2-AMINO-4-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOANISOLE

EU conditions: (a) To be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. “ Hair colorants can cause severe allergic reactions. Read and follow instructions. This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16. Temporary ‘black henna’ tattoos may increase your risk of allergy. Do not colour your hair if: — you have a rash on your face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp, — you have ever experienced any reaction after colouring your hair, — you have experienced a reaction to a temporary ‘black henna’ tattoo in the past.”
(b) To be printed on the label: The mixing ratio.
“For professional use only. This product can cause severe allergic reactions. Read and follow instructions. This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16. Temporary ‘black henna’ tattoos may increase the risk of allergy. Eyelashes shall not be coloured if the consumer: — has a rash on the face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp, — has experienced any reaction after colouring hair or eyelashes, — has experienced a reaction to a temporary ‘black henna’ tattoo in the past. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them.” ’

📊 Comedogenicity

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole (and its salt form, 2-amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate) is a coupling agent, meaning it’s an ingredient that works in oxidative hair dyes—the permanent dyes that use a chemical process to develop color (Int J Toxicol, 2013). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, which evaluates safety of cosmetic ingredients, reviewed animal and human data and concluded these forms are safe for hair dye use, though with one important caveat: #1: they should not be used in cosmetic products where N-nitroso compounds may form, which are potentially harmful substances that can develop under certain chemical conditions (Int J Toxicol, 2013). Regarding allergic reactions, #2: contact dermatitis from permanent hair dyes is common overall, and researchers tracked patch test results (a standard allergy test) in 902 dermatitis patients exposed to 2-amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate from 2005 to 2014, finding that only 13 patients (1.4%) had positive allergic reactions, making it a rare allergen rather than a frequent one (Contact Dermatitis, 2016).

The research note that their findings showed no signs of irritant reactions—meaning the ingredient itself wasn’t causing general skin irritation in most people, but rather occasional true allergic sensitization in susceptible individuals (Contact Dermatitis, 2016). However, the sources are limited: they don’t provide extensive data on other potential skin benefits or detailed information about how this ingredient performs compared to alternatives.

💧 Skin Type Compatibility

⚠️ Don’t Combine With

🧴 Products Containing 2-AMINO-4-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOANISOLE

• Henkel, Schwarzkopf Natural & Easy 545 blond cendré
• henkel, schwarzkopf Kit Racines Noir R5
• Les 3 Chênes Color & Soin 5G Light Golden
• Chantal Crème colorante permanente Color Variété Brun Noix
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Live Urban Metallics U71 Metallic Silver
• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Blonde Blondering 10.1
• Conaxess trade norway Natural & Easy 570 Mellombrun
• Conaxess trade norway Natural & Easy 580 Mørkbrun
• Conaxess trade norway Natural & Easy 564 Lysbrun
• Henkel, Palette, Schwarzkopf Palette Salon Colors 4.89
• Llongueras Color Advance negro nº1
• hair colour

📄 Related Research

Matched by search — not necessarily verified support for every statement above.

• Burnett CL et al. (2013). Safety assessment of 2-amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole and 2-amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol.
• Madsen JT et al. (2016). 2-Amino-4-hydroxyethylaminoanisole sulfate – a coupler causing contact allergy from use in hair dyes. Contact Dermatitis.