Is 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (dyes & colorants).
INCI name 2-Nitro-p-Phenylenediamine. CAS 5307-14-2.
Is 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | hair dye |
| CAS number | 5307-14-2 |
What is 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine?
2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine (2-Nitro-p-Phenylenediamine) is a hair-dye colorant.
Why is 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine dangerous? Documented risks
Concentration-restricted in the EU over genotoxicity concerns.
Products that may contain 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine
- hair dye
How to avoid 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine: safer alternatives
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Frequently asked questions about 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine
Is 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine banned in the EU?
2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine in US cosmetics?
Yes — 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
What products contain 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains 2-Nitro-p-phenylenediamine or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related dyes & colorants
Avoiding banned beauty ingredients? Check your food, too.
Sources
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (prohibited substances) — EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009
- EU-banned cosmetics ingredients and US impact — RegASK
- Chemicals in cosmetics — CHEM Trust
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.