Hair Dye Chemical Question: Toulenediamine, What is It?
“Toluene-2,5-Diamine
and Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate are used as ingredients in the formulation of
permanent hair dyes, colors and tints. Toluene-3,4-Diamine may also be
used in hair dye products.” (1) This permanent
hair color chemical has also been called para-toluenediamine (PTD) or
p-toluenediamine.
How Safe is P-Toluenediamine in Permanent Hair Color
Dye?
It
depends on whose hair color research (or lack of it) you choose to rely on.
Natural hair color safety should be paramount in your choice of hair coloring
dye.
The “Experts” Say:
After
extensive scientific research, the European Commission (Health and Consumer Safety)
concluded that the use of toluene-2,5-diamine cannot be considered safe for
hair coloring or hair shaft . The National Allergy Research Centre in Denmark
concluded that hair color dye users need more protection and a ‘preventative
strategy’ to reduce cases of severe allergic contact dermatitis.
Scientific Committee on Consumer Products Conclusion on
Toluene-2,5-diamine in Hair Coloring: UNSAFE
“The
SCCP is of the opinion that the use of toluene-2,5-diamine cannot be considered
safe based on the available data. This conclusion may be re-evaluated if human
toxicokinetic data were to become available in which dosages used more closely
approximate the intended use of the substance.
·
Toluene-2,5-diamine is an extremely potent skin sensitizer.
·
Clarification must be given on the myocyte degeneration in the dose range
finding study of the 90 day study.
·
Toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate itself has no mutagenic potential in vivo.
However,
studies on genotoxicity/mutagenicity in finished hair dye formulations
should be undertaken following the relevant SCCNFP/SCCP opinions and in
accordance with its Notes of Guidance.” (2)
National Allergy Research Centre Abstract on Toluene-2,5-diamine
in Hair Coloring : UNSAFE
“Colouring
of hair can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis. The most frequently
reported hair dye allergens are p-phenylenediamine (PPD) and
toluene-2,5-diamine, which are included in, respectively, the patch test
standard series and the hairdressers series. The aim of the present study was
to identify dye precursors and couplers in hair dyeing products causing
clinical hair dye dermatitis and to compare the data with the
contents of these compounds in a randomly selected set of similar products… Hair
dye allergy may cause severe clinical reactions, and the current
regulation is insufficient in protection of the users. A preventive strategy is
needed.” (3)
USA Expert Panel Opinion on Toluene-2,5-diamine in Hair Coloring
: SAFE
On
the opposite side of the dilemma is the conclusion on use of these permanent
hair color ingredients by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel.
They state that Toluene-2,5-Diamine and Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate are safe
for use as ingredients in permanent hair dyes :
“The
safety of Toluene-2,5-Diamine, Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate and
Toluene-3,4-Diamine in hair dyes has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient
Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data
and concluded that Toluene-2,5-Diamine and Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate were
safe for use as hair dye ingredients . The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the
data were insufficient to assess the safety of Toluene-3,4-Diamine as
an ingredient in hair dyes . (1)
A Serious Word of Caution
Before
deciding to continue using chemical hair color dyes, let’s learn more about the Cosmetic Ingredient
Review (CIR) Expert Panel and who they work for - from their own website:
“Cosmeticsinfo.org
is an information Web site that includes factual, scientific information on
ingredients most commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products in
the United States. The Personal Care Products Council (the Council)
and its member companies sponsor this Web site to provide consumers with easily
accessible comprehensive safety information on cosmetics and personal care
products and to help consumers make informed purchases.” (1)
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), Cosmeticinfo.org Web site
Sponsor:
"Based in Washington, D.C., the Council is the trade
association representing the cosmetic, toiletry and fragrance industry in the
United States and globally. Founded in 1894,
the Council has a membership of
more than 600 companies including manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers of
the vast majority of finished personal care products marketed in the
United States ." (1) (italics ours)
This Council actually represents the
manufacturers who actively promote the use of chemicals like
para-toluenediamine (PTD) or p-toluenediamine in their hair color products.
Therefore, even though the Council provides extremely valuable
information on other topics, how can this expert conclusion on this particular
issue be deemed as totally accurate? Reported ‘facts’ can be confusing and at times,
overwhelming. However, as consumers, it is wise to take extra
precautions to be safe and protect our hair color.
Only you can decide whom you will listen to.
*Resources:
(1) Cosmetic
Ingredient Review Council. (Personal Care Products). Washington, DC.
USA.
(2) National
Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermatology, University of
Copenhagen Gentofte Hospital, Denmark
(3) Scientific
Committee on Consumer Products
Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna® user.)
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