Editor's note: This article was originally published on December 11, 2024, and was updated on February 5, 2025, as per the latest developments. The updated contents are marked in red below.
On December 10, 2024, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released the preliminary opinion on HC Red No. 18 (CAS No. 1444596-49-9), in response to the industry's second submission of a safety assessment dossier for the ingredient.1 After a thorough consultation, SCCS issued its final opinion on January 23, 2025, upholding the initial conclusion.2
HC Red No. 18, listed as a hair dye in CosIng database, may be used in oxidative hair dye formulations. It was first evaluated by SCCS in 2015 following an industry-submitted dossier. In the corresponding opinion (SCCS/1569/15), SCCS concluded that HC Red No. 18 was safe for use up to a concentration of 1.5% in oxidative hair dyes, but noted insufficient data on its purity and impurity. In response, the industry submitted a new dossier in February 2024, providing additional information on its purity. Based on this information, SCCS conducted another safety assessment, and issued an updated opinion.
In light of the data provided, SCCS reiterates the conclusion stated in SCCS/1569/15, confirming the safety of HC Red No. 18 at 1.5% in oxidative hair dyes. Moreover, SCCS supplements in the new opinion that, the ingredient is also safe for use at concentrations of up to 0.5% in non-oxidative hair dye formulations.