ANILINE
Overview
Aniline is a toxic aromatic amine banned in EU cosmetics (Annex II/22, CMR Category 2) and classified as a probable human carcinogen. It has no cosmetic function and appears in regulatory databases as a prohibited substance. Historically relevant as a contaminant in certain hair dye intermediates, aniline can cause methemoglobinemia (reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood) through skin absorption. Its primary industrial use is in polyurethane foam production as a precursor to MDI.
Also known as: Aniline, Aminobenzene, Benzenamine, Phenylamine
Key Benefits
No skin benefits. Aniline is a banned cosmetic substance with no intended cosmetic function.
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Not applicable; prohibited from use in cosmetics as a substance.
Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II (banned)
Irritancy Rating
IARC Group 1 carcinogen (bladder cancer in occupational settings); causes methemoglobinemia via skin absorption; strong systemic toxicant; score reflects prohibition-level hazard
Source: EU CMR2 classification; IARC Group 1 for occupational bladder cancer
Typical Use Concentration
Range
Not applicable β banned ingredient
Optimal
Not applicable
Banned in EU/UK cosmetics. May appear as trace contaminant in oxidative hair dyes; EU sets trace limits for aromatic amines including aniline in hair dye products.
Works Well With / Avoid
Avoid Combining
Banned in EU cosmetics (Annex II/22). Relevance in cosmetics is primarily as a potential contaminant from hair dye intermediates; regulators impose trace limits in hair colorant products.
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Banned | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Unknown | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Banned | - | Follows EU regulations (II/22 CMR2) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
The EU banned aniline in cosmetics (Annex II/22, CMR2 carcinogen) due to bladder cancer risk and methemoglobinemia potential. IARC classifies it as Group 1 carcinogen in occupational contexts. The US and Japan do not have cosmetic-specific prohibitions, but aniline has no intentional cosmetic use.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in EU, UK but allowed in USA, Japan.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Not commonly found in nature in significant amounts. Trace amounts may occur from natural degradation of certain organic compounds. First isolated from indigo dye by destructive distillation.
π How It's Made
Produced by catalytic hydrogenation of nitrobenzene, or by ammonolysis of chlorobenzene. Annual global production exceeds 6 million tonnes.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Used in cosmetic products primarily for not reported.
π¬ Other Applications
The primary use is in manufacturing MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate) for polyurethane foams. Also used in rubber processing, dyes, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural chemicals.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Aniline sparked the entire synthetic dye industry when William Perkin made the first synthetic dye (mauveine/mauve) from it in 1856 β at age 18
- β’ Queen Victoria wore a mauveine-dyed silk gown to her daughter's wedding, making the color enormously fashionable
- β’ The word 'aniline' comes from 'anil', the Arabic word for indigo, the natural dye from which it was first obtained
Data Sources
- β’ EU CosIng database (Annex II/22)
- β’ IARC Monograph Vol. 100F β Aniline occupational bladder carcinogen
- β’ EU CMR Regulation β Category 2 carcinogen classification
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ANILINE banned in the EU but allowed in the US?
The EU follows a precautionary principle, banning ANILINE under II/22 CMR2 due to potential safety concerns. The US FDA has not found sufficient evidence to prohibit its use, allowing it under different safety assessment standards. This reflects differing regulatory philosophies between the two regions.
Why is ANILINE banned in the EU but allowed in Japan?
The EU prohibits ANILINE (II/22 CMR2) based on their strict safety criteria. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has evaluated the ingredient and permits its use, potentially with different safety data or usage conditions.
What is ANILINE used for in cosmetics?
ANILINE is primarily used for not reported in cosmetic products. The ingredient is commonly found in various cosmetic and personal care products.
Which countries regulate ANILINE?
ANILINE is banned in EU, UK. The ingredient is freely allowed in JP, US.
Are there alternatives to ANILINE?
Due to regulatory restrictions on ANILINE, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For not reported, alternatives may include other approved ingredients in the same category. Consult product labels for specific formulations, and look for products compliant with your region's regulations.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.