Is m-Phenylenediamine Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: m-Phenylenediamine is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).
INCI name m-Phenylenediamine. CAS 108-45-2.
Is m-Phenylenediamine banned in the EU?
| EU status | Restricted |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | high |
| Where it shows up | hair dye |
| CAS number | 108-45-2 |
What is m-Phenylenediamine?
m-Phenylenediamine (m-Phenylenediamine) is a hair-dye intermediate.
Why is m-Phenylenediamine used in personal-care products?
It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.
Is m-Phenylenediamine dangerous? Documented risks
A possible carcinogen and strong sensitizer; restricted in the EU.
Products that may contain m-Phenylenediamine
- hair dye
How to avoid m-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 m-Phenylenediamine
Is m-Phenylenediamine banned in the EU?
m-Phenylenediamine is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.
Is m-Phenylenediamine in US cosmetics?
Yes — m-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 m-Phenylenediamine?
Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag m-Phenylenediamine automatically.
Are there safer alternatives to m-Phenylenediamine?
Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects m-Phenylenediamine.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains m-Phenylenediamine 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.