Ingredient
2-Nitro-5-Glyceryl Methylaniline
2-Nitro-5-Glyceryl Methylaniline is flagged for pregnancy and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- HC Yellow No. 5
- 2-Nitro-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-p-toluidine
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 2 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
2-Nitro-5-Glyceryl Methylaniline and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
2-Nitro-5-glyceryl methylaniline is a direct hair dye ingredient (HC Yellow No. 5) used in semi-permanent and temporary hair color formulations. Unlike oxidative dyes, direct dyes do not penetrate as deeply into the hair shaft and are generally considered less aggressive. According to ACOG, hair coloring after the first trimester is generally considered safe, with semi-permanent dyes being preferred over permanent oxidative dyes. Direct dyes like HC Yellow No. 5 have lower systemic absorption compared to oxidative dye intermediates. While specific pregnancy studies on this ingredient are limited, the EU has evaluated it for safety and set concentration limits. Most obstetricians consider semi-permanent dyes a safer option during pregnancy than permanent dyes. The precautionary principle suggests being more conservative during the first trimester when fetal organ development occurs. After the first trimester, limited use of semi-permanent dyes containing this ingredient is generally considered acceptable by most healthcare providers. Ensure good ventilation during application and follow all product instructions.
This one changes across the pregnancy.
- First trimester
- CAUTION
- Second trimester
- SAFE
- Third trimester
- SAFE
2-Nitro-5-Glyceryl Methylaniline and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
As a direct dye used in semi-permanent hair color, 2-nitro-5-glyceryl methylaniline has relatively low systemic absorption compared to permanent oxidative dyes. Semi-permanent dyes deposit color on the hair surface rather than penetrating deeply. While specific studies on breast milk transfer are lacking, the generally low absorption of direct dyes and the ingredient's approved status in the EU for controlled use suggest lower risk during breastfeeding. The AAD notes that semi-permanent hair dyes are typically considered safer options for women who want to color their hair while breastfeeding. For breastfeeding women who choose to use hair color products containing this ingredient, standard safety precautions apply: ensure adequate ventilation, minimize scalp contact time, and follow product instructions. Semi-permanent dyes are generally considered a reasonable choice during breastfeeding compared to permanent color alternatives.
2-Nitro-5-Glyceryl Methylaniline and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Irritant
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, 2-nitro-5-glyceryl methylaniline presents minimal concern when used as directed in semi-permanent hair color products. The primary consideration is potential mild skin irritation. This direct dye is approved for cosmetic use in the EU up to 2.0% concentration and has undergone safety evaluation. Postpartum hormonal changes may affect skin sensitivity in some women, so a patch test is recommended before use. Follow all product instructions and ensure adequate ventilation during application.
2-Nitro-5-Glyceryl Methylaniline and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
Women trying to conceive should consider the same precautions as early pregnancy, since conception may occur without immediate awareness. While semi-permanent dyes containing 2-nitro-5-glyceryl methylaniline are generally considered safer than permanent oxidative dyes, establishing a pregnancy-safe routine before conception is prudent. Healthcare providers often recommend that women switch to the safest options when actively trying to conceive. If you choose to use semi-permanent hair color during this time, the direct dye formulations are preferable to oxidative permanent dyes. Consider timing applications to avoid the fertile window and early pregnancy period, or transition to plant-based alternatives.
2-Nitro-5-Glyceryl Methylaniline and PCOS
Safe to Use
2-Nitro-5-glyceryl methylaniline is a hair dye ingredient with no known effects on hormonal conditions including PCOS. For women with PCOS who are not pregnant or trying to conceive, this ingredient presents no specific concerns. The standard cosmetic safety considerations apply: patch testing before use and following product instructions. There is no evidence that this ingredient interacts with androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other metabolic factors relevant to PCOS management. Women with PCOS can use semi-permanent hair color products containing this ingredient according to normal usage guidelines. If planning to conceive, consider transitioning to pregnancy-safe alternatives before actively trying to become pregnant.
2-Nitro-5-Glyceryl Methylaniline and general use
Safe to Use
- Irritant
2-Nitro-5-glyceryl methylaniline (HC Yellow No. 5) is a direct dye approved for use in semi-permanent and temporary hair color products. It provides yellow tones and is part of the HC (hydrocarbon) dye family used in non-oxidative hair coloring. According to the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, this ingredient is safe for use in hair dye formulations up to 2.0% concentration. It generally causes less irritation than oxidative dye systems, though mild skin reactions may occur in some individuals. The ingredient does not penetrate as deeply into hair or skin as oxidative dyes. For general use, this ingredient is considered acceptably safe when used according to product instructions. Perform a patch test 48 hours before application, even if you've used similar products before. Use in a well-ventilated area and avoid contact with eyes. Semi-permanent dyes containing this ingredient typically last 4-8 weeks and fade gradually with shampooing.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of 2-Nitro-5-Glyceryl Methylaniline, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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