Skin lighteners & hidden medicines
Monobenzone
Banned in European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and ASEAN countries; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why it matters
It is a strong depigmenting agent that regulators keep out of cosmetics because of its active effect on skin pigment.
What to look for on the label
Monobenzone, monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone, 4-benzyloxyphenol.
Full name: Monobenzone (4-benzyloxyphenol)
Country by country
Ghana: Hydroquinone and its derivatives are banned in cosmetics in Ghana.
Around the worldBanned in European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa and ASEAN countries; its status in Nigeria is not confirmed.
Why: It is a strong depigmenting agent that regulators keep out of cosmetics because of its active effect on skin pigment.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | not confirmed |
| European Union | bannedAnnex II #178: 4-benzyloxyphenol and 4-ethoxyphenol |
| United Kingdom | bannedAnnex II #178: 4-benzyloxyphenol and 4-ethoxyphenol |
| United States | not confirmed |
| Canada | bannedHotlist prohibited: 4-benzyloxyphenol (monobenzone) |
| South Africa | bannedMonobenzone and any other active depigmenting ingredient prohibited (R.1227) |
| ASEAN countries | bannedAnnex II #178: 4-benzyloxyphenol and 4-ethoxyphenol |
Sources: Reg 1223/2009 Annex II as adopted (legislation.gov.uk) · UK Cosmetics Reg Annex II (legislation.gov.uk) · Health Canada Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist · SA Regulation R.1227 (1988, amended) · ASEAN Cosmetic Directive Annex II (June 2026). 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 monobenzone 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.