On 22 October 2025 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the publication of the conclusions of the evaluation of 3-aminophenol (INCI: m-Aminophenol) carried out by Italy as part of the Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP). The evaluating Member State recommends new CLH classifications.
3-Aminophenol (CAS No.591-27-5, EC No.209-711-2, INCI: m-Aminophenol) is an ingredient listed in CosIng with the function: Hair dyeing.
The substance is regulated by European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 and is listed in Annex III/217 (restricted substances), which limits its maximum concentration as a hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products and in products intended for colouring eyelashes (for professional use only) to 1.2%. Warning statements must appear on product labels, in particular to warn of the risk of allergic reactions.
The substance is also listed in Annex VI/612-127-00-4 of European CLP Regulation 1272/2008, with the following classifications.
• Acute Tox. 4, H332 - Harmful if inhaled.
• Acute Tox. 4, H302 - Harmful if swallowed.
• Aquatic Chronic 2, H411 - Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
The CoRAP evaluation
3-aminophenol has been included in the CoRAP for several reasons of concern:
• Mutagenicity
• Sensitisation (skin)
• Specific target organ toxicity (repeated)
Italy closed the case on October 6, 2025, with the following conclusions:
• Mutagenicity: Concern removed
• Sensitisation (skin): Concern confirmed
• Specific target organ toxicity (repeated): Concern confirmed (the evaluating MSCA considers that the effects of 3-aminophenol on the thyroid are …
