P-Phenylenediamine
P-Phenylenediamine is a potent skin sensitizer and contact allergen, with documented cases of severe allergic dermatitis and reports of anaphylaxis on exposure. It is not a food additive; in cosmetics the EU restricts it to a maximum of 2% in hair dyes.
What it is
Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), an aromatic amine used as a permanent hair dye precursor.
Not a food ingredient; used in oxidative hair dyes and some tattoo inks.
Why it's flagged
- strong contact allergen and skin sensitizer
- severe allergic dermatitis on exposure
- anaphylaxis reports
What regulators actually say
"Coal-tar hair dyes... are exempt from the law's color additive provisions but the products must include a warning statement and instructions for a patch test on the consumer's skin."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not a food additive; permitted in hair dyes with hazard warnings under FD&C Act
European Union — EFSA
Not a food additive; SCCS restricts cosmetic use
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