-3
EC: 201-969-4

What Annex III means for HYDROQUINONE

HYDROQUINONE is a restricted substance under Annex III of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Its use in cosmetics is only permitted under the specific conditions set out in the entry above, including applicable concentration limits, product type restrictions and required warning statements.

When including this substance in a formulation, all conditions — maximum concentration, product scope and warning labels — must be met simultaneously. Compliance with one condition does not override the others.

This record is linked to 1 CosIng inventory ingredient for name and identifier cross-reference. The page also surfaces 12 related annex records with overlapping identifiers, annex logic or naming patterns.

Compliance checklist

  • Ensure formulation concentration does not exceed: 0.02% (after mixing for use)
  • Confirm product type compatibility: Artificial nail systems
  • Include required warning statement on product label.
  • Document conditions of use in the Product Information File (PIF).
  • This substance has CMR classification. Review the CMR table above and verify current Annex II/III status before use.

Frequently asked questions

HYDROQUINONE is listed in Annex III of EU Regulation 1223/2009 as a restricted substance. It may only be used under the conditions specified in the entry, including any maximum concentration, product type limitation and required warning statements shown above.

CAS 123-31-9 is the unique numerical identifier assigned to HYDROQUINONE by the Chemical Abstracts Service. In cosmetic compliance work, the CAS number is used to cross-reference the substance across regulatory databases, raw material specifications and safety assessment reports. Multiple EU annex entries may share the same CAS number if the same substance appears under different conditions or in different annexes.

HYDROQUINONE has a CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic) classification under EU CLP Regulation. Under Article 15 of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, CMR substances of category 1A or 1B are prohibited in cosmetics unless specifically permitted. Category 2 CMR substances may be used only if assessed safe by the SCCS. Always verify current annex status and any applicable derogations before use.

The maximum concentration of 0.02% (after mixing for use) applies to the concentration of the substance in the ready-to-use cosmetic product. When the substance is supplied as part of a blend or mixture, the calculation must account for the contribution of all sources in the formulation. The combined concentration must not exceed the stated limit.

Use the INCI Checker tool on this site to paste your full ingredient list (INCI) and scan it against all Annex II–VI entries. The tool highlights any ingredients that match restricted, prohibited or allergen-flagged records. This is useful for rapid compliance screening of finished product formulas or raw material declarations.
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Source note for Annex III record HYDROQUINONE

This page summarizes one Annex III record for HYDROQUINONE from public European Commission cosmetic materials and adds linked inventory or identifier matches when available.

Use this record page to review Annex III conditions for HYDROQUINONE, but confirm any final regulatory decision against the current official annex wording and source files.

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