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HC BLUE NO. 12.

Questionable CAS 132885-85-9 / 104516-93-0 / HAIR DYEING

HC Blue No. 12 is a synthetic direct dye primarily used in various hair color formulations to impart a blue pigment. This ingredient functions by adhering to the hair surface and can diffuse into the hair fiber, particularly in semi-permanent applications.

Summary

Hair Dyeing Colorant

Science

Mechanism of Action

HC Blue No. 12 acts as a direct dye that physically attaches to the hair surface and can permeate the hair fiber due to its relatively low molecular size. It is specifically designed for coloring hair and does not possess any known mechanism of action that confers direct benefits to the skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) considers HC Blue No. 12 safe for use as a non-oxidative hair dye at a maximum on-head concentration of 1.5%.
  2. 02 The SCCS also considers HC Blue No. 12 safe for use in oxidative hair dye formulations at a maximum on-head concentration of 0.75% (when combined with hydrogen peroxide).

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

HC Blue No. 12 is a colorant with no identified skincare benefits. Its inclusion in products would typically be for its coloring properties rather than for making unsubstantiated efficacy claims on skin.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 4 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

This dye exhibits stability within a pH range of 4.0 to 9.0. However, SCCS opinions have highlighted a lack of comprehensive data regarding its stability in solutions or finished products. It must not be combined with nitrosating substances due to the significant risk of forming harmful nitrosamines.

Conflicts

  • Nitrosating substances

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
1.5%
Sensitization risk Moderate

HC Blue No. 12 is classified as a moderate skin sensitizer. Regulatory guidance from the SCCS deems it safe for specific use in non-oxidative hair dyes at up to 1.5% and in oxidative hair dyes at 0.75% (on-head concentration, when mixed with hydrogen peroxide). Products containing this ingredient must ensure nitrosamine content is below 50 ppb and avoid interaction with nitrosating substances. It is regulated under Annex III of the EC Cosmetics Regulation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

As a precision skincare brand, the utility of HC Blue No. 12 is questionable due to its primary function as a hair dye, absence of known skincare benefits, and classification as a moderate skin sensitizer.

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