Consumer Reports Finds Dichloromethane in All 21 Boxed Hair Dyes Tested, Trace Heavy Metals in Some

Consumer Reports tested 21 boxed hair dyes and two temporary hair chalk products sold online and in stores nationwide and detected toxic chemicals in every one of the 23 items. Dichloromethane appeared in all 21 boxed dyes. L’Oréal Paris Féria Downtown Brown recorded the highest concentration, followed by two versions of Revlon ColorSilk dark brown dyes.

Six products contained toluene and four contained DEHP. One hair chalk product marketed for children tested positive for benzene. Fifteen of the 23 products showed no detectable levels of the five heavy metals examined.

Four contained trace arsenic, two contained lead, and six contained low levels of chromium. Between 60 and 70 million Americans use hair coloring products. Regulations generally restrict dichloromethane in cosmetics, with narrow exceptions for certain hair dye formulas if warning labels are present.

L’Oréal Paris did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ” Tesia Williams, spokesperson for the Personal Care Products Council, said companies must substantiate the safety of hair dyes and ensure product labeling is accurate, truthful, and not misleading. Dr.

Adana Llanos stated that some chemicals are not always disclosed on product ingredients lists. Ashita Kapoor stated that some hair dyes released VOCs at levels high enough to raise real concern, particularly for people who color their hair frequently at home. Oriene Shin stated: “Harmful chemicals have no place in our everyday products.

Not in the dyes adults use to cover their grays. Not in the chalk kids use for school spirit day.