PPD (p-phenylenediamine) in hair dyes : allergies and precautions – Check What You Buy! Choose Cosmetics Wisely with InfoCons! EN
PPD (p-phenylenediamine) in hair dyes: allergies and precautions
Check What You Buy! Choose Cosmetics Wisely with InfoCons!
As part of the campaign “Check What You Buy! Choose Cosmetics Wisely!”, InfoCons works to inform and educate consumers about the risks associated with the use of non-compliant cosmetic products, by promoting accurate, science-based information supported by the expertise of specialists in the field of health.
Among the ingredients in permanent hair dyes, p-phenylenediamine (PPD) is the best-known trigger of allergies. Used within legal limits, it is permitted in the European Union, but it requires some important precautions from consumers.
What PPD is and where it is found
PPD (INCI name: p-Phenylenediamine) is an aromatic amine used to achieve stable, intense and long-lasting colours. It is estimated to be present in about 80% of permanent hair dyes, especially darker shades. Hair dyes are, in fact, among the most thoroughly assessed cosmetic products on the European market: more than 100 hair colourants have been evaluated and considered safe by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
What European legislation provides
PPD is regulated in Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. After mixing under oxidative conditions, the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 2% (calculated as free base). The SCCS describes it as an “extreme sensitiser”, which is why its use is strictly framed, and colouring eyelashes and eyebrows with such products is prohibited.
Mandatory label warnings
Products containing PPD must display clear warnings: “Hair colourants can cause severe allergic reactions” and “Temporary ‘black henna’ tattoos may increase your risk of allergy”. The label also advises not to colour the hair if the person has previously had a reaction to hair dye, a reaction to a temporary black henna tattoo, or has irritated skin or a damaged scalp.
The danger of “black henna”
Temporary “black henna” tattoos often contain PPD at concentrations much higher than those permitted in cosmetics and can cause strong sensitisation. A person sensitised in this way may later develop an allergic reaction to hair dye, even years afterwards.
Practical precautions
– Do a patch test 48 hours before each colouring, to check for sensitisation.
– Avoid temporary “black henna” tattoos.
– Do not use hair dye on eyelashes or eyebrows.
– Follow exactly the instructions and timings on the packaging.
– If a reaction occurs, see an allergist or dermatologist and check alerts in the InfoCons App.
Conclusion
Used correctly and within legal limits, PPD is permitted in the EU, but precautions – especially the patch test – make the difference. Through the campaign “Check What You Buy! Choose Cosmetics Wisely!”, InfoCons helps consumers use hair dye safely.
European alerts on non-compliant products can be consulted directly in the InfoCons App.
Official sources: Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 – Annex III (p-phenylenediamine and its salts); opinions of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) on hair colourants.
Signed: InfoCons Consumer Protection – Communication Department
