Skin lighteners & hidden medicines
Mequinol
Restricted in European Union, United Kingdom and Canada; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why it matters
It is a hydroquinone derivative with skin-lightening activity, so regulators allow it only in professional or nail uses, away from skin.
What to look for on the label
Mequinol, 4-methoxyphenol, hydroquinone monomethyl ether.
Full name: Mequinol (hydroquinone monomethyl ether, 4-methoxyphenol)
Country by country
Ghana: Hydroquinone and its derivatives are banned in cosmetics in Ghana.
Around the worldRestricted in European Union, United Kingdom and Canada; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why: It is a hydroquinone derivative with skin-lightening activity, so regulators allow it only in professional or nail uses, away from skin.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | not confirmed |
| European Union | restrictedArtificial nail systems only, max 0.02%, professional use (Annex III #95; 2009 text) |
| United Kingdom | restrictedArtificial nail systems only, max 0.02%, professional use (retained Annex III #95; 2009 text) |
| United States | not confirmed |
| Canada | restrictedNail products only, max 0.1%; combined with hydroquinone max 0.1% |
Sources: Reg 1223/2009 Annex III as adopted (legislation.gov.uk) · SGS summary of 2024 Hotlist (secondary). Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
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Paste the ingredient list, scan the barcode or read it from a photo. The check flags mequinol and anything else worth knowing.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.