SCCS publishes Preliminary Scientific Advice on ‘Basic Blue 99’ Hair Dye – Submissions IV & V  
Ingredient: Basic Blue 99

Date of publication: 19 November 2025

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has concluded that Basic Blue 99 (C059) is not safe for use in non-oxidative hair dye formulations at 1% due to genotoxicity concerns. The deadline for comments is 21st of January 2026.

What’s new?

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) adopted a preliminary scientific advice on 30 October 2025 regarding the hair dye ingredient Basic Blue 99 (C059) (CAS No. 68123-13-7, EC No. 268-544-3), following the applicant’s Submissions IV & V. This assessment addresses the use of Basic Blue 99 as a direct non-oxidative hair dye ingredient at a maximum concentration of 1% on the scalp. 

Previous SCCS opinions in 2011 (SCCS/1437/11), 2014 (SCCS/1537/14) and 2017 (SCCS/1585/17) could not conclude on safety due to highly variable batch composition. 

In February 2025, a new submission was received, and a request was made to assess the safety of Basic Blue 99 in view of new information on composition, analytical description, and genotoxicity.  

Key findings:

The SCCS considers that Basic Blue 99 is not safe when used as an ingredient in non-oxidative hair dye formulations, derived from its potential for genotoxicity. 

The SCCS also concluded that Basic Blue 99 is a skin sensitizer.  

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 blue 99’ (C059) (CAS No. 68123-13-7, EC No. 268-544-3) – submission IV & V (SCCS/1683/25 Preliminary Version)

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