Science
Mechanism of Action
This ingredient functions by directly diffusing into the hair shaft, imparting a yellow color. As a low molecular weight nitro dye, it bypasses the need for oxidative reactions to deposit color, providing a direct, washable coloring effect.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Insufficient-data confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
HC Yellow No. 2 is primarily a hair dye with no reported skincare benefits, thus the concept of 'dusting' for exaggerated skin efficacy claims is not applicable.
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
HC Yellow No. 2 exhibits stability within typical oxidative hair dye formulations. However, as a secondary amine, it is susceptible to nitrosation and must not be formulated with nitrosating agents.
Conflicts
- Nitrosating substances
Safety
Safety Profile
The CIR Expert Panel deems HC Yellow No. 2 safe in hair dyes up to 3%, a limit based on observed clinical sensitization. European SCCS guidelines are more stringent, allowing a maximum of 1% in non-oxidative and 0.75% in oxidative hair dyes. While not a sensitizer or photosensitizing agent at 10%, sensitization was reported at 3% in repeat insult patch tests (2 out of 98, 1 out of 104 volunteers). It was a minor ocular irritant at 10%. PubChem also notes GHS hazard statements indicating potential for skin (H315, 12% relevance) and serious eye irritation (H319, 49.4% relevance). It is not a developmental toxicant or mutagenic. Formulations must ensure nitrosamine content remains below 50 ppb due to its proneness to nitrosation.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
HC Yellow No. 2 is a direct hair dye with no reported benefits for skin and presents moderate risks for sensitization and irritation, rendering it unsuitable for typical skincare formulations.
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References
Sources