What is the cosmetic hot list?

The "hotlist" is a compilation of ingredients which are prohibited or restricted for cosmetic use in Canada. Substances are added to the hotlist when Health Canada determines that an ingredient is not acceptable for use in cosmetics. The hotlist justification is a concise version of the scientific rationale for unacceptability of a substance in cosmetics.

Has PPD in black henna been banned?

Yes, PPD in all leave-on skin cosmetics is prohibited. There is no specific legislation with respect to PPD in tattoo dyes. However, under Section 16 of the Food and Drugs Act, it is stated that no cosmetic may cause injury to the health of the user. Following an investigation of PPD, it was concluded that this ingredient could potentially cause harm should it be a part of a leave-on skin cosmetic. Therefore, Health Canada no longer accepts this ingredient for use in such products.

Have there been any reactions reported to Health Canada from PPD in henna for skin use?

Since 2001, there have been three adverse reactions reported to Health Canada from black henna use. Each complainant presented typical symptoms of dermatitis caused by PPD, such as severe lesions, vesical formation, scaling, oozing sores and edema (swelling). In addition, contact dermititis initiated by temporary tattoos causes persistent hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation of the adonred area following recovery of the reaction. Some cases note permanent damage or discolouration of the skin.

Have there been reactions to PPD in hair dye?

Over the past seven years, Health Canada has been notified of approximately 10 adverse reactions to hair dye. Only one or two of these is possibly attributable to a PPD reaction.

If there is PPD in henna found for skin use, what would we do about it?

Here are a few things Health Canada looks for if a product is suspected to contain PPD:

• PPD paste is jet black. Traditional henna paste is dark green or brown
• PPD dye takes just an hour or two to stain, but the tattoo will last a week or more
• Traditional henna should be left on as long as possible to take effect
• Acceptable black decorative dyes last only up to three days. Colour of resulting tattoo is pure black
• Rash from a dye containing PPD develops anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks at site of application

If Health Canada is made aware of a cosmetic product containing PPD, the manufacturer/distributor would be asked to remove their product from the market. Should Health Canada have difficulty obtaining the co-operation of the company, further enforcement action would be taken.