No evidence that six mainstream hair dye brands are more harmful than others

Hair coloring is commonplace today, but rumors persist about health risks tied to certain brands. A viral social media reel claims six mainstream dye brands; Garnier, L’Oréal, Godrej, Revlon, Streax, and BBlunt, are especially dangerous. However, our fact-check found that the claim is missing context.

Social Media Claim

The post asserts: “Never use these six hair dye brands, they cause harm,” and promotes other brands as inherently “safe” or “natural.” It offers no scientific evidence or regulatory backing.

Source | Archive

Fact Check

Chemistry and Side Effects

Permanent hair dyes typically use para-phenylenediamine (PPD) or related amines, oxidants (e.g., hydrogen peroxide), and an alkalizing agent (ammonia or substitutes like MEA). These chemicals help the color penetrate hair shafts. PPD is a well-known skin sensitizer. (Source)

Even “ammonia-free” dyes often substitute MEA or a similar base, which can still irritate. The difference is one of formulation, not elimination of risk.

Regulatory Limits & Requirements

European Union: Under EU cosmetics regulation, PPD (and its salts) in oxidative hair dyes is restricted to a maximum of 2% (free base) after mixing.

United States: The FDA does not pre-approve all hair dyes (except certain color additives), and there is no fixed percentage cap for PPD. However, manufacturers must include caution labels and encourage a patch test.

India (IS 10350 Standard): The Indian standard for powder hair dyes states that after following manufacturer dilution instructions, the maximum PPD content allowed is 3% for black shades and 1.5% for brown shades.

Sri Lanka: Cosmetic products are regulated by the NMRA under the Cosmetics, Devices and Drugs Act (1980) and NMRA Act (2015). While registration and safety assessments are required for all products, no public PPD cap has been officially published, and limits are likely evaluated case by case under international safety benchmarks.

Brand Safety Summary

There is no evidence that Garnier, L’Oréal, Revlon, Godrej, Streax, or BBlunt cause more allergic reactions, skin burns, or product recalls than other box dyes.

All six brands use standard oxidative dye formulas, a mix of PPD or PTD (color precursors), hydrogen peroxide, and an alkalizing agent like ammonia or monoethanolamine (MEA). These are the same core ingredients used in most permanent hair colors worldwide and are permitted under both EU and FDA regulations.

Each brand carries mandatory allergy warnings and patch-test instructions on the packaging. Reported reactions are consistent with individual sensitivity to PPD rather than brand-specific faults. Dermatologists note that anyone allergic to PPD will likely react to any permanent dye containing similar chemicals, regardless of the label or price. (Source)

Many of these companies also market “ammonia-free,” “oil-based,” or “herbal” options, such as Garnier Olia, L’Oréal Inoa, or Godrej Nupur Henna, but these alternatives still rely on the same oxidative process and are not risk-free.

To date, no public recalls or safety bans have been issued against any of these six brands by the FDA, the European Commission, or Indian authorities.

Additionally, it’s noteworthy that marketing terms like “Safe,” “Natural,” and “Ammonia-Free” aren’t guarantees of safety. “Natural” or “herbal” dyes may contain chemical dyes to enhance color or durability, which still pose allergenic risks. Similarly, “ammonia-free” doesn’t mean irritant-free: substitute bases (like MEA) can still penetrate hair cuticles and cause reactions. (Source)

Health Risks & Cancer Concerns

Health risks from hair dyes include allergic contact dermatitis, which is the most common adverse effect, especially from products containing PPD or related compounds. The FDA strongly recommends patch testing to reduce this risk.

Regarding cancer risks, research has shown mixed results. Studies looking at whether hair dyes might cause bladder cancer (by examining a chemical called 4-ABP) haven’t found strong evidence of a connection. Safety agencies like the FDA in the US, the EU regulatory bodies, and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) regularly monitor these products and their ingredients. If they find something concerning, they can restrict or ban specific ingredients to protect consumers. (Source)

Recommendations for Consumers

For safe hair dye use, always perform a patch test 48 hours before full application to detect allergic reactions early, as recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Follow instructions and timing strictly, as overexposure can increase irritation risk. Wear gloves and ensure good ventilation to minimize skin contact and inhalation exposure. Never dye eyebrows or eyelashes, as this poses a risk of severe eye injury according to the FDA. Read the full ingredients list, watching particularly for PPD, PTD, and aminophenols. If you experience burning or swelling during application, stop immediately and seek medical attention if the reaction worsens.

Conclusion

The claim that six mainstream hair dye brands are especially dangerous lacks scientific evidence. All hair dye products, regardless of brand, pose similar potential risks from their primary active ingredients. Consumers should follow safety precautions, conduct patch tests before use, and consult with healthcare professionals if they have concerns about specific ingredients or personal sensitivities.