A synthetic nitro hair dye, regulated in Annex III.
What it is
4-Amino-3-nitrophenol is an aromatic compound carrying an amino, a nitro and a hydroxyl group on a benzene ring. CosIng lists it as a hair-dyeing ingredient. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions) for oxidative and non-oxidative hair dye products, with a mandatory label warning.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits, conditions and label warnings. The applicable conditions differ between oxidative and non-oxidative hair dye products. Its position on the list does not show the final shade, which depends on the combination of dyes in the product.
Functions
- Hair dyeing
- Imparting color to hair. Hair dyeing preparations may be temporary, semi-permanent, permanent, depending on the length of time the colorant remains on the hair.
EU regulation
- Product type
- (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products (b)Hair dye substance in non-oxidative hair dye products
- Maximum concentration
- (b) 1.0%
- Conditions and warnings
- (a) and (b) “ Hair colourants can cause severe allergic reactions. Read and follow instructions. This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16. Temporary ‘black henna’ tattoos may increase your risk of allergy. Do not colour your hair if: — you have a rash on your face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp,EN L 114/40 OJ EU25.4.2013 — you have ever experienced any reaction after colouring your hair, — you have experienced a reaction to a temporary ...
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2013/344