Danger over brown henna cones in Edinburgh
Residents of Edinburgh are being urged to take caution following reports of severe skin reactions linked to brown henna cones circulating in the area.
The City of Edinburgh Council’s Trading Standards team has been notified of a concerning incident where a consumer suffered an adverse reaction to a product containing 4.2% phenol, a chemical prohibited for use in cosmetics under UK regulations.
Why You Should Be Concerned Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is a harsh chemical with caustic properties that can cause significant skin irritation, burns, and other harmful effects. It is strictly banned in cosmetic products due to its potential risks to health. However, some products like cheaper products from China & counterfeit or poorly regulated henna cones may still contain this dangerous ingredient.
The affected product is a brown henna cone, often marketed as a quick-drying alternative to traditional natural henna. Brown henna products have raised concerns in the past due to their potential to include unregulated additives such as phenol, paraphenylenediamine (PPD), and other hazardous chemicals to achieve darker or faster results.
What to Look Out ForThe Trading Standards team urges consumers to:
• Check product labels: Be cautious of products with unclear ingredient lists or no label.
• Avoid brown henna cones: These are not the same as natural henna, which is typically green or brownish in powder form and safe when properly mixed.
• Report suspicious products: If you spot any suspicious henna cones in Edinburgh, contact authorities.
What To Do If You’re Affected
If you experience a reaction to a henna product, stop using it immediately and seek medical advice. Report any issues to consumeradvice.scot at 0808 164 6000 or visit their website for guidance. By sharing your experience, you can help protect others from potentially harmful products.
Stay Safe. Remember, when it comes to cosmetic products, if in doubt, leave it out. Only use items from trusted sources and always be wary of products with exaggerated claims or unfamiliar brands.
For further updates and advice, follow Trading Standards on social media or visit the City of Edinburgh Council’s website.