Coal-tar hair dyes (PPD) in cosmetics: why it's flagged
Short answer
Coal-tar hair dyes (PPD) is flagged by Olive Detective as a high concern in cosmetics. Oxidative hair-dye agents; strong allergens with carcinogen concern. The flag is class-level and precautionary, based on IARC; EU CosIng restrictions on PPD — it describes the ingredient class, not the safety of any particular product.
What the concern is
- Carcinogenicity concern — flagged by IARC or an equivalent body for review.
- Allergen — a recognised contact-allergy or sensitisation risk.
How it appears on an INCI list
Cosmetic labels use INCI names, which are standardised worldwide, so the same wording appears on a product bought anywhere. This class is matched on phenylenediamine, aminophenol, coal tar.
How it affects the score
Cosmetic scoring follows the Yuka method: a product with only green and yellow ingredients has its score floored at 50, any orange ingredient caps it below 50, and any red caps it below 25. This ingredient is red, so it caps a product's score below 25 on its own.
Source: IARC; EU CosIng restrictions on PPD
Other cosmetic ingredients we flag
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