Coal Tar
High ConcernAlso known as
coal tarcoal tar dyecoal tar pitchp-phenylenediamineppddiaminobenzene1,4-phenylenediamine
The concern
IARC Group 1 carcinogen for coal tar pitch. Coal tar dyes used in hair colours (PPD, diaminobenzene) are potent allergens and probable human carcinogens. EU restricts many coal tar dyes; Canada restricts coal tar in dandruff shampoos.
What to look for on labels
This ingredient may appear under any of the following names or codes on product labels:
- Coal Tar
- coal tar
- coal tar dye
- coal tar pitch
- p-phenylenediamine
- ppd
- diaminobenzene
Data sourced from IARC, FDA, EFSA, WHO and EWG public data. For informational purposes only. This does not constitute medical or legal advice.