Cosmetic Regulations

22 A hair dye that contains paraphenylenediamine or other coal tar dye base or coal tar intermediate must

• (a) carry the following warning on both the inner and outer labels:

  “CAUTION: This product contains ingredients that may cause skin irritation on certain individuals and a preliminary test according to accompanying directions should first be made. This product must not be used for dyeing the eyelashes or eyebrows. To do so may cause blindness.

  MISE EN GARDE : Ce produit contient des ingrédients qui peuvent causer de l’irritation cutanée chez certaines personnes; il faut donc d’abord effectuer une épreuve préliminaire selon les directives ci-jointes. Ce produit ne doit pas servir à teindre les sourcils ni les cils; en ce faisant, on pourrait provoquer la cécité.”; and

• (b) be accompanied by instructions to the following effect:

  • (i) the preparation may cause serious inflammation of the skin in some persons, and a preliminary test should always be made to determine whether special sensitivity exists, and

  • (ii) to make the test, a small area of skin behind the ear or on the inner surface of the forearm should be cleansed, using either soap and water or alcohol, and a small quantity of the hair dye as prepared for use should be applied to the area and allowed to dry. After 24 hours, the area should be washed gently with soap and water. If no irritation or inflammation is apparent, it may be assumed that no hypersensitivity to the dye exists. The test should be made before each application. The hair dye should never be used for dyeing eyebrows or eyelashes, as severe inflammation of the eye or even blindness may result.