Indigo (Indigofera tinctoria)

Also known as: Indigo leaf powder; neel; Indigofera

INCI name: Indigofera Tinctoria Leaf; Indigofera Tinctoria Leaf Powder; Indigofera Tinctoria Leaf Extract; Indigofera Tinctoria Extract

What it does

Dried leaves of the indigo plant, which produce an intense deep blue dye. It is used in plant-based brown and black hair colours that work without a peroxide developer.

Benefits

A plant-based route to darker shades without PPD. The EU's scientific committee found it safe at up to 25% on the head.

Concerns & Risks

The same committee said a weak skin-sensitising potential cannot be ruled out, and contact dermatitis from natural indigo in hair dyes has been reported (French case series, 2025). Dark 'herbal' colours are where undeclared PPD has been found in henna-based products, so check the full ingredient list and do a skin test.

Comedogenic rating

0/5

Non-comedogenic (0)

Suitable for

Most people wanting a plant-based dark shade, after a skin test

Avoid if

You have reacted to an indigo or henna-indigo product; the blend lists PPD or toluene-2,5-diamine

Typical concentration

EU maximum 25% on the head, in non-oxidative hair dyes only (since 3 June 2021). India and US: no specific rule verified.