How we scored it
Where it comes from
HC Red No. 18 belongs to the HC class of synthetic direct hair dyes, manufactured from petrochemical aromatic intermediates. No natural-origin route is used for this dye class.
In plain English
A synthetic red dye used in semi-permanent hair colour. Exact structure is unconfirmed here, but this class of dye is always fully synthetic and petroleum-derived.
Natural alternatives with the same function
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Epicatechin 100% natural originAn antioxidant compound naturally found in tea and cocoa, used in skin, hair and oral care. It's extracted…
Lawsonia Inermis Extract 100% natural originA plant extract from the henna shrub, used to condition hair and skin and add a reddish tint.…
Pyrogallol 100% natural originA hair-dye ingredient traditionally made by heating gallic acid, itself extracted from plant tannins in gallnuts, until it…
References
- 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
- 2HC RED NO. 18. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
- 3HC RED NO. 18. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=HC%20RED%20NO.%2018