If you rely on Hyabak for eye hydration, you may have heard about changes in its composition. Discover why the ingredient actinoquinol is no longer included, what it means for your eye care routine, and how this update could actually benefit special patient populations.

Hyabak vs Theahyabak

Why Was Actinoquinol Part of Hyabak?

In its original formulation, Hyabak included actinoquinol, an innovative ingredient chosen for its potential to reduce oxidative stress linked to UV light exposure. This gave the product an added layer of protection, particularly for individuals who spend time outdoors or use digital devices frequently. The intention was to deliver comprehensive comfort and support for dry, tired eyes.

  • Oxidative stress reduction: Actinoquinol aimed to lower the damage caused by sunlight and environmental factors.
  • Support for sensitive eyes: Users benefited from a formula designed with eye health resilience in mind.

Recent Regulation Changes and Their Impact

However, changes in European regulations have impacted what claims can be made regarding actinoquinol's benefits and how it must be labeled for certain groups.

  • Restrictions on statements: Modern regulations now prohibit making claims about reducing oxidative stress for over-the-counter eye drops.
  • Stricter labelling for specific groups: New rules also required explicit warnings about use in pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children.

Given these developments, Théa decided to revisit the TheaHyabak formula to better align with evolving safety and compliance expectations.

Why Actinoquinol Was Removed from TheaHyabak

With regulatory changes limiting allowable statements and requiring additional warnings, the company evaluated whether actinoquinol continued to meet the greatest need for all users. Ultimately, the drop has been reformulated to remove actinoquinol entirely.


Focus on Hyaluronic Acid: TheaHyabak continues to provide high-quality hydration through a clinically tried-and-tested ingredient, sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid), now as its primary component.

No compromise on comfort: Hyaluronic acid ensures excellent moisture retention and soothing comfort for dry, gritty, or irritated eyes.

Patient-first strategy: By eliminating actinoquinol, TheaHyabak now serves a wider group safely, without the need for special warnings.

Changes to Special Patient Populations

One of the most significant results of this update is that warnings for pregnant women, those who are breastfeeding, and children have been removed from the packaging. Previously, the requirement for caution stemmed not from evidence of harm, but rather from limited clinical testing available on actinoquinol compared to long-studied ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

  • No clinical evidence of harm: Actinoquinol has not been proven unsafe for these groups. Warnings existed only because research was less extensive.
  • Greater access and reassurance: With actinoquinol removed, TheaHyabak offers reliable hydration without restrictions for wider patient groups, empowering more people to manage dry eye symptoms as needed.

Remaining Labelling Notes

While current external packaging may still display a warning, the product insert clarifies that TheaHyabak can be used for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children if recommended by a healthcare professional.

The Benefits of TheaHyabak’s Reformulated Formula

What does this mean for you? The reformulated Hyabak is all about effective moisturization, convenience, and versatility.

  • Advanced ABAK bottle: TheaHyabak continues to come in the patented preservative-free ABAK bottle, offering safe and hygienic dispensing for up to three months after opening.
  • Simplicity and safety: With only hyaluronic acid as the active ingredient, the product remains gentle for sensitive eyes and users needing ongoing support.
  • Easier guidance for doctors and patients: Healthcare professionals can recommend TheaHyabak more confidently, especially for special populations, knowing there are no longer restrictions due to untested newer ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Change

Is the new TheaHyabak as effective as the old formula?

Absolutely. Hyaluronic acid remains a gold-standard moisturizer for artificial tears and is well-supported by research for its ability to hydrate and lubricate the ocular surface.

In-Clinic, we are switching folks over directly from the old to the new formulation.  We have no concerns that the drops effectiveness has been altered with the change.

Why didn’t they leave actinoquinol for extra protection?

With regulation changes limiting product claims and increases in required warnings, prioritizing a time-tested, broadly compatible formula made more sense for most users—providing relief without added complexity.

Will I notice a difference in comfort or sensation?

Most users will find the new drop works just as well as before, thanks to the lubricating power of hyaluronic acid and the easy-to-squeeze ABAK bottle.

Conclusion

TheaHyabak is now formulated without actinoquinol, streamlining its benefits for every user, including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children. For gentle, effective relief from dry eye symptoms,

The new formula Hyabak continues to deliver trusted hydration in a preservative-free format.

MORE INFORMATION:  See Thea Pharmaceuticals Website at Introducing Hyabak - Théa Pharmaceuticals

Dr. Jason Morris
Dr. Jason Morris
Owner mEYEspa
https://www.meyespa.com/pages/contact-us

Away from corporate influences and their churn, I believe in time and an unhurried environment. At mEYEspa and my clinic, we are UNcorporate Optometry. I have special interest in occupational vision needs, concussive injury to the visual system and dry eye management. I am the owner of mEYEspa and a dedicated to the delivery of relevant information and clinic-tested eye care products. -Doctor of Optometry - University of Waterloo 1994 -Honors Bachelor of Science – Waterloo 1994 -Registered Ontario College of Optometrists -Member of Ontario Association of Optometrists -Member of Canadian Association of Optometrists -10 year straight winner of 3 Best Rated Optometrists London ON