Basic Yellow 57
The CIR Expert Panel concluded Basic Yellow 57 is safe for use as a hair dye ingredient at current practices and concentrations (up to 0.43% in hair dyes). EU restricts use to non-oxidative hair dyes at maximum 2.0%.
What it is
A cationic semi-permanent direct hair dye chemical (CAS 68391-31-1).
Not a food ingredient. Used exclusively as a hair dye colorant.
Why it's flagged
- potential allergic skin reactions to hair dye contact
- must not contact eyes
- coal-tar hair dye warnings apply
What regulators actually say
"The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Panel concluded that Basic Yellow 57 is safe for use as a hair dye ingredient in the present practices of use and concentration."
"Coal-tar hair dyes have a special regulatory status under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Coal-tar hair dye permitted under FD&C Act with caution labeling; not approved as food additive.
European Union — EFSA
EU restricted to non-oxidative hair dyes at max 2.0% per Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
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