Arbutin
Medium RiskArbutin (beta-arbutin) is a skin-brightening ingredient and a glycosylated hydroquinone. Key concerns are potential hydroquinone release/contamination, dermal absorption, and combined exposure when multiple hydroquinone-releasing substances are used across products. Pregnancy-specific human outcome data for topical cosmetic exposure are limited; the medium-risk signal is hydroquinone-related concern plus limited pregnancy-specific evidence.
Sources: EU SCCS Final Opinion on the safety of alpha-arbutin and beta-arbutin in cosmetic products (SCCS/1642/22; sccs_o_264.pdf, 2023); EU CosIng entry for arbutin.



