It is illegal to use this substance on the skin for good reason. It is classified as an extremely toxic substance. It is dangerous to have any contact with the skin – it causes chronic excema, with raised lesions that lead to hyper-pigmentation & hypo-pigmentation. The more exposure to the product, the more extreme the reactions will be when they eventually take place. The chemical can also cause blindness, and is extremely harmful if ingested. It is also a carcinogenic.

People have been hospitalised from exposure to PPD both from direct contact on the skin from so called ‘Black Henna Tattoos’ and also from hair dyes.

This chemical is one of the coal tar dyes that was originally created for hair dye manufacture. It is still used in all manner of permanent hair dyes today. There is apparently no risk of PPD exposure to the skin, as all hair dyes are supplied with gloves to protect the skin on your hands, and the words ‘avoid contact with scalp’ to protect the skin on your head from contact with the chemical!

Please note, it is still legal in Europe and the USA to supply PPD in certain percentages in hair dye products – though given the serious risks involved with exposure we would advise that you check your hair dye ingredients for any PPD content before use.