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SCCS Deems HC Red No. 18 Safe in Hair Dye Formulations

CPR
16
January 2025
•
400
Dr Steven Brennan
The SCCS deems HC Red No. 18 safe for use in hair dye formulations at specified concentrations. Learn more about the committee's findings and their implications for the cosmetics industry.
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The SCCS has issued a preliminary opinion declaring HC Red No. 18 safe for use in hair dye formulations at concentrations of up to 1.5% for oxidative dyes and 0.5% for non-oxidative dyes. This conclusion, based on rigorous scientific evaluation, ensures compliance with EU regulations while protecting consumer safety.

What is HC Red No. 18, and why is it used in hair dye products?

HC Red No. 18, also known as Colipa No. B124 (CAS No. 1444596-49-9), is a synthetic dye ingredient widely used in hair colouring products. Its primary function is to provide vibrant and long-lasting red hues in both oxidative and non-oxidative hair dye formulations. This ingredient is valued by manufacturers for its stability, compatibility with other cosmetic ingredients, and its ability to deliver consistent colour results. The SCCS's recent evaluation confirms that HC Red No. 18 can be safely used at regulated concentrations, ensuring its continued application in hair dyes without compromising consumer health.

What safety concerns were evaluated by the SCCS regarding HC Red No. 18?

The SCCS's evaluation of HC Red No. 18 involved a thorough review of its toxicological data, including potential risks like skin irritation, sensitisation, systemic toxicity, and mutagenicity. The assessment considered its use at two specific concentrations: up to 1.5% in oxidative hair dyes, which are products that require a developer like hydrogen peroxide, and up to 0.5% in non-oxidative hair dyes, which do not rely on developers. Based on the available data, the SCCS concluded that HC Red No. 18 poses no significant risks to human health when used within these concentration limits.

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The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has issued a preliminary opinion affirming the safety of HC Red No. 18, a cosmetic ingredient used in hair dyes. The report, published on 10 December 2024, concludes that HC Red No. 18 is safe at specified concentrations in both oxidative and non-oxidative hair dye formulations.

Key Findings on HC Red No. 18

The SCCS reviewed extensive data on HC Red No. 18 (Colipa No. B124, CAS No. 1444596-49-9), focusing on its safety profile when included in hair dye products. Their conclusions were as follows:

  1. Concentration Levels: HC Red No. 18 is considered safe when used at concentrations of up to 1.5% in oxidative hair dye formulations and 0.5% in non-oxidative hair dye formulations.
  2. Scientific Concerns: The SCCS did not identify any additional scientific concerns regarding its use in cosmetic products at these levels.

These findings are in line with Regulation 1223/2009, which governs the safety of cosmetic ingredients in the European Union.

Importance of SCCS Safety Assessments

The SCCS plays a vital role in safeguarding consumer health by evaluating the safety of substances used in cosmetics. Their recommendations are crucial for ensuring compliance with EU regulations and protecting users from potential health risks. HC Red No. 18, a widely used ingredient in hair dye products, underwent rigorous testing before the SCCS reached its conclusion.

The committee's decision reflects a robust assessment process involving independent experts and external contributors. Members such as U. Bernauer, L. Bodin, and P.J. Coenraads collaborated to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the ingredient's safety profile.

What Does This Mean for the Cosmetics Industry?

The positive opinion on HC Red No. 18 reassures both manufacturers and consumers of its safety. Hair dye brands can continue to formulate products using this ingredient within the recommended limits without concerns about regulatory non-compliance.

Additionally, the SCCS report highlights the importance of ongoing safety reviews for cosmetic ingredients. This ensures that products meet evolving scientific standards and continue to protect public health.

Next Steps

The SCCS's preliminary opinion is currently open for public comment until 13 January 2025, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback. After this period, a final version of the opinion will be adopted, solidifying the conclusions and providing further clarity on HC Red No. 18's safety profile.

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