DIHYDROXYINDOLE is graded C (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-SAFETY-.
DIHYDROXYINDOLE
Safety grade: C
Dihydroxyindole is a chemical compound that forms naturally in hair when melanin breaks down. It's used in hair dyes to help create brown and black hair colors by oxidizing and bonding to the hair shaft.
This ingredient acts as a dye intermediate in hair coloring products, helping to develop and deposit brown to black pigments onto the hair fiber through an oxidation process.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Restricted
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to DIHYDROXYINDOLE
- 2-METHOXYMETHYL-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE — Grade A. Oxidative dye intermediate that develops brown-black pigments like dihydroxyindole.
- LAWSONIA INERMIS EXTRACT — Grade A. Natural plant extract used as hair dye and color-depositing agent in formulations.
Other Hair Dyeing ingredients
- RESORCINOL — Grade E**
- THYMOL — Grade A
- M-AMINOPHENOL — Grade C**
- P-AMINOPHENOL — Grade C**
- 2-METHYLRESORCINOL — Grade C
- 4-AMINO-2-HYDROXYTOLUENE — Grade C
- P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE — Grade D**
- 2-METHYL-5-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOPHENOL — Grade C