Your Questions Answered: About Safety

Hair colorants have been extensively studied and their safety has been repeatedly confirmed by independent scientists and regulatory authorities alike. Consumers can continue to use our hair colorants with confidence when all instructions are followed correctly.

No, they are very rare. Many people can be allergic to a vast number of substances, including foods and natural products.

On the contrary, reactions to hair colorants remain extremely rare. These reactions can occur for a very small number of people especially if they have previously had a temporary tattoo, such as a "black henna" tattoo.

These potential reactions can be detected by carrying out the skin allergy test, as directed, 48 hours before you wish to use the product, each and every time. This is why you should buy the product in advance of when you wish to colour your hair.

Temporary tattoos are increasingly popular but they are not always safe. A significant increase in the risk of allergic reaction has recently been noted in the media, in relation to the development of the popularity of such tattoos.

This is because black henna tattoos contain very high concentrations of an ingredient called PPD which is strictly forbidden for such usage. For hair colorants, however, PPD is approved for use at much lower concentration in hair colorants everywhere in the European Union and is also widely used internationally.

Skin allergies to hair colorants can be avoided. Potential reactions can be detected by carrying out the skin allergy test as directed, 48 hours before you wish to use the product. This test is proven to be 100% predictive (Krasteva et al., European Journal of Dermatology, 2002 & 2005). That is why we clearly display important safety instructions on all of our products.

The safety of our consumers is extremely important to L'Oréal and all our products are safe when used correctly.

We prominently display important safety instructions on all of our products - both on the outer pack and the instruction leaflet contained inside. These instructions provide directions for carrying out a skin allergy test which will detect potential reactions.

PPD is the most widely used permanent hair dye ingredient on the market used by many manufacturers worldwide. PPD is approved by the European authorities for use in hair colorants everywhere in the European Union and is also widely used internationally.

Our first priority is the well-being of our customers and we will assist them through our dedicated advisory service.

Our dedicated consumer advisory service number is clearly displayed on all of our packaging and on our website. The number for L’Oréal Paris hair colorants advisory line is: 0845 399 1939.

• Follow very carefully the safety instructions found in your product
• Carry out the allergy test before each and every time you wish to use a hair colorant
• Carry out the test a full 48 hours before you wish to use the product and check / ask someone to check the site of application for any redness, itchiness or swelling. Do not use the product if you experience any of these reactions or if you have ever previously had such a reaction to a hair colorant
• Contact our consumer advisory service if you are unsure or need further advice

Extensive research over a number of years by both the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the John Hopkins University concluded there was no proven relationship between hair colorants and cancer. Another comprehensive review of scientific studies on hair dyes, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found no increased risk of cancer from the use of hair colorants.

Hair colorants are one of the most thoroughly studied consumer products on the market today and their safety is supported by a wealth of scientific research. The European cosmetics industry takes its responsibility to consumers seriously and, together with the European Commission and EU member states, continues to confirm the safety of hair colorants on the EU market.

You can obtain extensive information regarding the safety of hair colorants and ingredients through the Cosmetics, Toiletries and Perfumery Association either by contacting them on tel: 020 7491 8891 or by visiting their website at www.ctpa.org.uk.