Most hair dyes tested contain allergy-causing chemicals, consumer watchdog finds

A majority of hair dye products on the market tested by the consumer watchdog have been found to contain potent chemicals capable of causing severe allergic reactions to users.

The report was one of several studies published by the Consumer Council in their latest issue of Choice magazine on Wednesday.

Out of 25 types of hair dye tested by the council, at least 20 were found to contain the strong sensitiser m-aminophenol (MAP). In one sample, of a product called Peerless Color Cream, that chemical was found in a concentration of 2.5 per cent – well in excess of both European Union and mainland Chinese standards.

Ten samples also contained the less-potent sensitiser phenylenediamine (PPD) and 18 contained the sensitiser toluenediamine (PTD).

Symptoms of allergic reaction to the chemicals can include rash, flaking and itching and in severe cases, swelling or blistering of the face, forehead, eyelids, ears or scalp.

Hong Kong University Professor Michael Hui King-man, who is the council’s chairman of publicity, said some of the products had also left out detailed labelling and bilingual warnings of the presence of PPD and PTD as currently required by the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance.