Is 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name 4-Amino-3-Nitrophenol. CAS 610-81-1.
Is 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | medium |
| Where it shows up | hair dye |
| CAS number | 610-81-1 |
What is 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol?
4-Amino-3-nitrophenol (4-Amino-3-Nitrophenol) is a hair-dye colorant.
Why is 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol dangerous? Documented risks
Concentration-restricted in the EU.
Products that may contain 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol
- hair dye
How to avoid 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol: 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 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol
Is 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol banned in the EU?
4-Amino-3-nitrophenol is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol in US cosmetics?
Yes — 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol 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 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains 4-Amino-3-nitrophenol or other ingredients banned overseas.
Scan a product free →Related carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants
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.