Cosmetics · Quasi-drug actives
5,5'-Dipropyl-Biphenyl-2,2'-Diol
5,5'-ジプロピル-ビフェニル-2,2'-ジオール (Dipuropiru bifenīru jiōru)
Also known as: Kao (formerly Kanebo) markets a preparation as Magnolignan
At a glance
| Category | Cosmetics |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Magnolignan / Dipropyl Biphenyl Diol (specification-dependent) |
| Japanese labeling name | 5,5'-ジプロピル-ビフェニル-2,2'-ジオール |
| Common Japanese notations | 5,5'-ジプロピル-ビフェニル-2,2'-ジオール |
| Origin | Synthetic (biphenyl derivative) |
| Typical functions | Quasi-drug whitening (medicated bihaku) active |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Approved as a quasi-drug (医薬部外品) whitening active by Japan's MHLW in 2005. Approval applied for by Kanebo Cosmetics. |
5,5'-Dipropyl-biphenyl-2,2'-diol is a synthetic biphenyl derivative approved as a quasi-drug whitening active in Japan in 2005. Kanebo Cosmetics — now part of Kao Corporation — applied for and received the approval, and markets its preparation of this ingredient under the brand name Magnolignan.
Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Used in (typical product categories)
Finished-product categories that commonly include this ingredient in Japanese-market formulations.
- Medicated whitening lines (薬用美白) marketed under Kao / Kanebo brands
What it is
5,5'-Dipropyl-biphenyl-2,2'-diol is a substituted biphenyl with hydroxyl groups at the 2 and 2' positions and propyl substituents at the 5 and 5' positions. It functions through the melanin synthesis pathway as a quasi-drug whitening active.
Typical uses in Japanese products
Use is concentrated in Kao / Kanebo medicated whitening lines.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Approved by MHLW as a quasi-drug whitening active in 2005 following Kanebo Cosmetics' application.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Verify specific INCI registration in current CosIng. |
|---|---|
| USA | Verify INCI registration. |
| China | Verify against current IECIC listings. |
| Korea | Verify against current KFDA / MFDS listings. |
Example products
Use is concentrated in Kao / Kanebo medicated whitening lines. Specific SKU listings will be added after each product's current full ingredient list has been verified.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Related ingredients
References
- Japan PMDA — quasi-drug active ingredient approval registry
- Kao Corporation / Kanebo Cosmetics technical publications referencing Magnolignan
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.