The SCCS statement says, based on the data provided, the use of Tetrabromophenol Blue with a maximum on-head concentration of 0.2 per cent in non-oxidative hair dye formulations does pose a risk to the health of the consumer due to the low Margin of Safety.
“Tetrabromophenol Blue is a mixture octa-, hepta- and hexa-bromo phenolsulfonphthaleins, and does not contain any Tetrabromo-homologue, therefore the INCI name is misleading,” says the SCCS.
“The criteria for meeting the specifications of other batches, similar to the present mixture should be defined.”
However, SCCS could not perform an assessment of the use of Tetrabromophenol Blue in oxidative hair dye formulations as no acceptable dermal absorption study under oxidative conditions was provided, which is necessary.
Previous submissions
The initial submission for Tetrabromophenol Blue was submitted in September 2003 by Cosmetics Europe, formerly Colipa.
The following year, SCCS published the conclusion, “that the information submitted is inadequate to assess the safe use of the substance.”
A further update was submitted by Colipa in 2005, that Tetrabromophenol Blue is used as a direct dye in oxidative and non-oxidative hair colouring products. The final concentration on the scalp can be up to 0.2 per cent.
This current submission presents updated scientific data on the above mentioned substance in line with the second step of the strategy for the evaluation of hair dyes within the framework of the Cosmetics Directive 76/768/EEC.
HairCare Ingredients 2012
Hair colouring and dyes will be the topic of one of the editorial webinars at the upcoming HairCare Ingredients 2012 – the industry’s first virtual hair care event taking place on September 19th 2012.
To register and find out more, click here