The dihydrochloride of p-phenylenediamine, an oxidative hair dye regulated in Annex III.
What it is
p-Phenylenediamine HCl is benzene-1,4-diamine dihydrochloride, a salt of p-phenylenediamine (PPD), an aromatic amine used as an oxidative dye precursor; as a dye it has the Colour Index number CI 76060. CosIng lists it as a hair-dyeing ingredient. In the EU it is covered by entries in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions) for oxidative hair dye products and for products intended for colouring eyelashes, with mandatory label warnings.
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, which differ between hair dye products and eyelash colouring 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
- Products intended for colouring eyelashes
- Conditions and warnings
- To be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. “For professional use only. 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. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them. Contains phenylenediamines. Wear suitable gloves.” ’
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2013/1197
- Product type
- Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products
- 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. Contains phenylenediamines. Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows.’ (b) To be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. ‘For professional use only. 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. Contains phenylenediamines. Wear suitable gloves.’
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2013/344