SCCS issues Preliminary Scientific Advice on ‘Basic Brown 16’ Hair Dye – Submission V ter. 
Ingredient: Basic Brown 16

Date of publication: 19 November 2025

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has concluded that Basic Brown 16 (C009) cannot be considered safe for use in non-oxidative hair dye formulations due to mutagenicity concerns. The deadline for comments is 21st of January 2026.

What’s new?

On 30 October 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) adopted a preliminary scientific advice on the safety of Basic Brown 16 (C009) (CAS No. 26381-41-9, EC No. 247-640-9), a hair dye ingredient used in non-oxidative hair colouring products. This assessment follows an evaluation process spanning multiple submissions since 2008, with industry submitting in September 2024 new genotoxicity studies and supporting data in Submission V ter.  

The Committee was requested to evaluate the ingredient’s potential for use at 2% concentration in non-oxidative hair dye formulations, applied to the scalp approximately once per month. 

The SCCS conducted a comprehensive weight-of-evidence evaluation of all available genotoxicity studies.  

Key provisions:

The SCCS considers that Basic Brown 16 is not safe when used as an ingredient in non-oxidative hair dye formulations, derived from its potential for mutagenicity. 

What now?

The preliminary opinion is open for comments until 21 January 2026. 

  • SCCS will review submitted comments during working group meetings 
  • Final Scientific Advice expected following comment evaluation and potential revisions 

References:

SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety), Scientific Advice on hair dye ‘Basic Brown 16’ (C009) (CAS No. 26381-41-9, EC No. 247-640-9) – submission V ter.(SCCS/1684/25 Preliminary Version)

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