M-AMINOPHENOL
M-Aminophenol is the name used for 3-aminophenol, a small aromatic molecule with an amino group and a hydroxy group on the same ring. On an ingredient list, the “M” refers to the meta position of those groups, which distinguishes it from o-aminophenol and p-aminophenol even though the names are very similar.
M-AMINOPHENOL: what it is
M-Aminophenol is the name used for 3-aminophenol, a small aromatic molecule with an amino group and a hydroxy group on the same ring. On an ingredient list, the “M” refers to the meta position of those groups, which distinguishes it from o-aminophenol and p-aminophenol even though the names are very similar.
That positional difference is more than spelling: isomers can take part in reactions differently. For that reason, M-Aminophenol should not be treated as interchangeable with another aminophenol when comparing hair-colour labels or products. The name identifies one defined substance, rather than a plant extract or a blend of several colourants.
M-AMINOPHENOL: what it does in cosmetics
M-Aminophenol is used to colour hair in oxidative dye systems. In these products, it can take part in colour formation with other formula components and an oxidising agent; for a user, its purpose relates to the colour result on the hair, not to softening the skin or treating the scalp.
A laboratory study of non-professional hair dyes found residual 3-aminophenol after colour development in some formulations. The research examined complete mixtures under dyeing conditions, not the isolated ingredient as a benefit for hair or skin; it places M-Aminophenol within a colouring reaction without predicting the shade or performance of a particular product.
M-AMINOPHENOL: conditions and care
In the European Union, M-Aminophenol is subject to entry 217 of Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. In hair dyes, the substance must comply with the conditions that apply to that regulatory entry.
Restrictions and conditions of use
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
