Beauty · Carcinogens, mutagens & reproductive toxicants

Is p-Phenylenediamine Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

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

INCI name p-Phenylenediamine. CAS 106-50-3.

Is p-Phenylenediamine banned in the EU?

EU status	Restricted
US status	Allowed
Risk level	high
Where it shows up	permanent hair dye, black henna tattoos
CAS number	106-50-3

p-Phenylenediamine is a primary intermediate in permanent hair dye.

It is used for its preservative, coloring, UV-filtering, lightening or texture-enhancing properties.

A potent allergen and sensitizer. Strictly concentration-limited in the EU; less tightly controlled in the US.

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

Is p-Phenylenediamine banned in the EU?

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

Is p-Phenylenediamine in US cosmetics?

Yes — p-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 p-Phenylenediamine?

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

Are there safer alternatives to p-Phenylenediamine?

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

Is p-Phenylenediamine in your bathroom cabinet?

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

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