Hair dyes, henna & straighteners
PPD (hair dye)
Restricted in European Union, United Kingdom, United States and Canada; also restricted in Nigeria.
Why it matters
PPD is a strong skin sensitiser. It can cause severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face and scalp.
What to look for on the label
p-Phenylenediamine, para-phenylenediamine, PPD. Dark hair dyes most often contain it.
Full name: PPD (p-phenylenediamine in hair dyes)
Country by country
Around the worldRestricted in European Union, United Kingdom, United States and Canada; also restricted in Nigeria.
Why: PPD is a strong skin sensitiser. It can cause severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face and scalp.
| Place | Status |
|---|---|
| Nigeria | restrictedHair dyes with PPD must carry a caution label: not for eyelashes or eyebrows (Labelling Regs 2019). |
| European Union | restrictedOxidative hair dye only, max 2% on hair after mixing; allergy and under-16 warnings. |
| United Kingdom | restrictedAnnex III 8a/8b: hair dye max 2% after mixing; eyelash dye professional use only. |
| United States | restrictedCoal-tar hair dye exemption: caution label and patch-test directions required; no eyelash/eyebrow use. |
| Canada | restrictedOxidative hair dyes, max 3% after dilution with oxidizer; caution label and patch test required. |
Sources: NAFDAC Cosmetics Labelling Regulations 2019 (PolicyVault copy) · Annex III entry 8a via CosIng Checker (secondary) · UK Cosmetics Regulation Annex III (legislation.gov.uk) · FDA: Hair Dyes · Health Canada PPD compliance project 2021-22. Checked 2026-10-19; rules change, so check the regulator before relying on it.
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Education, not legal advice. Rules change: check with your country's regulator before relying on this.