PPD is a chemical found in permanent hair dyes and can trigger an allergic reaction.
More than 15 million people in the US use hair dye each year. If you are looking for the answer to “Does vegan hair dye contain PPD? “, you’re in the right place!
Does vegan hair dye contain PPD?
Yes, most vegan hair dyes do contain PPD. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers PPD to be safe when used as directed, but some people have concerns about the health risks involved with using this chemical. However, these concerns may not be warranted.
Toxicity is a relative concept. Something can seem toxic in terms of one application or concentration and safe in terms of another – in the right dose, even water can kill you.
It depends on what you’re using the ingredient for. When it comes to PPD, there are several different types, with varying degrees of toxicity levels.
The type that’s commonly used as a hair dye is called paraphenylenediamine (PPD); other types include para-aminodiphenyldichloroethylene (PAPDC) and para-phenylenediamine (PPDAC).
Is PPD vegan?
Unfortunately for PPD users, this chemical is not vegan-friendly. It’s not made from animals or animal products but it is derived from petroleum and can’t be used by vegans.
There are alternatives to PPD on the market that are more vegan-friendly like henna powder and cassia obovata.
These natural hair dyes are more expensive than PPD but they don’t pose any risk to your health so it’s not just about the price.
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly hair dye, look for henna powder or cassia obovata instead of PPD. You might have to spend a little bit more but it’s worth it!
Is PPD-free hair dye safe?
Yes, PPD-free hair dye products are safe to use. However, this doesn’t mean PPD-containing hair dyes are unsafe, or that they cause any adverse health effects. In fact, when used according to manufacturers’ instructions, both types of dyes are safe and effective.
Safer PPDs
Some companies claim that their products do not contain PPD at all. The truth is that no hair dye is completely free of PPD, but some may have significantly lower levels than others. For example, L’Oreal’s “no ammonia” hair dye claims to have only .00000001 milligrams per gram of the chemical — a level that would be safe even for people with severe allergies or asthma. Other companies that claim to be PPD-free include Manic Panic and Jerome Russel Hair Color.
Natural dyes
Some natural dyes, such as henna, indigo, and cassia, can be used as a substitute for black hair dye and contain no PPD or other chemicals that could cause allergic reactions. However, they are not permanent. They are best suited for those who want a semi-permanent change or whose natural color is dark.
Final Thoughts
To be sure, there are some vegan hair dyes that contain PPD.
But there are also ones that are formulated to be 100% vegan – you just have to find one that fits your needs and dietary preferences.
