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Answer: Diaminotoluene is restricted (not fully banned) in European Union. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: high. Commonly found in: permanent hair dye.
TL;DR: Diaminotoluene is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name Toluene-2,5-Diamine. CAS 95-70-5.
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | permanent hair dye |
| CAS number | 95-70-5 |
Diaminotoluene (Toluene-2,5-Diamine) is a hair-dye coupler.
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
A possible carcinogen and sensitizer; the EU strictly limits its concentration.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Diaminotoluenewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.
Diaminotoluene is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Yes — Diaminotoluene can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Diaminotoluene automatically.
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Diaminotoluene.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Diaminotoluene or other ingredients banned overseas.
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