4-AMINO-M-CRESOL

📚 Research & Evidence

🔬 The Science

4-Amino-m-cresol is a chemical compound that functions as an oxidative hair colorant, meaning it must be combined with an oxidizing agent before application to hair (Int J Toxicol, 2004). Here’s what safety testing has shown: #1: When used alone, the ingredient showed moderate skin-sensitizing potential, but when combined with the developer (the oxidizer), it did not act as a sensitizer in animal tests (Int J Toxicol, 2004). #2: Animal skin exposure studies found no irritation at concentrations up to 10%, and repeated exposure caused no cumulative irritation; however, undiluted forms caused eye irritation in animals, though a 5% solution caused only minor irritation (Int J Toxicol, 2004).

#3: Subchronic toxicity testing in animals produced no adverse reactions (Int J Toxicol, 2004). #4: In genetic mutation tests, 4-amino-m-cresol was generally not mutagenic (Int J Toxicol, 2004). #5: The ingredient absorbs ultraviolet light at a wavelength of 300 nm, which is in the UVA/UVB region (Int J Toxicol, 2004). #6: When combined with an oxidative developer, skin penetration is extremely low, though the ingredient alone shows significant skin absorption (Int J Toxicol, 2004). The sources note that products containing this ingredient must include caution statements and patch test instructions so users can identify potential skin irritation before significant exposure occurs.

The available research supports its safety in oxidative hair dyes specifically, though some data gaps remain for other potential uses.

📄 Related Research

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

• Unknown authors (2004). Final report on the safety assessment of 6-Amino-m-Cresol, 6-Amino-o-Cresol, 4-Amino-m-Cresol, 5-Amino-4-Chloro-o-Cresol, 5-Amino-6-Chloro-o-Cresol, and 4-Chloro-2-Aminophenol. Int J Toxicol.
• Eggenreich K et al. (2004). Determination of 4-amino-m-cresol and 5-amino-o-cresol by high performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence derivatization using fluorescamine. J Biochem Biophys Methods.
• Eggenreich K et al. (2004). Determination of 4-amino-m-cresol and 5-amino-o-cresol and metabolites in human keratinocytes (HaCaT) by high-performance liquid chromatography with DAD and MS detection. J Biochem Biophys Methods.

🧴 Products Containing 4-AMINO-M-CRESOL

• CONAXESS TRADE NORGE AS Brillance Hårfarge 872 Intense Red
• Issue Coloración en Crema
• Henkel, Schwarzkopf Perfect Mousse Acajou 586
• live hairdye
• Conaxess trade norway Natural & Easy 542 Opal Askblond