Do you test your products on animals?

L'Oréal Paris has not used an animal laboratory testing for the evaluation of our cosmetics products since 1989.

Various national level regulations (including Australian regulations) require suppliers to conduct the nescessary tests to guarantee the safety and tolerance of the ingredients they use.

For more than 20 years, L'Oréal has taken significant steps to research, develop and validate alternative methods to laboratory animal testing.

Beyond the progress already accomplished, industry and university researchers must embrace a new challenge in years to come: to develop new, regulatory approved, alternative ways to evaluate chemical ingredients in the domains of toxicology where such methods no longer exist.

L'Oréal absolutely supports the elimination of laboratory animal testing. L'Oréal is an active member of the European Partnership for the Development of Alternative Methods, put in place by the European Commission in November 2005. We aim to do everything within our field of experience and expertise to promote this programme through our actions.

In 2007 the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) announced the validation of an ‘in vitro’ test as a full replacement method for assessing the skin-irritancy potential of chemicals. This test employs the L’Oréal Episkin model; a human epidermis reconstructed on collagen. Importantly, the test enables the replacement of animal tests for skin-irritancy of 10,000 substances.

The Group's acquisition of the Skin Ethic tissue engineering company is further testament to L'Oréal's ongoing concern about this issue and confirms the leadership position of our company - L'Oréal - in the domain of alternative research methods.

For more information, please visit www.invitroskin.com.

How can I obtain a list of ingredients for a product?

The European Community has required the cosmetics industry to write all ingredients on each product for greater transparency. The International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) aims to harmonize labelling on an International level. Ingredients are listed on product packaging by their INCI name so they appear standardised internationally. If you want any extra information, please contact the L'Oréal Paris Advisory Bureau on 1300 659 359 (for the cost of a local call) or email abureau@au.loreal.com.

Is your packaging recyclable?

L'Oréal Paris tries to simplify the packaging of our cosmetics and toiletry products, whilst placing the safety of our consumers above all other concerns.

Product packaging has an important function in protecting the product. Our products are destined to come into contact with the outer parts of the body, their packaging must give them protection and innocuousness on a micro-biological and allergic level. Because eliminating PVC was problematic, in recent years we have taken initiatives such as replacing it with other materials that conserve our formulas in satisfactory conditions.

Collectively, initiatives such as these reduce our products' impact on the environment.

It is important to remember our concern for customers' safety. Our products are ultimately used in bathrooms and sometimes on children. If a glass product were to fall or break, it could cause injury; plastic packaging does not present this type of risk.

Additionally, plastic packaging can be incinerated. With filters in place to treat emissions, the incineration of plastic packaging does not pose an atmospheric problem. It is also worth noting that transporting plastic packaging is both more economically and environmentally efficient than transporting glass; there is less impact on the environment due to a lighter transport requirement, resulting in lower energy use.

What is the shelf life of your products?

Unopened and protected from excess heat and humidity, L'Oréal Paris products are tested to have a minimum shelf life of 3 years. To find out the date of manufacture, simply tell us with the batch code (2 letters followed by 3 numbers) printed on the pack.

After opening, your product will last for several months as advised by the Period After Opening symbol on the product as long as it is protected from ambient temperature, and used in a clean environment, never mixed with other products and carefully closed after each use.

If you want any extra information, please contact please contact the L'Oréal Paris Advisory Bureau on 1300 659 359 (for the cost of a local call) or email abureau@au.loreal.com.

After application, how can I avoid the colour from running down my face?

Before you mix and apply your colour, spread a little face moisturiser around your hairline but be sure not to get it on the fine hair as it may prevent the colour from ‘taking’. Once you have finished applying the colour, use a tissue or cotton wool to gently wipe away any drips or excess. Cream formulations such as Excellence Crème, Excell 10' or Casting Crème Gloss are thicker textures and are less likely to drip.

Are allergic reactions preventable and if so, how can they be avoided?

Allergic reactions to hair colourants can be avoided. Potential reactions can be detected by carrying out the skin allergy test as directed, 48 hours before you wish to use a hair colour. This test is proven to be 100% predictive (Krasteva et al., European Journal of Dermatology, 2002 & 2005). That is why L'Oréal Paris clearly displays important safety instructions on all of our products. This test should be conducted each time you colour your hair.

Are hair colourant allergies common?

No, they are very rare. These reactions can occur for a very small number of people especially if they have previously had a temporary tattoo, such as a 'black henna' tattoo.

Conducting a skin allergy test 48 hours before use of a hair colour can determine whether you will react to a hair colourant.

Can anyone colour their hair at home?

Colouring your hair at home has never been easier and L’Oréal Paris has a wide range of products to suit your needs. Whether your goal is to completely cover grey, blend away first greys, add fresh new tones, add highlights, or even try a dramatic change such as light brown to very blonde, we have products suitable for use at home.

How do you choose the right shade based on your natural hair colour?

A good guide is to select your new shade to be either one or two shades lighter or darker than your natural hair colour. Your eyebrows are a good indicator if you are unsure as to your natural hair colour. Golden, caramel and red tones are generally very well suited to dark eyes and warmer skin tones. Ash and beige tones are generally well suited to fair skin and blue, green or grey eyes.

How does L’Oréal Paris help consumers who may have experienced a reaction?

Our first priority is the well-being of our customers and we will assist them through our dedicated team of qualified, experienced hairdressers in our L'Oréal Paris Advisory Bureau. This may involve offering assistance in how to perform a skin allergy test to determine the cause of any allergic reaction and to avoid such an experience in the future.

If you want any extra information or for further assistance, please contact the L'Oréal Paris Advisory Bureau on 1300 659 359 (for the cost of a local call) or email abureau@au.loreal.com.

How long should I wait to colour my hair after chemically relaxing it, straightening or perming it?

Following any chemical treatment it is advised to wait a minimum of 2 weeks before colouring and always follow the instructions for use.

How often would you recommend colouring your hair at home?

This depends on the colour you are using and the condition of your hair and how quickly it grows. The colour of the roots is also crucial: are they grey, or very different from the colour of the ends? Most customers colour their hair once the regrowth of their natural hair colour is obvious. Every 3 to 6 weeks on average is normal as hair grows approx 1cm or ½ inch per month. There are two methods of application, one for first time colour application and another for any subsequent applications. Methods are clearly explained on all L’Oréal Paris Instruction Leaflets.

Is hair colour safe?

Hair colourants have been extensively studied and their safety has been repeatedly confirmed by independent scientists and regulatory authorities alike. Hair colourants are one of the most thoroughly studied consumer products on the market today and their safety is supported by a wealth of scientific research.

The safety of our consumers is extremely important to L’Oréal Paris and all our products are safe when used correctly. We prominently display important safety instructions on all of our products - both on the outer pack and the instruction leaflet contained inside. These instructions provide directions for carrying out a skin allergy test which will detect potential allergic reactions.

What are the most common mistakes to avoid?

Mistakes can occur if you are unprepared so:

Read Instruction Leaflet thoroughly before you mix the colourant.
Allow plenty of time to apply, rinse and style your hair, approx 1.5 hrs.
Gather all equipment such as old towels, clips, comb, waterspray etc before you start.
Choose a colour that will harmonise with your natural colouring and any pre-existing colour.

For further guidance, call the L'Oréal Paris Advisory Bureau on 1300 659 359 (for the cost of a local call). The most common mistake is not wanting to work with what you have and going for a radical change. If you work with nature, emphasising your best features, you always get a successful result.

What do I do if my hair is very long?

For hair that is shoulder length, very thick or longer we recommend you use two packs of colour. It is important to completely saturate the hair with product to ensure an even colour result. Note: First time colour users with very long/waist length hair may need three packs. Mix two and then the third only if you need to.

What do I need to know when carrying out the skin allergy reaction test ?

Follow very carefully the safety instructions found in your pack of colour.
Carry out the test a full 48 hours before you wish to use the product and ask someone to check the site of application for any redness, itchiness or swelling. Note: Do not use the product if you experience any of these reactions or if you have ever previously had such a reaction to a hair colourant.
Carry out the allergy test before each and every time you wish to use a hair colourant.

For further information or advice please contact the L'Oréal Paris Advisory Bureau on 1300 659 359 (for the cost of a local call) or email abureau@au.loreal.com.

Where else can I find further information about hair colourants?

You can obtain extensive information regarding the safe use of hair colourants and ingredients by contacting the L'Oréal Paris Advisory Bureau on 1300 659 359 (for the cost of a local call) or email abureau@au.loreal.com. Our experts are available to assist you.

Why do henna tattoos increase the risk of an allergic reaction?

Temporary tattoos are increasingly popular but they are not always safe as they can increase the risk of an allergic reaction to a hair colourant. If you have ever had a black henna tattoo, even a long time ago, you are at a greater risk of an allergic reaction. Take no risk. Do not use the hair colour product unless you’ve conducted a skin allergy test 48 hours before use.