Hydrogen Peroxide is a clear, colorless liquid. In cosmetics and personal care products, Hydrogen Peroxide can be found in a wide variety of hair care products such as hair dyes, hair bleaches, conditioners, shampoos and rinses, hair bleaches and shampoos. It is also used in tooth whitening products. Hydrogen Peroxide is also sold as an antiseptic at concentrations of 2.5-3%.
The FDA also allows Hydrogen Peroxide to be used in Over-the-Counter (OTC) first aid antiseptics.Summaries of the safety information for Hydrogen Peroxide have been prepared by the World Health Organization
http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jecmono/v05je11.htm
as well as the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts174.pdf
The International Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that Hydrogen Peroxide was not classifiable as to it’s carcinogenicity in humans.
http://www.inchem.org/documents/iarc/vol71/023-hydrogenper.h...
FDA: Link to Code of Federal Regulations for the GRAS listing for Hydrogen Peroxide
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRS...
FDA: Link to information about the use of Hydrogen Peroxide as an OTC first aid antiseptic
http://www.fda.gov/cder/otcmonographs/Antimicrobial/antimicr...
FDA: Link to information about the use of Hydrogen Peroxide as an OTC wound cleanser for oral mucosal injuries
http://www.fda.gov/cder/otcmonographs/Oral_Wound_Healing/ora...
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) evaluated the safety of Hydrogen Peroxide in tooth whitening products. The SCCP concluded that use of products containing up to 1% Hydrogen Peroxide was safe. The SCCP also concluded that use of products containing up to 6% Hydrogen Peroxide could be used after consultation and approval of a dentist.
Link to the SCCP opinion:
http://ec.europa.eu/health/ph_risk/committees/04_sccp/docs/s...
In the European Union, Hydrogen Peroxide may be used in hair care, skin care, nail harding, and oral hygiene products at maximum concentrations of 12%, 4%, 2% and 0.1%, respectively (See Annex III). Hair care, skin care and nail hardening products containing Hydrogen Peroxide must be labeled: "Contains Hydrogen Peroxide. Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse immediately if product comes in contact with them." Hair products containing Hydrogen Peroxide must recommend that gloves be worn when the product is used.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/html/consolidated_d...
European Commission's Public Health Information on Tooth Whiteners Containing Hydrogen Peroxide
http://ec.europa.eu/health/opinions/en/tooth-whiteners/
More information about hair dyes