Consumer Council Tests 24 Hair Dyes: Safety Results and Allergen Findings
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's Consumer Council released test results on Thursday (September 24, 2026) for 24 hair dye products available in the local market. The testing covered chemical safety, labeling accuracy, coloring performance, and color durability after washing. All 24 samples met EU Cosmetics Regulation and mainland Safety Technical Specifications requirements, with no harmful heavy metals or prohibited allergens detected. However, 12 of 15 oxidative hair dyes contained trace amounts of 1 to 4 types of allergens within safe limits. The Consumer Council advises consumers with previous allergic reactions to avoid similar products and always conduct skin patch tests before application.
Key Points
- The test covered 24 hair dye samples: 9 non-oxidative types (HKD $74-$199 per box) and 15 oxidative types (HKD $30-$190 per box)
- PTD (toluene-2,5-diamine) was the most commonly detected allergen, found in 10 products at concentrations between 0.04% and 0.45%
- PPD, MAP, and resorcinol were each detected in 5 samples, while PAP was found in just 1 sample
- One non-oxidative sample, Rerise "Natural Botanical Color Care," had a pH of 10.4, exceeding the recommended range of 2.5-9.5
- All 9 non-oxidative hair dyes passed allergen testing with no detection of any of the 8 harmful substances
Why It Matters
With Hong Kong's aging population, demand for hair dyes to cover gray hair continues to grow among elderly consumers and others seeking personal grooming solutions . While all tested products met safety standards, the prevalence of allergens in oxidative hair dyes means consumers must remain vigilant about potential allergic reactions, which can range from mild itching to serious conditions like contact urticaria and asthma . This report empowers consumers to make informed choices by understanding product differences and taking appropriate precautions such as patch testing before full application.
With Hong Kong's aging population, demand for hair dyes to cover gray hair continues to grow among elderly consumers and others seeking personal grooming solutions . While all tested products met safety standards, the prevalence of allergens in oxidative hair dyes means consumers must remain vigilant about potential allergic reactions, which can range from mild itching to serious conditions like contact urticaria and asthma . This report empowers consumers to make informed choices by understanding product differences and taking appropriate precautions such as patch testing before full application.