FDA warns public vs washable hair coloring sticks

MANILA, Philippines - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday issued an advisory on the possible harmful ingredients of washable hair coloring sticks, which are becoming popular among teenagers.

In Advisory 2013-018, FDA acting director general Kenneth Hartigan-Go said the agency is now “concerned over the safety of washable hair chalks sold through the Internet” because these “may contain ingredients, such as dyes or colorants, chemicals and preservatives which are not allowed and may cause allergies and adverse reaction on the scalp, head, eyes and skin.

He also noted that the “FDA has not received any notification in conformance with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive for Washable Hair Chalks from any cosmetic establishments.”

Hair chalking involves rubbing a piece of colored pastel chalk onto certain strands of hair to change their color.

For dark-haired persons, hair strands to be colored must be moistened first with water and then twisted on a stick as the chalk is being applied, and the color is locked in by running the hair through a straightening iron.

A check by The STAR on an online store showed that a set of 24 hair coloring sticks is sold from P250 to P550.

The FDA urged the public to check its website, http://www.fda.gov.ph, for the updated list of notified cosmetic products under Consumer Corner. To report any adverse reaction, email [email protected].