Self-testing for contact sensitization to hair dyes - scientific considerations and clinical concerns of an industry-led screening programme

Safety Assessment of Basic Red 76 as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of Basic Red 76, which is reported to function in cosmetics as a hair colorant and hair-conditioning agent. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of this ingredient. The Panel concluded that Basic Red 76 is safe for use as a hair dye ingredient in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment.

Safety Assessment of Hydroxyethyl-3,4-Methylenedioxyaniline HCl as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of Hydroxyethyl-3,4-Methylenedioxyaniline HCl, which is reported to function as a hair dye ingredient. The Panel reviewed relevant data provided in this safety assessment, and concluded that Hydroxyethyl-3,4-Methylenedioxyaniline HCl is safe for use as a hair dye ingredient in the present practices of use and concentrations described in this report. The Panel cautions that this ingredient should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed.

Safety Assessment of 1-Hydroxyethyl 4,5-Diamino Pyrazole Sulfate as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 1-Hydroxyethyl 4,5-Diamino Pyrazole Sulfate, which functions as an oxidative hair dye ingredient. The Panel reviewed relevant data provided in this safety assessment, and concluded that 1-Hydroxyethyl 4,5-Diamino Pyrazole Sulfate is safe in the present practices of use and concentration in oxidative hair dye formulations.

Amended Safety Assessment of Acid Violet 43 as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reopened the safety assessment of Acid Violet 43, a cosmetic ingredient that is an anthraquinone dye reported to function in cosmetics as a colorant. This colorant has the same chemical structure as Ext. D&C Violet No. 2, which is a certified colorant; however, Acid Violet 43 is not a certified color and it could have impurities that are not allowed in the certified color. The Panel reviewed relevant new data related to this ingredient and concluded that Acid Violet 43 is safe in the present practices of use and concentration for use in hair dye formulations. This conclusion supersedes the previous conclusion for Acid Violet 43 that included impurity specifications indicated for the certified color.

Safety Assessment of 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypyridine as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) reviewed the safety of 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypyridine, which is reported to function as an oxidative hair dye ingredient. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data provided in this safety assessment, and concluded that 2-Amino-3-Hydroxypyridine is safe in the present practices of use and concentration for use in oxidative hair dye formulations.

Allergy Alert Test for p-Phenylenediamine-Allergic Hair Dye Users

BACKGROUND

Contact dermatitis to hair dyes remains a health concern. Regulations in many countries require consumer self-testing for hair dyes, but no standardized procedure exists.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to develop a self-test protocol for an allergy alert test (AAT) that can elicit a self-noticeable alert signal in p-phenylenediamine (PPD)-allergic consumers.

METHODS

Simulating consumer use conditions (open application for 45 minutes after mixing with a developer), PPD-positive hair dye-allergic subjects and PPD-negative control subjects were tested on the forearm and behind the ear with experimental products containing 0.05%, 0.25%, 0.75%, and 2% PPD. Reactions were self-evaluated by subjects and independently assessed by dermatologists.

CONCLUSIONS

The AAT caused a reaction self-noticeable on the forearm in 90.5% (38/42) and behind the ear in 93% (39/42) of the PPD-positive subjects. This was objectified by a dermatological evaluation. The strength of the AAT response and the number of responding subjects increased with increasing PPD concentrations. Allergy alert test responses were also dependent on the reaction strength of the diagnostic patch test to PPD before the study; in subjects with (+++) patch test reactions, 19 of 19 were positive. All 48 control subjects were negative to the AAT. Therefore, the AAT protocol provides a signal indicative of an allergic reaction in PPD-allergic hair dye consumers.

Factors associated with p-phenylenediamine sensitization: data from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology, 2008-2013

BACKGROUND

Risk factors for p-phenylenediamine (PPD) sensitization include the use of hair dyes, the application of temporary black henna tattoos, working as a hairdresser, and, possibly, exposure to hair dye pretests.

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the impact of these (putative) risk factors on PPD sensitization.

METHODS

Six items related to PPD exposure were added to the routine Information Network of Departments of Dermatology questionnaire from 2008 to 2013. A retrospective analysis of data from 4314 patients tested with PPD 1% pet. was conducted.

RESULTS

Of the PPD-positive patients (n = 271), 80% had their hair dyed, and, of these, 57% subsequently developed scalp dermatitis, whereas only 11% had had a henna tattoo. The self-administrated pretest with hair dye was performed by only a few patients, precluding a more detailed analysis. Hair dyeing [odds ratio (OR) 6.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.9-9.4], henna tattoos (OR 2.4; 95%CI: 1.5-3.7) and being a hairdresser (OR 2.1; 95%CI: 1.3-3.2) increased the risk of PPD sensitization. Neither dyeing of own hair nor application of a temporary henna tattoo seemed to affect PPD sensitization in hairdressers. p-Aminoaryl compounds more often gave positive reactions in patients with henna tattoo.

CONCLUSIONS

Hair dyeing is the major risk factor for PPD sensitization in this clinical setting, and application of a temporary black henna tattoo may also lead to (strong) PPD sensitization.

Self-testing for contact allergy to hair dyes - a 5-year follow-up multicentre study

BACKGROUND

In 2011, a multicentre study was conducted in order to determine how hair dye manufacturers instructed consumers to perform a self-test prior to dyeing their hair, in order to identify individuals who are likely to react upon subsequent hair dyeing. A number of concerns were raised concerning the variability in instructions between products and producers, and the safety and validity of this tool.

OBJECTIVES

To perform a 5-year follow-up study in order to determine whether manufacturers still recommend a self-test, and if so, whether the procedures have been changed.

METHODS

During March 2016, a total of 40 oxidative hair dye products from 21 different manufacturers were bought in retail stores in 8 European countries.

RESULTS

The consumers were instructed to perform a self-test prior to hair dyeing for 39 of the products; however, the procedures varied greatly regarding the method of application, the amount of hair dye applied, the location and size of the application area, the number of applications, whether or not rinsing was performed after application, the reading times, and how a positive reaction was defined.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-testing is still recommended by almost all manufacturers of permanent hair dyes. There are major variations in the instructions, even in products from the same manufacturer. The previously raised concerns regarding safety and validity still remain.

A multi-institutional joint study of contact dermatitis related to hair colouring and perming agents in Japan

BACKGROUND

In Japan, allergic contact dermatitis caused by hair colouring agents is a considerable problem for those occupationally exposed and also for consumers. Over the last 20 years, p-phenylenediamine (PPD) has been a common allergen, with ∼7% positive patch test reactions.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate which ingredients caused allergic contact dermatitis related to hair dye and perming solutions in Japan, to assess whether PPD is suitable for screening for hair dye allergy, and to propose allergens for a Japanese hairdresser series.

METHODS

We selected 19 hair cosmetic allergens, including PPD, Bandrowski's base, cysteamine HCl, and ammonium thioglycolate. Altogether 203 patients (26 males and 177 females) with suspected contact allergy to hair colouring or perming solutions at 14 hospitals in Japan were included.

RESULTS

The highest prevalence of positive reactions (35.1%) was for PPD. p-Methylaminophenol and o-aminophenol were often positive, both in the PPD-positive and in the PPD-negative patients. Moreover, cysteamine HCl often yielded positive test reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

PPD is insufficient to diagnose contact allergy caused by to hair dyes. We recommend 13 allergens to be included in a Japanese hairdresser series.

Safety Assessment of Hydroxypropyl Bis(N-Hydroxyethyl-p-Phenylenediamine) HCl as Used in Cosmetics

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (CIR Panel) reviewed the safety of hydroxypropyl bis(N-Hydroxyethyl-p-Phenylenediamine) HCl, which functions as an oxidative hair dye ingredient. The Panel considered relevant animal and human data provided in this safety assessment and concluded that hydroxypropyl bis(N-hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine) HCl is safe for use in oxidative hair dye formulations as described in this safety assessment.

The use of personal hair dye and its implications for human health

Hair dye products now represent one of the most rapidly growing beauty and personal care industries as both men and women commonly change hair color to enhance youth and beauty and to follow fashion trends. Irrespective of economic and education status, people dye their hair to emphasize the importance given to appearance. Despite adverse reactions, many people continue dyeing mainly for cosmetic purposes. This paper provides a comprehensive review on various aspects of hair dying products, especially with respect to the hair-coloring process, classification, chemical ingredients, possible human health impacts, and regulations. Permanent hair dye, which is the most commonly used product type, is formed by an oxidative process involving arylamines to bring about concerns with long-term exposure. Hence, significant efforts have been put to understand the possible side effects of such exposure including cancer risk. However, hair dyes and their ingredients are mainly identified to have moderate to low acute toxicity such as the cause of allergic contact dermatitis. Although some hair dye components are reported to be carcinogenic in animals, such evidence is not consistent enough in the case of human studies. Consequently, further research is desirable to critically address the significance of this issue, especially with respect to the safety of hair dye ingredients.

Safety assessment of 6-hydroxyindole as used in cosmetics

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel (Panel) reviewed the safety of 6-hydroxyindole, which functions as an oxidative hair dye ingredient. The Panel considered relevant animal and human data provided in this safety assessment and concluded that 6-hydroxyindole is safe for use in oxidative hair dye formulations.