Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is a chemical used in hair dyes, dark makeup, fabric, fur dyes, and other products due to its stability and natural color. However, it is listed as a contact allergen and can cause mild to severe allergic reactions, particularly when added to henna for temporary tattoos. Black henna tattoos can cause chemical burn-like reactions and lifelong sensitivity to PPD.
Paraphenylenediamine (PPD), also known as paraphenylenediamine, p-phenylenediamine, or 1-diaminobenzene, is an aromatic amine with many industrial and cosmetic applications. The chemical is a common ingredient in permanent hair dyes, as well as fabric, fur and dark makeup dyes. It is also used in printing and copying inks, photo and litho developing chemicals, rubber products, Kevlar®, and oil, gasoline, and grease products.
PPD is a preferred chemical due to its low levels of toxicity and its ability to withstand high temperatures and maintain its stability. It is good for hair dyes because it produces a natural color that doesn’t fade easily with washing and drying. The chemical itself is colorless: it acquires its color when exposed to oxygen.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists PPD as a contact allergen and should not be applied directly to the skin. When used in hair dyes, it can cause mild contact dermatitis on the forehead, eyelids, or ears wherever it contacts the skin. The reactions usually only occur while the dye is oxidizing, as opposed to when it has already oxidized, as is the case with dyed fabrics and furs. People who work with these chemicals on a regular basis can develop allergies and must take some precautions to avoid coming into contact with them. Although it is most often absorbed through the skin, it can cause allergic reactions when inhaled, absorbed through the eyes, or ingested.
One of the more dangerous applications of this chemical is when it is added to henna, a natural dye. When used for temporary tattoos, PPD laced henna is known as “black henna”. While this is not an approved use in the United States, some tattoo artists illegally add the chemical to henna for darker temporary tattoos that dry faster than pure ones. Because the dye is applied while the PPD is in its oxidation process, its potential as an allergen is increased. Black henna tattoos often cause a chemical burn-like skin reaction, which in turn causes a scar where the skin was tattooed.
When added to henna, the PPD concentration is often much higher than that approved for use in hair dyes, resulting in a minor to major allergic reaction. Once a person who has been exposed to the chemical has an allergic reaction, they may suffer a lifelong sensitivity to it.
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