4-AMINO-2-HYDROXYTOLUENE is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-SAFETY-.
4-AMINO-2-HYDROXYTOLUENE
Safety grade: C
This is a synthetic chemical compound used in hair coloring products to help create and develop color on the hair. It works by reacting with other dye ingredients to produce the final shade you see after coloring.
It is used in hair dye formulations as a color-forming ingredient that helps produce rich, long-lasting hair color by reacting with oxidizing agents during the dyeing process.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Restricted
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to 4-AMINO-2-HYDROXYTOLUENE
- 5-AMINO-6-CHLORO-O-CRESOL — Grade A. Aromatic amine that forms color through oxidative coupling in hair dye formulations
- 2-METHOXYMETHYL-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE — Grade A. Aromatic diamine precursor that develops permanent hair color via oxidation
- LAWSONIA INERMIS EXTRACT — Grade A. Plant-based colorant from henna that naturally dyes hair with lasting color
Other Hair Dyeing ingredients
- RESORCINOL — Grade E**
- THYMOL — Grade A
- M-AMINOPHENOL — Grade C**
- P-AMINOPHENOL — Grade C**
- 2-METHYLRESORCINOL — Grade C
- P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE — Grade D**
- 2-METHYL-5-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOPHENOL — Grade C
- ULTRAMARINES — Grade A