Hidden Chemicals: Coal Tar Dyes

Petroleum. . . Not For Your Face

Coal tar is a mixture of different chemicals, drives from petroleum.  Coal tar is widely recognized as a carcinogen and the primary concern for coal tar colours in cosmetics is the risk of cancer.  Also, coal tar colours are often contaminated with low levels of heavy metals.  Many heavy metals are toxic to brain function and development.  While these colours are not approved for food / consumption, they are often found in lipstick, and inadvertently ingested.


  • eyeshadow
  • bronzer
  • lipstick
  • hair dye


P-phenylenediamine and colours identified by “C.I” followed by a 5 digit number. 


Skin Sensitization:  Evidence correlates p-phenylenediamine is a common skin allergen with a 5% sensitization rate(1).

Cancer: P-phenylenediamine has been linked to cancer in laboratory tests conducted by the US National Cancer Institute (1).  One study found a correlation between hair dye and an increased disk of developing non-Hodgkins’s lymphoma (2). 

Organ System Toxicity: When ingested, p-phenylenediamine is highly toxic (4)(5).

Read More: 

  1. BHA
  2. Coal Tar Dyes
  3. DEA
  4. Dibutyl Phthalate
  5. Formaldehyde
  6. Parabens
  7. Parfum
  8. PEG Compounds
  9. Petrolatum
  10. Siloxanes
  11. Sodium Laureth Sulfate
  12. Triclosan


  1. Schnuch A, Geier J, Uter PJ et al. National rates and regional differences in sensitisation to allergens of the standard series. Contact Dermatitis 1997; 37: 200-209
  4. Anuradha S, Sandeep Arora S, Arora A, Kar P (2004) Acute Renal Failure Following para-Phenylenediamine (PPD) Poisoning: A Case Report and Review. Renal Failure 26(3): 329-332.
  5. Bolt H.M, Golka K (2007) The Debate on Carcinogenicity of Permanent Hair Dyes: New Insights. Criticial Reviews in Toxicology 37: 521-536.