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HC BLUE NO. 20.

Insufficient Data / HAIR DYEING

HC Blue No. 20 is understood to be a direct hair dye, belonging to the class of aromatic amines. It is designed to impart color to hair without necessitating a chemical reaction with other dye components. The provided research, however, primarily details the properties of the related ingredient HC Blue No. 2.

Hair Dyeing

Science

Based on insights into HC Blue No. 2, this compound likely functions as a non-oxidative, or direct, hair dye. It penetrates the hair shaft and colors it directly without requiring a reaction with other chemicals in the formulation.


Research

Medium confidence
Effective range ≤2.8%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Studies on HC Blue No. 2 indicated minimal absorption into the skin; less than 0.1% was absorbed over 30 days when applied to the scalp. A maximum total absorption of 0.037 µgeq/cm² was observed after 30 minutes of exposure on human dermatomed skin from a 2.8% hair dye formulation.
  2. 02 At 3% concentration, HC Blue No. 2 was not found to be a skin irritant in rabbits, though it did cause transient eye irritation in the same animal model. It was also considered to possess skin sensitizing potential in mice.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

This ingredient's primary application is as a hair dye, not as an active skincare compound that would be 'dusted' in formulations for specific dermal benefits. Its function does not involve concentration-dependent skin efficacy that would typically warrant a dusting analysis.


The Formula

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Based on HC Blue No. 2, the presence of secondary and tertiary amino groups renders this molecule susceptible to nitrosation. Consistent stability reporting for marketed products is not widely available.

Conflicts

  • Nitrosating substances
  • Isocyanates
  • Halogenated organics
  • Peroxides
  • Acidic phenols
  • Epoxides
  • Anhydrides
  • Acid halides
  • Strong reducing agents
  • Alkali metals
  • Nitrides

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
2.8%
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded HC Blue No. 2 was safe as used in hair dye products, with the EU Cosmetics Directive permitting it as a non-oxidizing coloring agent at a maximum of 2.8%. However, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCS) considered HC Blue No. 2 to have skin sensitizing potential in mice. Furthermore, GHS classifications indicate it may cause skin irritation, allergic skin reactions, and serious eye irritation. It is crucial to note that these safety findings are primarily for HC Blue No. 2, and specific, comprehensive safety data for HC Blue No. 20 is not thoroughly detailed in the provided research.


Your Skin

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

Our Assessment

Insufficient Data

While widely utilized as a hair dye, the provided research predominantly details HC Blue No. 2, making a definitive assessment for HC Blue No. 20 challenging for a precision skincare brand, especially given its noted potential for skin irritation and sensitization.


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