Lab Tests & Sourcing

Our henna, indigo, and Ayurvedic powders are sourced and checked with the kind of transparency we'd want as customers ourselves. This page explains exactly how we do it β€” and what we will (and won't) put in our products.

What's NOT in Our Products

Henna Cosmetics products contain zero of the following:

  • PPD (para-phenylenediamine) β€” the synthetic chemical responsible for "black henna" allergic reactions, including scalp burns and permanent skin sensitization.
  • Metallic salts β€” used in "compound henna" to alter color, but unsafe when combined with chemical dye or peroxide.
  • Picric acid, pyrogallol, or other dye boosters sometimes found in cheap mass-market henna.
  • Ammonia, peroxide, resorcinol β€” the harsh chemicals in conventional box dyes.
  • Synthetic fragrance, parabens, sulfates, or fillers of any kind.

What IS in Our Products

Our hair dyes are 100% plant powders β€” pure henna (Lawsonia inermis), pure indigo (Indigofera tinctoria), and Ayurvedic herbs (amla, brahmi, bhringraj, neem, cassia) depending on the blend. Every ingredient is listed in plain English on the product page. No hidden anything.

How We Source

  • Henna: Sourced from select farms in Rajasthan, India, the region known for high natural lawsone content (the dye molecule in henna).
  • Indigo: Sourced from South India.
  • Ayurvedic herbs: Sourced from trusted growers in India.
  • All powders are triple-sifted for smooth application.

How We Test

Here's exactly what happens today β€” no overstated claims:

  1. Supplier quality testing in India β€” our supplier tests powders in its own in-house lab, including checks for heavy metals and microbiological safety, as part of manufacturing.
  2. Visual and aromatic inspection β€” we check color, texture, and the distinctive plant scent that signals freshness.

Because this testing is done in our supplier's own lab β€” not an independent, ISO-accredited lab β€” we share it as exactly that. We're working toward independent third-party testing and will publish those results here when available.

Certificates of Analysis (COAs)

To request the supplier's COA for a specific product, email contact@purahenna.com with the product you purchased or are interested in and we'll send it to you directly.

For Stylists & Salons

If your stylist is hesitant to color over henna, that hesitation is almost always rooted in past experience with compound henna β€” cheap products bulked up with metallic salts. When a stylist tries to bleach or process over compound henna, the metallic salts can react with peroxide and damage the hair.

Our henna contains no added metallic salts. Show your stylist this page and ask them to do a small strand test before any chemical service. This is the standard safe practice for any post-henna coloring.

Why We Started This Company

Henna Cosmetics began as Pura Henna in the mid-2010s. We started because every "natural" hair dye we tried as customers either contained hidden chemicals, ran in the shower, or wouldn't cover gray. We built the brand we wished existed β€” one that we'd put on our own family's hair without thinking twice.

Questions, Concerns, or Curiosity?

We answer every email. If you want to know more about how a specific product is made or where it was sourced, write to us at contact@purahenna.com.