German institute says ??arbutin poses a health risk in cosmetics

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According to the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), ??Arbutin, a substance used in skin lightening products, poses a health risk. The institute carried out an assessment on the use of ??arbutin in cosmetic products, which showed that the substance can be metabolised in the skin to D-glucose and hydroquinone, a suspected carcinogen which is banned from use in cosmetic products in Europe. The European Commission’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) is re-assessing the safety of the compound for use as an active substance. Further information is available at: BfR announcement

Chemical Watch, 8 March 2013 ;http://chemicalwatch.com ;