Is Diaminotoluene Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Diaminotoluene is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name Toluene-2,5-Diamine. CAS 95-70-5.
Is Diaminotoluene banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | permanent hair dye |
| CAS number | 95-70-5 |
What is Diaminotoluene?
Diaminotoluene (Toluene-2,5-Diamine) is a hair-dye coupler.
Why is Diaminotoluene used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is Diaminotoluene dangerous? Documented risks
A possible carcinogen and sensitizer; the EU strictly limits its concentration.
Products that may contain Diaminotoluene
- permanent hair dye
How to avoid Diaminotoluene: 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 Diaminotoluene
Is Diaminotoluene banned in the EU?
Diaminotoluene is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is Diaminotoluene in US cosmetics?
Yes — Diaminotoluene 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 Diaminotoluene?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Diaminotoluene automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to Diaminotoluene?
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.
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.