Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

N,N-DIMETHYL-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE.

Avoid CAS 99-98-9 / HAIR DYEING

N,N-Dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine (DMPD) functions primarily as a redox indicator, employed in analytical chemistry to detect specific analytes and quantify antioxidant activity. It readily forms stable radical cations, a property leveraged for colorimetric detection. This compound is not recognized for direct skincare benefits.

Summary

Science

Mechanism of Action

DMPD acts as a redox indicator by undergoing facile oxidation to form stable radical cations, which can be detected colorimetrically, particularly at an acidic pH. In the context of antioxidant assays, antioxidant compounds interact with and quench the colored radical cation through hydrogen atom transfer. Its specific mechanism of action or benefit when applied to the skin is not documented.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient necessitates rigorous protection from light and air, ideally stored under an inert gas at +4°C, where it maintains stability for at least 2 years. Its solubility may be influenced by pH, with protonation under basic conditions potentially increasing water solubility. It is known to degrade upon exposure to light and air.

Conflicts

  • acid chlorides
  • acid anhydrides
  • strong acids
  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

N,N-Dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine has not been directly assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel as a standalone skincare ingredient. However, it is classified with severe hazard statements, including 'Toxic if swallowed', 'Toxic in contact with skin', 'Causes skin irritation', 'Causes serious eye irritation', 'Toxic if inhaled', and 'May cause respiratory irritation'. It is identified as a severe skin irritant, with occasional positive patch test results reported in humans. Its close relative, p-Phenylenediamine (PPD), is restricted for hair dye use and deemed unsafe for direct dermal application (e.g., temporary black henna tattoos) or use in eyelash and eyebrow dyes.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Given its classification as a severe skin irritant and toxic substance with no identified skincare benefits, N,N-Dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine should be avoided in cosmetic formulations.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…