QUININE
- Cosmetics Caution
What is QUININE?
Quinine, the bitter substance from cinchona bark, is used in some hair products and fragrances. On the skin it doesn't cause the serious effects linked to swallowing large amounts. Its risk is a skin allergy: hair products with quinine have occasionally caused an itchy, inflamed rash, sometimes after months of use.
What is Yasno’s verdict on QUININE?
Yasno’s verdict on QUININE: Caution. Some evidence of a concern, it depends on the amount, or it is genuinely worth knowing. A Caution always has a specific, sourced reason.
Is QUININE allowed in the EU?
EU status of QUININE: Restricted in cosmetics (limits and conditions apply). Conditions and limits come from the regulation cited below. Yasno summarises them and does not replace the legal text.
| Where | EU | US |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics | Restricted in cosmetics (limits and conditions apply) | Not recorded |
Reference: Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III (entry 21) · Limit: (a) 0.5% (as quinine base) (b) 0.2% (as quinine base) | (a) Hair rinse-off products (b) Hair leave-on products
What else is it called?
- Cinchonan-9-ol, 6'-methoxy-, (8.alpha.,9R)- its salts
- (8S,9R)-6'-Methoxycinchonan-9-ol
Sources
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products — Annex III, European Union, 2009
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis Due to Quinine in a Hair Lotion, Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas, 2010
Always check the physical label. Yasno describes evidence and regulatory status. It never says a product is free of an allergen or safe for you, and it is not medical advice.
Yasno reads the whole label from a photo and explains every ingredient like this. It is coming soon to the App Store.