On 19 November 2025, Health Canada opened a consultation on its proposed amendments to the Critical List of Cosmetic Ingredients. Planned changes include three new restrictions, two prohibitions, and an amendment to the entry on furocoumarins.
Health Canada had announced these upcoming changes in May 2025.
They have now been finalised and consultation is open to stakeholders until 17 February 2026.
Proposed additions
Basic Violet 4
Health Canada proposes to add Basic Violet 4 to the list of substances described as restricted due to potential carcinogenicity. Conditions proposed include a prohibition for leave-on hair products and maximum permitted concentrations for certain other hair product types.
Proposed conditions
• Not permitted for use in leave-on hair products
• Maximum concentration permitted in hair dye products: 0.4%
• Maximum concentration permitted in rinse-off hair care products: 0.2%
• Maximum concentration permitted in other cosmetics: /
In Europe
The substance is listed in Annex II/1271 of Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, and is therefore banned from use in cosmetics.
Basic Blue 7
Health Canada proposes to add Basic Blue 7 to the list of substances described as restricted due to potential carcinogenicity. Conditions proposed include a prohibition for leave-on hair products and maximum permitted concentrations for certain other product types.
Proposed conditions
• Not permitted for use in leave-on hair products
• Maximum concentration permitted in hair dye products: 0.4%
• Maximum concentration permitted in …
