Of course, the best solution to PPD allergies is to use products that don’t contain the chemical. Because of its status as a known allergen, research has been done to create alternative ingredients that effectively color hair without leading to unfortunate side effects. Because of this, there has been a push for dedicated research into alternatives that achieve similar effects as PPD, without the harsh effects that some users experience. Manufacturers have begun creating products with para-toulenediamene sulfates (PTDS) as a substitute to PPD, which has proven effective in replacing the ingredient without posing the same level of risk.
At Madison Reed, our Radiant Cream Color uses PTD—Toluene 2,5-Diamine Sulfate (TDS), an ingredient that effectively replaces PPD in permanent hair color while offering a lower incidence of skin sensitivities. Studies show that more than half of users who are allergic to PPD did not experience any adverse effects to products using a PTD substitute. However, as the ingredients are chemically similar, it is possible for users who are allergic to PPD to experience some irritation when using a color with PTD. At Madison Reed, we always recommend completing a patch test to determine how your skin will react to our products
The Bottom Line on PPD
Although many manufacturers have determined that PPD reactions occur infrequently enough to continue using PPD in their products, we believe it’s important to use safer alternatives whenever possible. Color with PTD creates the same rich, dark shades our clients love, without the demonstrated likelihood of allergic reactions that one would expect from the use of PPD.