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
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| 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 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) 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.
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Classification
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Product applications
Functions
Regulatory tags
Origin
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- Medicated whitening lines (薬用美白) marketed under Kao / Kanebo brands
Ingredient profile
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.
OEM applications
Use is concentrated in Kao / Kanebo medicated whitening lines.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Approved by 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) 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. |
Market reference formulations
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.
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Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is 5,5'-Dipropyl-Biphenyl-2,2'-Diol?
- 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.
- What is the regulatory status of 5,5'-Dipropyl-Biphenyl-2,2'-Diol in Japan?
- Approved as a quasi-drug (医薬部外品) whitening active by Japan's 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) in 2005. Approval applied for by Kanebo Cosmetics.
- What products typically use 5,5'-Dipropyl-Biphenyl-2,2'-Diol?
- Medicated whitening lines (薬用美白) marketed under Kao / Kanebo brands
- Where does 5,5'-Dipropyl-Biphenyl-2,2'-Diol come from?
- Synthetic (biphenyl derivative)
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for 5,5'-Dipropyl-Biphenyl-2,2'-Diol?
- INCI: Magnolignan / Dipropyl Biphenyl Diol (specification-dependent) / JSCI: 5,5'-ジプロピル-ビフェニル-2,2'-ジオール
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Regulatory guidance
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FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What is Magnolignan and how is it regulated in Japan?
Magnolignan (5,5'-dipropyl-biphenyl-2,2'-diol) is a Kao-developed whitening active approved by 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) as a quasi-drug ingredient. Use of the active in finished products requires quasi-drug notification.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- 厚生労働省 (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare) — quasi-drug approval lists; Kao technical communications on Magnolignan
Q. Is Magnolignan available to OEMs outside the Kao/Kanebo group?
Commercial supply has been concentrated in Kao and Kanebo medicated whitening lines; third-party OEM sourcing is generally not available for non-Kao branded products.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Kao proprietary actives
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Q. What is its proposed mechanism for whitening claims?
Kao technical literature describes Magnolignan as suppressing melanin synthesis by reducing tyrosinase maturation, supporting prevention of sun-induced spots and freckles when used in quasi-drug formulations.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Kao R&D technical publications — Magnolignan mechanism
Q. What product formats use this active?
Use is concentrated in medicated whitening serums, lotions, and emulsions within the Kao/Kanebo Sofina, Twany, and Suisai lines.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
- Industry knowledge — Kao/Kanebo medicated whitening product lineup
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Use cases
Medicated whitening serum
- Positioning
- Premium Kao/Kanebo medicated brand line
- Formulation notes
- Water-phase active; pH-controlled formulation for stability.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Kao Sofina/Suisai medicated lineup
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Medicated whitening lotion / emulsion
- Positioning
- Daily-use medicated whitening regimen
- Formulation notes
- Combined with other Kao-portfolio actives; quasi-drug filing required.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — Kao medicated whitening lineup
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
Spot-care concentrate
- Positioning
- Targeted hyperpigmentation prevention
- Formulation notes
- Higher-strength leave-on serum; opaque packaging for stability.
Sources
- Industry knowledge — premium spot-care segment
Industry-knowledge claim — not yet pinned to a single primary source
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Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- Japan 医薬品医療機器総合機構 PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) — 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.