Final Amended Report of the Safety Assessment of Toluene-2,5-Diamine, Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate, and Toluene-3,4-Diamine as Used in Cosmetics

Toluene-2,5-diamine, toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate, and toluene-3,4-diamine are diaminotoluenes used as colorants in permanent hair dyes and tints. Toluene-2,5-diamine is used in 79 products at concentrations up to 3%; toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate is used in 168 products at concentrations up to 4%. Toluene-3,4-diamine does not appear to be in current use. Previously, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel determined that all 3 ingredients were safe for use as hair dyes. New data suggest that differences in toxicity, especially with respect to carcinogenicity, may exist as a function of placement of amine groups around the benzene ring. The Expert Panel concluded that toluene-2,5-diamine and toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate and are safe as hair dye ingredients in the present practices of use and concentrations but that there are insufficient data supporting the safety of toluene-3,4-diamine.