Dark & Lovely Espresso

Common questions

Is Dark & Lovely Espresso healthy?

Dark & Lovely Espresso scores 7/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — one of the lower scores in Scout's catalog. Dark & Lovely Espresso scores 7/100 due to confirmed Dichloromethane contamination at 6.4 mg/Kg (Consumer Reports, April 2026) — the second-highest level among L'Oréal-portfolio dyes tested.

How does Dark & Lovely Espresso compare to other hair color?

Dark & Lovely Espresso ranks #3 of 8 hair color in Scout's independent rankings. The current top score in the category is L'Oréal Paris Magic Root Permanent Dark Brown at 10/100.

Which ingredients drive Dark & Lovely Espresso's score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Dichloromethane (6.4 mg/Kg — confirmed contamination), p-Phenylenediamine (PPD), Resorcinol are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

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Dark & Lovely Espresso

Dark & Lovely
7 Poor

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 0
Harmful ingredients 6
Owned by L'Oréal SA
Category Hair Color
Summary

Dark & Lovely Espresso scores 7/100 due to confirmed Dichloromethane contamination at 6.4 mg/Kg (Consumer Reports, April 2026) — the second-highest level among L'Oréal-portfolio dyes tested. Dichloromethane (methylene chloride) is a probable human carcinogen (IARC Group 2A) that the EPA banned for most consumer uses in 2024. Phthalates were not detected, but the formula stacks p-Phenylenediamine (PPD), Resorcinol, BHT, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide — all applied directly to the scalp.

Key ingredients 6

Dichloromethane (6.4 mg/Kg — confirmed contamination)
Very Bad

Consumer Reports detected Dichloromethane (methylene chloride) at 6.4 mg/Kg in this product in April 2026 testing — the second-highest level among L'Oréal-portfolio hair dyes tested. Dichloromethane is classified as a probable human carcinogen by IARC (Group 2A) and is linked to liver damage and central nervous system depression. The EPA banned most consumer uses of methylene chloride in 2024 due to its serious health risks.

See more about Dichloromethane (6.4 mg/Kg — confirmed contamination) →
p-Phenylenediamine (PPD)
Very Bad

PPD is one of the most common causes of severe allergic contact dermatitis in cosmetic chemistry. Sensitization can be permanent and reactions can escalate from mild itching to severe facial swelling and life-threatening anaphylaxis with repeated use.

See more about p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) →
Parfum (Fragrance)
Very Bad

Generic 'Parfum' is an undisclosed mixture that can legally contain dozens to hundreds of individual chemicals, including phthalates used as fragrance fixatives.

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Resorcinol
Bad

Resorcinol is a synthetic phenol hair dye coupler. The EU SCCS has flagged it as a suspected endocrine disruptor (thyroid interference) and a known skin sensitizer.

See more about Resorcinol →
BHT
Bad

Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant preservative with concerns about endocrine disruption and potential carcinogenicity at higher doses.

See more about BHT →
Ammonium Hydroxide / Hydrogen Peroxide
Bad

Ammonia opens the hair cuticle and hydrogen peroxide oxidizes natural pigment. The combination is a strong skin and respiratory irritant and can cause scalp burns.

See more about Ammonium Hydroxide / Hydrogen Peroxide →

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