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HC RED NO. 18.

Questionable / HAIR DYEING

HC Red No. 18 is a synthetic pigment specifically engineered for direct hair dyeing applications. Its primary function is to impart color to hair by adhering to and diffusing into the hair shaft, with robust regulatory assessments confirming its safety exclusively for this purpose.

Summary

Hair Dyeing

Science

Mechanism of Action

Operating primarily as a direct hair dye, HC Red No. 18 functions by physically attaching to the hair surface and, in semi-permanent applications, penetrating the hair shaft to deposit color. Its mechanism is entirely targeted towards hair pigmentation, exhibiting no known biological activity or specific interaction with epidermal layers.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–1.5%
Optimal

1.5%

Key findings

  1. 01 The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has evaluated HC Red No. 18, concluding its safety for use as a hair dye. Specifically, it is deemed safe at concentrations up to 1.5% in oxidative hair dye formulations and 0.5% in non-oxidative hair dye formulations. These findings were adopted on January 22, 2025.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

HC Red No. 18 is a specialized hair dyeing agent. As its primary application is for hair pigmentation rather than precision skincare treatment, the concept of 'dusting' related to active ingredient levels in epidermal formulations is not relevant for this compound.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 9 – 10
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal stability and solubility for HC Red No. 18 are observed in alkaline conditions, with good water solubility achieved above pH 9 due to its more polar anionic form. Alkaline peroxide stability has been confirmed over 45 minutes at room temperature (22°C) in a buffered alkaline solution at pH 10.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
1.5%
Sensitization risk Unknown

The SCCS has rigorously assessed HC Red No. 18, affirming its safety for use in hair dye products at concentrations of up to 1.5% in oxidative formulations and 0.5% in non-oxidative formulations, with final scientific advice adopted January 22, 2025. No additional scientific concerns were identified for these specified usage levels. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has not yet reviewed this ingredient. It is noteworthy that HC Red No. 18 is not included in the 'Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China' (IECIC 2021) nor the List of Allowed Hair Dyes in China.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

HC Red No. 18 is exclusively a hair dyeing agent with no established benefits, mechanisms, or safety data relevant for skincare, rendering its inclusion in precision skincare formulations highly questionable for a brand focused on epidermal health.

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