Hair dye substances to be banned

A number of substances found in hair dyes will be banned as from December 1, the Consumer and Competition Division said.

Scientific studies have proved that regular and long-term use of the 22 substances in question could lead to bladder cancer. As a result of this, the European Commission felt the need to eliminate them from the market following an evaluation by the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Products.

The division said such risk should not be taken lightly. The use of hair dye products has become popular, with statistics showing that more than 60 per cent of women colour their hair regularly and between five and 10 per cent of men use hair dye products on a regular basis. The division is appealing to the cosmetics industry to ensure that none of the substances are present in products supplied to consumers as from December.

Moreover, the division said consumers who colour their own hair should be informed about these banned substances.

Banned substances

6-Methoxy-2, 3-Pyridinediamine and its HC1 salt

2, 3-Naphtalenediol

2, 4-Diaminodiphenylamine

2, 6-Bis (2-Hydroxyethoxy) -3, 5-Pyridinediamine

2-Methoxymethyl-p-Aminophenol

4,5-Diamino-1-Methylpyrazole and its HCl salt

4,5-Diamino-1-((4-Chlorophenyl)Methyl)-1H-Pyrazole Sulphate

4-Chloro-2-Aminophenol

4-Hydroxyindole

4-Methoxytoluene-2,5-Diamine and its HCl salt

5-Amino-4-Fluoro-2-Methylphenol Sulfate

N,N-Diethyl-m-Aminophenol

N,N-Dimethyl-2,6-Pyridinediamine and its HCl salt

N-Cyclopentyl-m-Aminophenol

N-(2-Methoxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine and its HCl salt

2,4-Diamino-5-methylphenetol and its HCl salt

1,7-Naphthalenediol

3,4-Diaminobenzoic acid

2-Aminomethyl-p-aminophenol and its HCl salt

Solvent Red 1 (CI 12150)

Acid Orange 24 (CI 20170)

Acid Red 73 (CI 27290)