Permanent Hair Dye –Another Unsafe Chemical You Should Know

How Safe is P-Toluenediamine in Permanent Hair 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.

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.

Common Permanent Hair Dye Chemical Ingredients

“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.

Haz-Map Report:
Toluene-2,5-diamine in Hair Coloring is UNSAFE.

“Can be absorbed through skin; [ICSC] A potent skin sensitizer, with positive patch test results observed in hairdressers with dermatitis; occupational hazard in hair dressers: allergic contact dermatitis.”⁽²⁾

Scientific Committee on Consumer Products Concludes:
Toluene-2,5-diamine in Hair Coloring is 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.” (3)

National Allergy Research Centre Concludes:
Toluene-2,5-diamine in Hair Coloring is UNSAFE.

“Colouring of hair can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis. The most frequently reported hair dye allergens are c (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.” (4)

USA Expert Panel Opinion
Toluene-2,5-diamine in Hair Coloring is SAFE.

The conclusion of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review should not be much of a surprise. Why?

We must consider whom they work for (as mentioned on their own website): They’re a trade association, based in Washington, D.C., that represents 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⁾ 

Simply stated:

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? 

Even expert conclusions can be confusing and at times, overwhelming. However, as consumers, it is wise to take extra precautions to be safe and protect our health against unsafe and potentially dangerous chemicals used in hair dye.

 Resources:

⁽¹⁾ Cosmetic Ingredient Review Council. Washington, DC. USA.

⁽²⁾Haz-Map findings on Toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate.

⁽³⁾ National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermatology, University of Copenhagen Gentofte Hospital, Denmark

⁽⁴⁾ Scientific Committee on Consumer Products

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 Author: L.J. O'Neal, writer and researcher. (L.J. is also a Lustrous Henna®  user.)

©2010-2015. L.J. O'Neal. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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