Ingredient
Ethylenediamine
Ethylenediamine is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, general use, postpartum, trying to conceive and PCOS. The concern behind the strongest flag is irritant and absorbed into the body.
- 1,2-Diaminoethane
- EDA
- Edamine
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 5 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Ethylenediamine and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Absorbed into the body
- Common allergen
Ethylenediamine is a chemical compound used as a pH adjuster and stabilizer in cosmetics. While it's not commonly found in products, it may appear in some hair dyes, creams, and industrial formulations. Pregnant women experience increased skin sensitivity and are more prone to developing contact dermatitis. According to dermatological research, ethylenediamine is a known potent sensitizer that can cause severe allergic reactions and irritation. While specific pregnancy studies are limited, the compound's small molecular size allows for potential systemic absorption through damaged or sensitized skin. There's also concern about respiratory exposure if used in aerosol products. Most dermatologists recommend pregnant women avoid products containing ethylenediamine due to its high irritation and sensitization potential. The risk of developing contact dermatitis or allergic reactions outweighs any functional benefit in cosmetics. Safer pH adjusters and stabilizers are widely available.
Ethylenediamine and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Ethylenediamine is primarily a concern during breastfeeding due to its extreme irritant and allergenic properties rather than milk transfer issues. However, if applied to the breast area or if severe dermatitis develops, there could be risks of infant exposure. The American Contact Dermatitis Society identifies ethylenediamine as one of the more potent contact allergens in cosmetics. For breastfeeding mothers, using products with this ingredient could lead to severe skin reactions that make breastfeeding uncomfortable or cause transfer to infant skin through direct contact. Additionally, if hands aren't thoroughly washed after product application, the infant could be exposed through touching or mouthing. Lactation consultants and dermatologists recommend avoiding ethylenediamine-containing products during breastfeeding, especially any products used on or near the chest area or on hands that will contact the baby.
Ethylenediamine and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
For postpartum women not breastfeeding, ethylenediamine remains problematic primarily due to its high irritation and sensitization potential. Postpartum skin is often more sensitive due to hormonal changes, making reactions more likely. While there are no specific postpartum concerns beyond general skin sensitivity, the ingredient's classification as a potent allergen by contact dermatitis experts suggests it should be avoided regardless of life stage. Many people develop contact allergies to ethylenediamine that persist lifelong once sensitization occurs.
Ethylenediamine and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
Women trying to conceive should consider avoiding ethylenediamine primarily to establish good habits before pregnancy and to prevent developing a contact allergy that would be problematic during pregnancy when treatment options are limited. While there's no evidence that topical ethylenediamine affects fertility, its potential for causing severe allergic reactions makes it advisable to choose products with gentler alternatives during the preconception period.
Ethylenediamine and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Common allergen
- Can inflame skin
Ethylenediamine functions as a pH adjuster and stabilizer in cosmetics but has no hormonal effects relevant to PCOS. However, women with PCOS often have inflammation-prone, sensitive skin, particularly those experiencing hormonal acne. According to the American Contact Dermatitis Society, ethylenediamine is a potent sensitizer that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis and significant inflammation. For women with PCOS who already struggle with inflammatory skin conditions, exposure to this allergen could worsen existing issues or trigger new sensitivities. Dermatologists generally recommend that individuals with sensitive or inflammation-prone skin avoid known strong allergens like ethylenediamine. There are many gentler alternatives available that provide the same pH-adjusting benefits without the sensitization risk.
Ethylenediamine and general use
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Ethylenediamine is a small organic compound used as a pH adjuster, chelating agent, and stabilizer in some cosmetic and industrial products. While functional, it's considered one of the more problematic cosmetic ingredients from a safety perspective. According to the American Contact Dermatitis Society, ethylenediamine is a potent contact allergen and sensitizer. It can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis, with reactions including redness, swelling, burning, and vesicular eruptions. ECHA classifies it as corrosive to skin and eyes, and harmful if inhaled or absorbed through the skin. Even low concentrations can trigger reactions in sensitized individuals. Most modern cosmetic formulations have moved away from ethylenediamine due to its safety profile. Regulatory bodies in the EU restrict its use, and dermatologists recommend avoiding products containing it, especially for those with sensitive skin or a history of allergies.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
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.
Download on theApp Store