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NINHYDRIN

CAS 485-47-2
25

Safety score · 0–100

Caution

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

About

Ninhydrin is a laboratory amino-acid stain — it reacts with skin proteins to form a purple dye and is not an appropriate cosmetic ingredient.

Ninhydrin (2,2-dihydroxyindane-1,3-dione, CAS 485-47-2) is the classic laboratory reagent for visualizing amino acids and fingerprints; it reacts with primary amines in a stoichiometric fashion to form Ruhemann's purple. On skin it causes intense, persistent staining and has documented GHS classifications for acute oral toxicity, skin and eye irritation, and respiratory sensitization. It is not listed in any cosmetic monograph and has no cosmetic function — deliberate inclusion in a finished product would be an error. In forensic contexts, handling requires gloves and respiratory protection.

Function

REDUCING

Skin benefits

  • No cosmetic use case

Known concerns

  • Reacts with skin amines to form persistent stain
  • Acute oral toxicity
  • Skin/eye irritant
  • Respiratory sensitizer
  • Not a cosmetic ingredient

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.