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P-AMINOPHENOL.

Avoid CAS 123-30-8 / HAIR DYEING

P-aminophenol is an organic compound primarily recognized as an oxidative hair dye precursor. When reacted with hydrogen peroxide, it forms colorants that impart permanent color to hair fibers. While its main application is in hair coloring, it can be metabolized in the skin to acetaminophen.

Summary

Hair coloring agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This compound functions by undergoing oxidation, typically initiated by hydrogen peroxide, to create colored molecules within the hair shaft, thus providing permanent hair coloration. Upon skin exposure, P-aminophenol is metabolized into acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

P-aminophenol is not an ingredient commonly 'dusted' or overused in skincare for perceived benefits, as its primary function is as a hair coloring agent.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

P-aminophenol demonstrates stability with less than 5% variation over study periods; however, specific optimal pH ranges for this stability are not detailed. It is known to degrade when exposed to air and light.

Conflicts

  • Heat (can cause decomposition to HCN, nitrous vapors, CO)
  • Water (can react to produce CO2)
  • Acids
  • Bases
  • Alcohols
  • Amines
  • Air
  • Light

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.9%
Sensitization risk High

The CIR Expert Panel considers aminophenols safe for use as hair dyes. The SCCS permits P-aminophenol in oxidative hair dye formulations up to a 0.9% on-head concentration, noting its sensitizing potential. This ingredient is highly suspected of causing allergies and can induce irritation at elevated concentrations, having shown irritancy on rabbit skin and mucous membranes in experimental settings. It is classified as a mutagen (Category 2, CLP) and has demonstrated genotoxic effects in vitro and in vivo, leading to clastogenic effects at high doses. The CIR Expert Panel, however, considered in vitro mutagenicity tests not directly relevant to in vivo hair dye use. Notably, EWG categorizes P-aminophenol as 'Unacceptable' for EWG Verified products due to concerns regarding potential cancer, allergies, immunotoxicity, and developmental/reproductive toxicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Given significant safety concerns, including a high risk of sensitization and irritation, classification as a mutagen, and lack of demonstrated topical skincare benefits, P-aminophenol is not recommended for use in precision skincare formulations.

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