Guaiazulene

Learn about guaiazulene.

On this page

• About guaiazulene
• Safety of guaiazulene
• What we're doing
• What you can do

About guaiazulene

Guaiazulene is a naturally occurring substance that is found in a variety of essential oils, and plants. It gives cosmetics a blue colour to cosmetics and is used in self-care products.

Guaiazulene can be found in products, such as:

• self-care products:
  • body lotions
  • facial moisturizer
  • aftershave
  • hair care products, such as conditioner or hair perm/straightening products

Safety of guaiazulene

Under Canada's Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to Canadians and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.

• used on your skin or through inhalation (breathing in) from a hair perm or straightening product

The health effects from the use of these products may include:

• critical effects on male reproductive system with skin contact
  • effects on testes and non-cancerous tumours in other organs
• lowering of tissue weight and increase in cells (hyperplasia) in respiratory system, especially to nose and lungs

What we're doing

To reduce Canadians' exposure to guaiazulene in these products of concern, we're proposing to:

• add guaiazulene to the toxic substances list
• use regulatory and/or non-regulatory measures to prevent or reduce exposures to guaiazulene from the use of certain cosmetics

What you can do

Consumers are reminded to:

• read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions
  • labels on cosmetics must list all ingredients
• dispose of the product safely, following the manufacturer's directions
• limit use of products that may contain guaiazulene, such as hair straightening and perm products

If you're exposed to guaiazulene at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:

• relevant laws
• safe handling and storage practices
• requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

For more information

• Use household chemicals safely
• Measuring your exposure to chemicals
• Canada's systems for addressing chemicals
• Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan

For industry and professionals

• Monocyclic and Bicyclic Sesquiterpenes Group– information sheet
• Risk assessment of chemical substances