Lead acetate

Also known as: Lead(II) acetate

INCI name: Lead Acetate

What it does

A metallic colourant used in some old-style gradual, comb-in products that darken grey hair over repeated use.

Benefits

None that outweigh the risk; it has been withdrawn in the main markets.

Concerns & Risks

Lead is a toxic metal. The US FDA repealed the rule that allowed lead acetate in hair dyes (final rule 2018, in force from 6 January 2022), the EU bans lead and its compounds in all cosmetics, and India's Cosmetics Rules prohibit lead compounds for colouring cosmetics.

Comedogenic rating

0/5

Non-comedogenic (0)

Suitable for

Not recommended

Avoid if

Avoid any product that lists it, including older stock or imported 'grey-reversing' products

Typical concentration

Not permitted. EU: Annex II, entry 289 ('lead and its compounds'). US: approval repealed, effective 6 January 2022. India: Cosmetics Rules 2020, Rule 39(6), prohibits the use of lead and arsenic compounds for colouring cosmetics.