Ingredient review
Hydroxyanthraquinone-Aminopropyl Methyl Morpholinium Methosulfate
INCI: Hydroxyanthraquinone-Aminopropyl Methyl Morpholinium Methosulfate
A synthetic blue-violet dye for hair color, generally safe for most people but can cause irritation in sensitive scalps.
In plain English
This is a man-made color molecule that gives hair a blue or violet tint. It's used in many store-bought hair dyes, especially those that wash out after several shampoos. Because it's a dye, it can sometimes irritate the skin or scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies to hair color.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Main practical flags: irritation is moderate; clogging risk is low.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- moderate
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Hydroxyanthraquinone-Aminopropyl Methyl Morpholinium Methosulfate can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Hydroxyanthraquinone-Aminopropyl Methyl Morpholinium Methosulfate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
moderateCan bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A synthetic anthraquinone-based dye that imparts a blue-violet shade to hair. It is a cationic (positively charged) compound, which helps it bind to the negatively charged hair shaft for better color retention.
How it works
The positively charged molecule is attracted to the negatively charged surface of hair. It deposits onto the hair cuticle and, in some formulations, penetrates slightly into the cortex. The color fades gradually with each wash because it is not chemically bonded as strongly as permanent dyes.
Pros
Vibrant color payoff
Delivers a rich blue-violet shade that stands out, ideal for fashion colors.
Gentler than permanent dye
Does not require ammonia or peroxide, so it is less damaging to hair structure.
Cons and cautions
Can cause scalp irritation
Some users experience itching, redness, or burning, especially with repeated use.
Fades with washing
Color is not permanent and may wash out unevenly, requiring frequent touch-ups.
Best for
- People looking for temporary or semi-permanent blue-violet hair color
- Those who want to avoid ammonia or peroxide in hair dye
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to hair dyes
- People with sensitive or irritated scalps
- Pregnant or nursing women (as a precaution)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally considered safe for most people when used as directed in hair dyes. However, it can cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals. Patch testing is strongly recommended.
Research notes
Limited peer-reviewed studies specifically on this dye, but anthraquinone dyes as a class have been evaluated by cosmetic safety panels and are considered safe at low concentrations in rinse-off products.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 1.0% in ready-to-use hair color products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in hair dyes in the EU and US, subject to concentration limits and labeling requirements. Always follow local regulations.
- Common uses
- Hair dyes, Temporary hair color, Semi-permanent hair color
- Environmental note
- Synthetic dyes can persist in wastewater. Proper disposal of hair dye products is recommended to minimize environmental impact.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the end of the INCI because it is used in low concentrations.
- It is not approved for use in cosmetics intended to be applied to the eye area.
Common questions
What is Hydroxyanthraquinone-Aminopropyl Methyl Morpholinium Methosulfate in beauty products?
This is a man-made color molecule that gives hair a blue or violet tint. It's used in many store-bought hair dyes, especially those that wash out after several shampoos. Because it's a dye, it can sometimes irritate the skin or scalp, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies to hair color.
What does Hydroxyanthraquinone-Aminopropyl Methyl Morpholinium Methosulfate do in a beauty product?
The positively charged molecule is attracted to the negatively charged surface of hair. It deposits onto the hair cuticle and, in some formulations, penetrates slightly into the cortex. The color fades gradually with each wash because it is not chemically bonded as strongly as permanent dyes.
Is Hydroxyanthraquinone-Aminopropyl Methyl Morpholinium Methosulfate safe for most people?
Generally considered safe for most people when used as directed in hair dyes. However, it can cause allergic reactions or irritation in sensitive individuals. Patch testing is strongly recommended.
Who should be careful with Hydroxyanthraquinone-Aminopropyl Methyl Morpholinium Methosulfate?
Individuals with known allergies to hair dyes People with sensitive or irritated scalps Pregnant or nursing women (as a precaution)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.