What is PPD?

Paraphenylenediamine�more commonly known as PPD�is a chemical substance that is

commonly found in permanent hair color and other dyes. PPD in hair color is most
often used in dark shades; hair color companies use PPD pervasively because it
provides long-lasting hair color that has a natural look. PPD hair dye is used in
both salon and at-home color because it is an effective ingredient in coloring dark
hair. PPD is also commonly used in temporary tattoos, dark colored cosmetics, and
even in textile dyes and printing inks.

Is PPD harmful?
Despite its efficacy in coloring hair, PPD has a reputation for negative side
effects. Most commonly, PPD can cause reactions ranging from mild skin irritation
to more severe allergic contact dermatitis. Sensitive individuals may experience
dermatitis�skin inflammation and irritation commonly referred to as eczema. Eczema
may first be noticed on the upper eyelids or rims of the ears after application of
the hair color. These symptoms often calm down after the dye is fully oxidized, but
any type of rash and swelling is uncomfortable, even for a short time. In more
serious cases, there may be marked reddening and swelling on the scalp and the
face. An allergy to PPD can result in widespread contact dermatitis, as well as
hives and, in rare severe cases, anaphylaxis.

In addition to users experiencing skin irritations from having their hair colored
with permanent color containing PPD, people who frequently work with PPD�such as
hair colorists�often develop dermatitis on their hands. This can occasionally
spread to the arms and even the chest. Anyone who is planning on coloring their
hair should complete a patch test following recommended directions in the packaging
to determine their sensitivity with the product to avoid potential allergic
reactions, and hair dressers should always use gloves when working with hair color
containing PPD. An increase in exposure correlates to an increased likelihood of
reaction, even in people who may not have experienced dermatitis before.

Alternatives to PPD
Of course, the best solution to PPD allergies is to use products that don�t contain
the chemical. Because of its status as a known allergen, research has been done to
create alternative ingredients that effectively color hair without leading to
unfortunate side effects. Because of this, there has been a push for dedicated
research into alternatives that achieve similar effects as PPD, without the harsh
effects that some users experience. Manufacturers have begun creating products with
para-toulenediamene sulfates (PTDS) as a substitute to PPD, which has proven
effective in replacing the ingredient without posing the same level of risk.
At Madison Reed, our Radiant Cream Color uses PTD�Toluene 2,5-Diamine Sulfate
(TDS), an ingredient that effectively replaces PPD in permanent hair color while
offering a lower incidence of skin sensitivities. Studies show that more than half
of users who are allergic to PPD did not experience any adverse effects to products
using a PTD substitute. However, as the ingredients are chemically similar, it is
possible for users who are allergic to PPD to experience some irritation when using
a color with PTD. At Madison Reed, we always recommend completing a patch test to
determine how your skin will react to our products

The Bottom Line on PPD

Although many manufacturers have determined that PPD reactions occur infrequently
enough to continue using PPD in their products, we believe it�s important to use
safer alternatives whenever possible. Color with PTD creates the same rich, dark
shades our clients love, without the demonstrated likelihood of allergic reactions
that one would expect from the use of PPD.