Hair dyes: SCCS preliminary opinions

Please note that two preliminary opinions have been published on the SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) website, and a public consultation is open until 19 January 2026.

Basic Blue 99 (CAS No. 68123-13-7)

SCCS/1683/25: After assessing all available data, the SCCS does not consider the use of Basic Blue 99 safe as an ingredient in non-oxidative hair dye formulations, because the overall evidence indicates a potential for genotoxicity. The SCCS also considers Basic Blue 99 to be a skin sensitiser.

Link to download the full opinion

Basic Brown 16 (CAS No. 26381-49-9)

Opinion SCCS/1684/25: After evaluating the data provided, the SCCS does not consider the use of Basic Brown 16 safe when used as an ingredient in non-oxidative hair dye formulations, because the weight of evidence indicates its potential mutagenicity.

Link to download the full opinion

These two ingredients, widely used in the cosmetics industry, are no longer supported by Cosmetics Europe’s Hair Dye Consortium; therefore, it is very likely that a restrictive procedure leading to a ban will be initiated in the near future.