Skip to content

Prohibited CMR hair-dye precursor

o-Phenylenediamine and its salts

CAS 95-54-5
5

Safety score · 0–100

Avoid

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

Aromatic diamine prohibited in EU cosmetics under Annex II as a category 1B CMR substance. Strong skin sensitizer and systemic toxicant with no acceptable cosmetic use.

Skin benefits

  • Historically used as oxidative hair dye intermediate
  • No accepted modern cosmetic benefit

Known concerns

  • Prohibited in cosmetics under EU Annex II
  • Classified as carcinogenic category 1B and mutagenic by ECHA
  • Strong skin sensitizer with severe allergic contact dermatitis reports
  • Systemic toxicity including hematotoxicity

References

EU

EU CosIng database

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

Check your shelf

Find o-Phenylenediamine and its salts in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains o-Phenylenediamine and its salts and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.

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