An oxidative hair dye ingredient regulated in Annex III.
What it is
p-Aminophenol (4-aminophenol) is an aromatic amine used as a component of oxidative hair dyes. CosIng lists it as a hair-dyeing ingredient. In the EU it is listed in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions), for oxidative hair dye products and products for colouring eyelashes.
Where it is used
Found in permanent hair colours and eyelash tinting 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, which depend on the product type.
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) Products intended for colouring eyelashes
- Conditions and warnings
- (a) To be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. “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, — you have ever experienced any reaction after colouring your hair, — you have experienced a reaction to a temporary ‘black henna’ tattoo in the past.” (b) As from 3 March 2018, to be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. “This product 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 the risk of allergy. Eyelashes shall not be coloured if the consumer: — has a rash on the face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp, — has experienced any reaction after colouring hair or eyelashes, — has experienced a reaction to a temporary ‘black henna’ tattoo in the past. For professional use only. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them”
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EU) 2017/237
Safety Gate alerts (EU)
9 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.
- Polar Hair Care – Red Hair Dye Shampoo (2026-10-21)
- Polar Hair Care – Dark Brown Hair Dye Shampoo (2026-10-15)
- Polar Hair Care – Light Brown Hair Dye Shampoo (2026-10-15)
- Polar Hair Care – Medium Brown Hair Dye Shampoo (2026-10-15)
- Royal – Brown Henna (2022-07-14)
Products with this ingredient (15)
- Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color Saç Boyası 73 Şampanya Sarısı · REVLON
- Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color Saç Boyası 44 Orta Kızıl Kahve · REVLON
- Just For Men Control Gx Grey Reducing Shampoo 118mL · Just For Men
- Clairol Colour Strong 8.1 Medium Ash Blonde 1 Pack · Clairol
- Clairol Colour Strong Hair Dye Black 1.0 each · Clairol
- Clairol Natural Instincts 2 Midnight Black Semi Permanent each · Clairol
- tinta per capelli · biokap
- Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up Permanent Hair Color, 4R Dark Auburn · Clairol
- Paris Superior Preference 5CB Medium Chestnut Brown Warmer Haircolor · L'Oréal
- Preferance 4.15 Caracas · L'OREAL NORGE AS
- Metalic Touch · Rubelia
- Revlon ColorSilk Beautiful Color Saç Boyası 55 Açık Kızıl Kahve · REVLON

