P-PHENETIDINE
Other
Avoid
CAS Number: 156-43-4 / 659-34-7
About P-PHENETIDINE
An aromatic amine hair dye precursor explicitly restricted under EU Annex II (II/1203), indicating serious safety concerns including potential carcinogenicity; use in cosmetics is severely limited.
Detailed Analysis
p-Phenetidine (4-phenetidine, 4-ethoxyaniline) is an aromatic amine historically used as an intermediate in azo dye synthesis and hair coloring formulations. The EU Commission's Annex II listing (reference II/1203) for p-phenetidine indicates identification of serious health risks, likely including carcinogenic or genotoxic potential, leading to near-total prohibition in cosmetic products within the EU market. The aniline structure raises concerns about methemoglobinemia, sensitization, and potential formation of reactive nitrogen species. Any presence as an impurity in other hair dye formulations must be rigorously controlled to trace levels due to the severe restriction status.
Known Concerns
- ⚠ EU Annex II prohibition (II/1203) indicating serious health risk
- ⚠ Potential carcinogenicity and genotoxicity
- ⚠ Methemoglobin formation risk
- ⚠ Severely restricted in all cosmetic product types
Safety Score
Avoid
Based on EU regulatory data, published safety research, and ingredient function analysis.
References
EU CosIng Database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry
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