Skin lighteners & hidden medicines
Arbutin
Restricted in European Union; also restricted in Nigeria.
Why it matters
It can release hydroquinone, so regulators cap its strength and limit hydroquinone traces.
What to look for on the label
Arbutin, beta-arbutin, bearberry extract.
Full name: Arbutin (beta-arbutin)
Country by country
Around the worldRestricted in European Union; also restricted in Nigeria.
Why: It can release hydroquinone, so regulators cap its strength and limit hydroquinone traces.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | restrictedNo standalone limit found; product adulterated if combined with more than 1% hydroquinone |
| European Union | restrictedFace cream max 7%; hydroquinone at trace only (Annex III, Reg 2024/996) |
| United Kingdom | not confirmed |
| United States | not confirmed |
| Canada | not confirmed |
Sources: NAFDAC Bleaching Agents Regs 2019 (PolicyVault copy) · COSlaw.eu summary of Reg (EU) 2024/996 (secondary). Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
Is it in your product?
Paste the ingredient list, scan the barcode or read it from a photo. The check flags arbutin and anything else worth knowing.
Read next
Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.