Beauty · Carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants

Is o-Aminophenol Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: o-Aminophenol is restricted in the EU but allowed in the US (carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants).

INCI name o-Aminophenol. CAS 95-55-6.

Is o-Aminophenol banned in the EU?

o-Aminophenol (o-Aminophenol) is a hair-dye intermediate.

It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.

Restricted in the EU over toxicity and sensitization.

Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.

Is o-Aminophenol banned in the EU?

o-Aminophenol is restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.

Is o-Aminophenol in US cosmetics?

Yes — o-Aminophenol 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 o-Aminophenol?

Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag o-Aminophenol automatically.

Are there safer alternatives to o-Aminophenol?

Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects o-Aminophenol.

Is o-Aminophenol in your bathroom cabinet?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains o-Aminophenol or other ingredients banned overseas.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.