Colorant

Basic Violet 2

INCI: BASIC VIOLET 2
CAS Verify independently — CI 42520 confirmed (commonly referenced as 3248-91-7) EC 221-831-7
Benzenamine, 4-((4-amino-3-methylphenyl)(4-imino-3-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)methyl-2-methyl, HCl (CI 42520)
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

Benzenamine, 4-((4-amino-3-methylphenyl)(4-imino-3-methyl-2,5-cyclohexadien-1-ylidene)methyl-2-methyl, HCl (CI 42520)

Purpose

Function

Hair dyeing (non-oxidative and oxidative); colorant for brief skin contact
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Restricted
Safety
MODERATE
US
Permitted
EU Max Concentration0.5%
Absorptionlow
Sensitizationlow
MoSnot established
ConcernModerate
Flags
colorant
Verdict

Basic Violet 2 (CI 42520) is restricted in EU for hair dye use with a 0.5% maximum concentration. Contains o-toluidine impurity (Category 1B carcinogen), but SCCS determined concentration would present no concern in hair dye formulations. Stable in hydrogen peroxide (98.9% recovery at 60 min). Listed under both Annex III (hair dyes) and Annex IV (colorants). Permitted in US but not approved as general FDA color additive. Intended use category must be confirmed.

US Note

Not an FDA-approved color additive for general cosmetic use

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
Verify independently — CI 42520 confirmed (commonly referenced as 3248-91-7)
EC Number
221-831-7
INCI
BASIC VIOLET 2
Category
Colorant
Updated
Apr 2, 2026