The Clean Sheet
Ingredient Directory
Medium ConcernVegan

Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract

Henna (Mehndi) leaf extract; source of lawsone

Safety Flags
Allergen: Natural henna is a possible sensitiser; 'black henna' adulterated with PPD (p-phenylenediamine) causes severe reactions and must be avoided
Safety Notes

Pure henna colours via lawsone and conditions hair; a cultural mainstay in India. Critical safety issue is adulteration: so-called 'black henna' containing PPD can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis and must never be used on skin/hair. Buy pure, single-ingredient henna

Function & Common Use

Function

Hair colourant, hair/scalp conditioning, astringent

Category

Hair Dyes

Common In

Henna hair dyes, conditioning hair packs, natural colour treatments, mehndi

Origin

Plant derived

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

Not verified in source checked

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit specified

US FDA (21 CFR)

No limit established

Korea (MFDS)

Not verified in source checked

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified for topical cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract safe to use in skincare?

Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract has a Medium concern rating. Pure henna colours via lawsone and conditions hair; a cultural mainstay in India. Critical safety issue is adulteration: so-called 'black henna' containing PPD can cause severe allergic contact dermatitis and must never be used on skin/hair. Buy pure, single-ingredient henna

Is Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract allowed in India?

Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract is currently classified as "Traditional and widely used; permitted; natural henna distinct from adulterated 'black henna'" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is Not verified in source checked.

What is Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract used for in cosmetics?

Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract functions as: Hair colourant, hair/scalp conditioning, astringent. It is commonly found in: Henna hair dyes, conditioning hair packs, natural colour treatments, mehndi.

Can Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Lawsonia Inermis Leaf Extract has an allergen flag (Natural henna is a possible sensitiser; 'black henna' adulterated with PPD (p-phenylenediamine) causes severe reactions and must be avoided). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

TCS Assessment
Medium Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Traditional and widely used; permitted; natural henna distinct from adulterated 'black henna'
EU
Restricted for hair-dye use; lawsone (the colouring principle) is regulated and pure henna hair-dye use is subject to EU limits
US FDA
Permitted for cosmetic use; no restriction identified
Korea (MFDS)
Not specifically restricted in source checked; general cosmetic ingredient under MFDS negative list system
Australia (TGA)
Permitted as cosmetic ingredient under AICIS; no specific restriction found
Canada (NHPID)
Not verified in source checked

EU Annex: Regulated as a hair colourant; observe EU hair-dye provisions for lawsone

Identifiers

CAS84988-66-9
EC284-511-6

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