Does Clairol Root Touch-Up Contain PPD or Ammonia? What Each Ingredient List Says
Short answer: It depends on the product. The ingredient list of the original permanent Root Touch-Up on Clairol's US site includes p-phenylenediamine (PPD), ammonia and resorcinol. Root Touch-Up by Natural Instincts and Total Root Touch-Up are labeled without ammonia and list 2-methoxymethyl-p-phenylenediamine, a related dye, instead of PPD. Clairol's own Total page says not to use it if you have a known PPD or PTD allergy. The temporary 3in1 Powder and the sprays list mineral pigments such as iron oxides and none of these dye ingredients.
What we checked
On 2 November 2026 we read the ingredient list on Clairol's US product page for one shade of each product. Formulas can differ between shades and over time, so the list on the box you buy is the one that counts.
| Product | PPD listed? | Ammonia listed? |
|---|---|---|
| Root Touch-Up, original (5 Medium Brown), permanent | Yes, p-phenylenediamine | Yes |
| Root Touch-Up Extra Lift, permanent | Yes, p-phenylenediamine | Yes |
| Root Touch-Up by Natural Instincts (5 Medium Brown), permanent | No. Lists 2-methoxymethyl-p-phenylenediamine | No. Labeled 0% ammonia |
| Total Root Touch-Up (5 Medium Brown), permanent | No. Lists 2-methoxymethyl-p-phenylenediamine and N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine sulfate | No. Labeled no ammonia |
| 3in1 Powder, temporary | No | No |
| Gray & Root Concealer Spray and 2in1 Spray, temporary | No | No. Labeled free of ammonia, peroxide and oil |
The original's list also includes resorcinol, p-aminophenol, m-aminophenol and N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-p-phenylenediamine sulfate. The Natural Instincts and Total lists include resorcinol too. The activator in the Total kit lists hydrogen peroxide.
"Without PPD" does not mean no allergy risk
2-methoxymethyl-p-phenylenediamine is a different dye ingredient from PPD, but as its name shows, it is built on the same p-phenylenediamine structure. Clairol's Total Root Touch-Up page says it is formulated without PPD/PTD, and in the same place warns: "Do not use this product if you have a known PPD/PTD allergy, as you may still experience a severe reaction."
Naturtint, another hair color maker, gives similar advice on its allergy page: people who are allergic to PPD can also be allergic to PTD, and anyone with a known allergy to either should be careful with any permanent oxidative dye.
Ammonia
The original Root Touch-Up lists ammonia. Natural Instincts is labeled 0% ammonia and Total is labeled no ammonia. Ammonia-free is not the same as dye-free: both are still permanent kits with a color cream and an activator.
What to do before any permanent kit
- Do the test Clairol's directions ask for: a strand test 48 hours before for the original, and a skin allergy test for Natural Instincts and Total.
- The US FDA advises a patch test on your skin every time before you dye your hair, and says a reaction is still possible even when the skin test shows none.
- The FDA also says to read the ingredient statement for ingredients that caused you a problem in the past.
- If you have reacted to hair dye before, speak to a doctor before you use any permanent kit.
The temporary products
The 3in1 Powder and the two sprays are not dyes. They sit on the surface of the hair and come off with your next shampoo. Their ingredient lists on Clairol's site take their color from mineral pigments such as iron oxides. The powder's list also includes mica, talc and a synthetic wax.
What ingredient claims on root powders mean in practice is explained in root powder and sensitive skin. For the full Clairol range, see Clairol Root Touch-Up explained.
Where does BUNEE fit?
BUNEE is a temporary root-cover powder in a pressed compact with a mirror and applicator puff. It comes in 12 shades: Black, Dark Brown, Medium Brown, Light Brown, Golden Brown, Auburn, Blonde, Medium Blonde, Light Blonde, Dark Grey, Grey and White. It washes out with shampoo and is not a dye. Like the other temporary covers on this page, there is nothing to mix and nothing to process. Read its ingredient list on the product page before the first use. Delivery is 10 to 17 business days, so order ahead of the date you need it.
FAQ
Does Clairol Root Touch-Up contain PPD?
The original permanent Root Touch-Up lists p-phenylenediamine (PPD) on Clairol's US site. Natural Instincts and Total list 2-methoxymethyl-p-phenylenediamine instead.
Is Clairol Root Touch-Up ammonia free?
The original lists ammonia. Root Touch-Up by Natural Instincts is labeled 0% ammonia and Total Root Touch-Up is labeled no ammonia.
Does Clairol root touch-up powder contain PPD?
Its ingredient list on Clairol's site does not include PPD. The color comes from iron oxides, and it washes out with shampoo.
Can I use Clairol Root Touch-Up if I am allergic to PPD?
Clairol's Total Root Touch-Up page says not to use it if you have a known PPD/PTD allergy. If you have reacted to hair dye before, speak to a doctor before any permanent kit.
Does Clairol Root Touch-Up contain resorcinol?
The original, Natural Instincts and Total ingredient lists on Clairol's US site all include resorcinol.
See BUNEE shades
Temporary root-cover powder in a pressed compact with mirror and applicator, 12 shades. Delivered in 10 to 17 business days, so order ahead of the date you need it. Sold by TIGERBESTBRANDS LLC.
Sources, checked 2 November 2026: Clairol, Root Touch-Up 5 Medium Brown, ingredients · Clairol, Root Touch-Up Extra Lift · Clairol, Root Touch-Up by Natural Instincts · Clairol, Total Root Touch-Up · Clairol, 3in1 Powder · Clairol, Concealer Spray · Naturtint USA, allergy advice · US FDA, Hair dyes · BUNEE, shades and delivery. Brand names are used for comparison only. We have no business relationship with the companies mentioned, and facts about their products come from their own pages or retailer listings, not our testing.