2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol

Safety Information

The safety of 2-Amino-3-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-5-Nitrophenol, 4-Amino-2-Nitrophenol, 4-Amino-3-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol Sulfate, 3-Nitro-p-Hydroxyethylaminophenol, and 4-Hydroxyethylaminophenol has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that 2-Amino-3-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-5-Nitrophenol, 4-Amino-3-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol Sulfate, 3-Nitro-p-Hydroxyethylaminophenol, and 4-Hydroxyethylaminophenol were safe as hair dye ingredients in the current practices of use and concentration, but the data were insufficient to make a determination for 4-Amino-2-Nitrophenol.

CIR Safety Review:

2-Amino-3-Nitrophenol and the other amino nitrophenol dyes penetrated human skin but were not retained in the body. Laboratory studies of acute, short-term and subchronic tests reported little evidence of toxicity. These amino nitrophenol dyes were not dermal or ocular irritants. Some amino nitrophenol dyes have skin contact sensitization potential. The CIR Expert Panel concluded that 2-Amino-3-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol Sulfate, 2-Amino-5-Nitrophenol, 4-Amino-3-Nitrophenol, 3-Nitro-p-Hydroxyethylaminopheno and 4-Hydroxypropylamino-3-Nitrophenol were safe as hair dye ingredients. The data were insufficient to reach a conclusion for 4-Amino-2-Nitrophenol. The additional data needed for 4-Amino-2-Nitrophenol included dermal penetration, if absorbed, dermal reproductive and developmental toxicity data may be needed.

More information about hair dyes.

4-Amino-3-Nitrophenol, 4-Hydroxypropylamino-3-Nitrophenol and 3-Nitro-p-Hydroxyethylaminophenol may be used hair dyes marketed in the Europe. After dilution with hydrogen peroxide, these ingredients are permitted at maximum concentration of 1.5%, 2.6% and 3% for 4-Amino-3-Nitrophenol, 4-Hydroxypropylamino-3-Nitrophenol and 3-Nitro-p-Hydroxyethylaminophenol, respectively (see Annex III part 1 and part 2). 2-Amino-3-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-5-Nitrophenol, 4-Amino-2-Nitrophenol and 2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol Sulfate are not permitted for use in hair dyes in Europe (see Annex II).

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_packaging/co0013_en.htm

Resources

The FDA's fact sheet on Hair Dye Products
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Search the FDA Code of Federal Regulations
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EU Cosmetics Inventory
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2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol


Chemical image provided by National Cancer Institute
What Is It?

2-Amino-3-Nitrophenol and the other amino nitrophenols are colored solids. In cosmetics and personal care products, 2-Amino-3-Nitrophenol and the other amino nitrophenols, including 2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-5-Nitrophenol, 4-Amino-2-Nitrophenol, 4-Amino-3-Nitrophenol, 2-Amino-4-Nitrophenol Sulfate, 4-Hydroxypropylamine-3-Nitrophenol and 3-Nitro-p-Hydroxyethylaminophenol are used in the formulation of hair dyes, colors and tints.

Why Is It Used?

2-Amino-3-Nitrophenol and the other amino nitrophenols are toners in permanent hair dyes and do not interact with an oxidizing agent. They are also used as dyes in semi-permanent hair coloring preparations. Hair coloring preparations may be temporary, semi-permanent, permanent, or progressive depending on the length of time the colorant affects the hair.

Scientific Facts

The amino nitrophenol ingredinets are in the chemical class of amines. Amines are organic substitution compounds of ammonia, NH3.

2-Amino-3-Nitrophenol and the other amino nitrophenols are substituted aromatic amines. 2-Amino-3-Nitrophenol and the other amino nitrophenols are used as hair colorants.