HC Red #3
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 2871-01-4, HC Red No. 3, HC Red 3, Ethanol, H.C. Red 3, 4-(2-Hydroxyethyl)amino-3-nitroaniline, COLOREX HCR3, NCI-C54922
Synthetic
Colorant
Not Clean
On the basis of the available data presented in this report, the CIR Expert Panel concludes that HC Red No. 3 is safe as a "coal tar" hair dye ingredient at the current concentrations of use, with the condition that it should not be used in products containing N-nitrosating agents.
Solubility less than 0.1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C8H11N3O3
Mol. Weight
197.19
CAS #
2784-89-6
Form
Powder
State
Hc red 3 appears as fine dark maroon crystals or dark brown powder. (NTP, 1992)
Functions
Cosmetic Colorant
Gives the product its color. Purely aesthetic — makes the formula look good in the jar but does nothing for your skin.
Traditional Use
A synthetic aromatic dye developed for cosmetic hair coloring in the 20th century to provide red tones in semi-permanent and temporary hair color products with good stability.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR