P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE is graded D** (High Concern) by Expert·ING, based on COSING regulatory data. It is restricted under EU COSING — AnnexIII-SAFETY-.
P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
PPD or Para-phenylenediamine
Safety grade: D**
PPD is a chemical compound commonly used in permanent hair dyes that works by penetrating the hair shaft and bonding with melanin to create long-lasting color. It's one of the most effective ingredients for achieving dark hair colors and is found in many professional and at-home hair coloring products.
PPD is an oxidative dye precursor that reacts with other chemicals to develop and permanently color hair by bonding with the hair's natural pigments.
Graded using: COSING.
- EU COSING — Restricted
- Health Canada — Restricted
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE
- P-AMINOPHENOL — Grade C**. Oxidative dye precursor that develops permanent hair color like PPD.
- M-AMINOPHENOL — Grade C**. Oxidative dye precursor that develops permanent hair color like PPD.
- 1-NAPHTHOL — Grade C. Oxidative dye coupler that reacts with precursors to create permanent color.
Other Hair Dyeing ingredients
- RESORCINOL — Grade E**
- THYMOL — Grade A
- 2-METHYLRESORCINOL — Grade C
- 4-AMINO-2-HYDROXYTOLUENE — Grade C
- 2-METHYL-5-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOPHENOL — Grade C
- ULTRAMARINES — Grade A