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Temporary Tattoos & Henna/Mehndi

Temporary Tattoos & Henna/Mehndi

Henna, a coloring made from a plant, is approved only for use as a hair dye, not for direct application to the skin, as in the body-decorating process known as mehndi. This unapproved use of a color additive makes these products adulterated and therefore illegal. An import alert is in effect for henna intended for use on the skin. FDA has received reports of injuries to the skin from products marketed as henna.

Since henna typically produces a brown, orange-brown, or reddish-brown tint, other ingredients must be added to produce other colors, such as those marketed as "black henna" and "blue henna." So-called "black henna" may contain the "coal tar" color p-phenylenediamine, also known as PPD. This ingredient may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The only legal use of PPD in cosmetics is as a hair dye. It is not approved for direct application to the skin.

Even brown shades of products marketed as henna may contain other ingredients intended to make them darker or make the stain last longer. In addition to color additives, these skin-decorating products may contain other ingredients, such as solvents.

Cosmetics including temporary skin-staining products that are sold on a retail basis to consumers must have their ingredients listed on the label. Without such an ingredient declaration, they are considered misbranded and are illegal in most countries. So, read labels and make sure you know what's in a temporary tattoo or henna/mehndi product before you use it on your skin.


Did You Know?

In United States, cosmetics including temporary skin-staining products that are sold on a retail basis to consumers must have their ingredients listed on the label. Without such an ingredient declaration, they are considered misbranded and are illegal in interstate commerce. FDA requires the ingredient declaration under the authority of the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA).
Because the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) does not apply to cosmetic samples and products used exclusively by professionals--for example, for application at a salon, or a booth at a fair or boardwalk--the requirement for an ingredient declaration does not apply to these products.
By law, except for coal tar colors used in hair dyes, color additives used in cosmetics must be approved by FDA for their intended uses. Some may not be used unless FDA has certified in its own labs that the composition of each batch meets the regulatory requirements. Cosmetics--including temporary tattoo products--that do not comply with restrictions on color additives are considered adulterated and are illegal in interstate commerce.
Except for color additives, FDA does not have the authority to approve cosmetic products or ingredients, although the use of several substances in cosmetics is prohibited or restricted due to safety concerns. However, if the safety of the product or its ingredients has not been substantiated, the product is misbranded--and therefore illegal in interstate commerce--if it does not have this warning on the label: "Warning-The safety of this product has not been determined."

Reporting Adverse Reactions

FDA urges consumers and healthcare providers to report adverse reactions from tattoos, permanent makeup, and temporary tattoos, as well as problems with tattoo removal.

USA: Consumers and healthcare providers can report problems to MedWatch, FDA’s problem-reporting program, on the Web or at 1-800-332-1088; or by contacting the nearest FDA consumer complaint coordinator.

CANADA: Contact your nearest Health Canada Product Safety Office or visit your health care provider for treatment and complete an incident report.


Learn More:
What You Should Know Before Tattooing and Piercing
About Tattoos & Permanent Makeup
More About Tattoos & Permanent Makeup
Temporary Tattoos May Put You at Risk
Everything You Should Know About Tattoos
Tattoos and Piercings: What to Know Beforehand
Tattoo Removal
Health Risks of Tattooing and Piercing
Transmission of Hepatitis
Hepatitis


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