Many people choose to dye their hair for aesthetic reasons, but with numerous hair dyes available on the market, do you know how to select the right one? Let's explore this together. Carcinogens Found in Japanese Hair Dye Japanese 100-yen stores sell items priced at 100 yen each (approximately 6 RMB), attracting a broad consumer base due to their practicality and affordability.Recently, however, the renowned Japanese 100-yen store chain Daiso has sparked consumer concern after one of its hair dye products was found to contain carcinogens.
Daiso announced that formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, was detected in a long-selling hair dye product available at nearly a thousand of its stores. Japanese regulations explicitly prohibit the addition of such substances to beauty and hair care products.
The product, sold nationwide since 2012, is now subject to a recall affecting approximately 2 million units.
Reporter: At a Daiso store near Tokyo's Shibuya Station, all affected products have been removed from shelves, with apology notices posted to inform customers.
Additionally, Daiso simultaneously recalled 75 other cosmetic products sold in its stores due to discrepancies between ingredient labels and actual contents. All recalled items are exclusive to Daiso. While no reports of consumer discomfort have emerged, the manufacturer advises immediate cessation of use.
A spokesperson from Daiso Japan's PR department stated that none of the recalled products were sold in China. Chinese consumers who purchased these items in Japan cannot complete returns domestically and must mail the products back to Japan.
Daiso, the company involved in this recall, currently operates overseas stores in 26 countries and regions worldwide, with annual sales reaching 420 billion yen (approximately 24.5 billion RMB).
Further Reading: How to Select Hair Dye
1. Safety
The product should not damage the hair's natural structure, causing loss of luster. It should not cause acute skin irritation or allergic reactions, meaning it should not be a formulation that induces dermatitis. It should also be non-toxic upon skin contact.
2. Stability
The color applied to hair should remain stable against air, sunlight, friction (washing, combing), and perspiration, without fading or discoloring rapidly. It should not deteriorate or lose efficacy within its shelf life, ensuring a long service life.
3. Compatibility
It should be compatible with other hair treatment agents and not be affected by other hair cosmetics such as hair oils, styling products, perm solutions, or shampoos (except for temporary and semi-permanent dyes) that could cause color changes.