Is Toluene-2,5-Diamine safe in cosmetics?
Toluene-2,5-Diamine has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: restricted. US status: permitted. 10 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Toluene-2,5-Diamine
Also known as: 4-13-00-00246, BRN 0774521, EINECS 202-442-1, 2-Methyl-para-phenylenediamine, para-Toluenediamine (+7 more)
INCI: TOLUENE-2,5-DIAMINE
Toluene-2,5-Diamine (CAS 95-70-5) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Oxidative hair dye precursor (primary intermediate). Reported NOAEL =0.39 mg/kg bw in rat (SCCS Opinion); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: restricted, max 2.0%. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety data.
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Toluene-2,5-Diamine is classified GHS Danger (H301, H312, H332, H317, H319, H373, H400, H411) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 2.0%.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu status/eu max; Chemicals: ghs classifications.signal word/hazard statement code
Function
Oxidative hair dye precursor (primary intermediate)
Editorial assessment
MODERATE
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Chemistry & Identifiers
IUPAC Name
2-methylbenzene-1,4-diamine
InChIKey
OBCSAIDCZQSFQH-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
restricted
EU Max Conc.
2.0%
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted as coal tar hair dye with mandatory caution labeling and patch test instructions
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Toluene-2,5-Diamine.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
10 study endpoints found for Toluene-2,5-Diamine. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =0.39 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | dermal absorption | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =0.39 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | dermal absorption | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =0.39 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | dermal absorption | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =0.39 mg/kg bw | oral | rat | dermal absorption | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =0.67 mg/kg | oral | rat | dermal absorption | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =0.67 mg/kg | oral | rat | dermal absorption | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =0.67 mg/kg | oral | rat | dermal absorption | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =0.67 mg/kg | oral | rat | dermal absorption | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =0.97 mg/kg | oral | rat | dermal absorption | SCCS Opinion |
| NOAEL | =0.97 mg/kg | oral | rat | dermal absorption | SCCS Opinion |
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Toluene-2,5-Diamine based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
high
Allergen Class
dye
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
4.0%
Cross-reactivity Group
para-amino-group
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
Source: IVDK; NACDG; ESSCA
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
3
Volume
16, Sup 7
Evaluation Year
1987
EU CLP Annex VI Harmonized Classification
Legally binding harmonized classification per Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP) Annex VI.
Signal Word
Danger
Pictograms
Acute ToxicityEnvironmental Hazard
Hazard Class and Category
Acute Tox. 4 *; Acute Tox. 4 *; Acute Tox. 3 *; Skin Sens. 1; Aquatic Chronic 2
Hazard Statements
- H332 Harmful if inhaled
- H312 Harmful in contact with skin
- H301 Toxic if swallowed
- H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction
- H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects
Inserted via ATP: CLP00
Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)
Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.
Cosmetic-Specific Mechanism
Category: other
Receptor targets: AhR
LOEC: 10 µM
EU status: restricted (max 2%)
agonist (AhR)
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
100 - 1,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Hazard classification: Restricted (Annex XVII)
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
JPKR Japan/Korea Cosmetics
Korea (Restricted): max 2%
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (2)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN | permitted_hair_dye | 4 | Oxidative hair dye products |
| BR | permitted_hair_dye | 10 (as free base) | Oxidative hair dyes; methylphenylenediamines group |
Expanded Dermal Absorption Data
Cross-database dermal penetration: EPA Dryad physics-based, Roberts Mendeley permeation, and SCCS-aggregated measured values.
EPA Dryad Skin Absorption (physics-based)
MW: 122.171
LogP: 0.340672
Kp epidermis: 0.00274 cm/h
% dose epidermis: 0.98%
% dose stratum corneum: 0.93%
% dose dermis: 0.94%
Source: EPA Dryad Skin Absorption 2024
Aggregated DA Values (2 records across 5 sources)
| Type | DA % | Method | Skin Model | SCCS Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| measured_sccs_opinion | 4.5% | - | - | SCCP/1084/07 |
| measured_sccs_opinion | 3.6% | - | - | SCCS/1479/12 |
PubChem Annotations
Safety and regulatory annotations from PubChem (NCBI) aggregated sources.
Safety (3)
Carcinogen Classification
2,5-Diaminotoluene | Group 3: Not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans | Volume 16: (1978) Some Aromatic Amines and Related Nitro Compounds – Hair Dyes, Colouring Agents and Miscellaneous Industrial Chemicals | Volume Sup 7: Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC Monographs Volumes 1 to 42, 1987; 440 pages; ISBN 92-832-1411-0 (out of print)
Source: International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Evidence for Carcinogenicity
No data are available in humans. Inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in animals. OVERALL EVALUATION: Group 3: The agent is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Skin Eye Respiratory Irritation
0.1 mL of a 2.5% w/v solution of Toluene-2,5-diamine in 0.05% aqueous sodium sulphite (pH 7.0) was instilled into one eye of each of three rabbits. After 10 seconds the eye was rinsed with 50 mL of lukewarm water. Eyes were evaluated and scored according to the Draize scoring system at 1 hr and then at Days 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7. Mild conjunctival irritation was observed in 2 animals on days 1 and 3…
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Dye
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for Toluene-2,5-Diamine — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Regulatory Flags
potential-allergen
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Toluene-2,5-Diamine by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
72
Lowest NOAEL
0.39
Highest NOAEL
60
Units vary across source rows: mg/kg bw, mg/kg, mg/kg bw/day
SCCS Opinion
Dermal Absorption
View details ->| Absorption % | Method | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5% | SCCS opinion extraction | - |
| 3.6% | SCCS opinion extraction | - |
Known Synonyms
4-13-00-00246
BRN 0774521
EINECS 202-442-1
2-Methyl-para-phenylenediamine
para-Toluenediamine
para-Toluylenediamine
para-Tolylenediamine
p-Toluylendiamine
p,m-Tolylenediamine
UNII-24JO8Z0RJU
2,5-Toluenediamine
2,5-diamino-1-methylbenzene
Chemical Function
Dye
Regulatory Lists
Journal of Chemical Engineering & Process Technology
Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
Europe; Personal care - hair coloring
Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Toluene-2,5-Diamine allowed in the EU?
Toluene-2,5-Diamine EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 2.0%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Toluene-2,5-Diamine do in cosmetics?
Toluene-2,5-Diamine functions as: Oxidative hair dye precursor (primary intermediate). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 95-70-5.
What is the NOAEL for Toluene-2,5-Diamine?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Toluene-2,5-Diamine is =0.39 mg/kg bw based on a dermal absorption study via oral route in rat. A total of 10 study endpoints are available. Source: SCCS Opinion.
Is Toluene-2,5-Diamine used outside cosmetics?
Toluene-2,5-Diamine also appears in industrial chemical safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Toluene-2,5-Diamine have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Toluene-2,5-Diamine is classified GHS Danger (H301, H312, H332, H317, H319, H373, H400, H411) in the chemicals database but is restricted in EU cosmetics at max 2.0%.
Compliance Tools
Check Toluene-2,5-Diamine compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
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