An aromatic amine used in oxidative hair dyes, regulated in Annex III.
What it is
Toluene-2,5-diamine (2-methyl-p-phenylenediamine, CI 76042) is an aromatic amine used as a primary intermediate in oxidative hair dyes. It is chemically related to p-phenylenediamine. CosIng lists it as a hair-dyeing ingredient. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions), which also requires warnings on the label.
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 and conditions. The label does not show its concentration or which other dye components it is combined with.
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) Products intended for colouring eyelashes (b) Products intended for colouring eyelashes
- Conditions and warnings
- (a) To be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. '<img src="images/warning.gif" align="bottom"> 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 (toluenediamines) (a) (i) Do not use to dye eyelashes. (a) (ii) Wear suitable gloves. For professional use only.’ (b) As from 3 March 2018, to be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. '<img src="images/warning.gif" align="bottom"> 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 (toluenediamines). Wear suitable gloves. For professional use only’.
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2013/1197
Products with this ingredient (7)
- Фарба для волосся L'Oreal Paris Preference 5.0 · L'Oréal
- Preferance 3 Brasilia · L'OREAL NORGE AS
- Preferance 4.15 Caracas · L'OREAL NORGE AS
- Excellence 5.5 Lys Mahognibrun · L'OREAL NORGE AS
- Excellence 8.3 Lys Gyldenblond · L'OREAL NORGE AS
- Preferance 1 Napoli · L'OREAL NORGE AS
- Excellence Creme Ultra 4.11 Ash Brown · L'OREAL NORGE AS