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NITROPHENOL.

Avoid CAS 88-75-5 / 100-02-7 / 554-84-7 / 25154-55-6 / HAIR DYEING

Nitrophenol, particularly the 4-nitrophenol isomer, is a chemical compound primarily employed in industrial applications such as dye synthesis, fungicides, and as a laboratory pH indicator. It possesses no documented beneficial properties for the skin within a cosmetic context.

Summary

Science

Mechanism of Action

Topical exposure to nitrophenol is associated with severe irritant reactions. Acute dermal exposure to 4-nitrophenol has been shown to induce significant skin irritation, including erythema, edema, dark brown discoloration, tissue sloughing, scarring, hardening of the skin, and epidermal desquamation. There are no known mechanisms by which nitrophenol provides positive effects on the skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Nitrophenol offers no known dermatological benefits and is associated with significant dermal toxicity, rendering it entirely unsuitable for inclusion in skincare formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5.4 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Nitrophenol is highly soluble in water, with solubility ranging from 10 g/L at 15 °C to 16 g/L at 25 °C. It is also freely soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol, chloroform, ether, ethanol, and acetone. The compound's pKa is 7.15, and it acts as a pH indicator, appearing colorless below pH 5.4 and yellow above pH 7.5 due to ionization. Nitrophenol is stable under normal storage conditions but decomposes at temperatures exceeding 280 °C.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

Nitrophenols are classified as poisonous. 4-Nitrophenol is toxic if ingested, harmful upon skin contact or inhalation, and may cause organ damage through prolonged or repeated exposure. Acute dermal exposure can lead to severe irritation, including erythema, edema, and tissue sloughing. While derivatives have undergone SCCS assessment for specific hair dye applications at maximum concentrations (e.g., 3.0% and 5.2%) with warnings for sensitization risk, nitrophenol itself is generally not considered safe for cosmetic use. The EPA has not classified 4-nitrophenol for potential carcinogenicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Nitrophenol presents severe dermal irritation risks and systemic toxicity without offering any documented skincare benefits, rendering it an unsuitable and dangerous ingredient for cosmetic formulations.

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References

Sources