Natural indigo powder is one of the core ingredients EU and US hair-care brands source from India. This guide covers what to specify, the quality markers that matter, and the regulatory context on each side of the Atlantic. It is general guidance, not legal advice: confirm current rules with your regulatory advisor.
What you are buying
Indigo powder is the dried, milled leaf of Indigofera tinctoria. Brands use it with henna in a two-step process for brown to black shades without synthetic dyes. Because it is a leaf powder and not a manufactured colorant, quality is agricultural: leaf purity, harvest freshness, fineness of the grind, and clean processing. Our indigo for hair-care brands guide covers the product itself in more depth.
Specification and quality markers
| Marker | What to ask for |
|---|---|
| Botanical identity | Indigofera tinctoria, stated on spec and COA |
| Purity | Pure leaf powder, no added dyes, salts or PPD |
| Mesh size | Fineness suited to your formulation, confirmed per lot |
| Moisture and ash | Limits stated and tested per lot |
| Safety panel | Heavy metals and microbial limits on the COA |
Freshness matters for dye performance, so ask about harvest and packing practice (airtight, light-protected packaging).
EU context
For cosmetic use in the EU, the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 framework applies to the finished product: a Responsible Person, a product information file with safety assessment, and CPNP notification. Those obligations sit with the brand or importer; the exporter supports them with specifications, stable quality and a per-lot COA. Our EU import guide covers customs and the wider framework.
US context
In the US, cosmetics fall under FDA oversight, expanded by MoCRA with facility registration and product-listing obligations that generally sit with the brand or responsible party. Import basics (Prior Notice does not apply to cosmetics, but customs classification and labeling do) are covered in our US import guide. Confirm your product’s status with your US advisor, especially if it straddles cosmetic and other categories.
How we supply it
We can supply natural indigo powder worldwide, including buyers in the EU and US, with a COA on every lot, GMP and APEDA certified processing, and packaging to your specification from bulk sacks to private-label. Send your specification and destination to the export desk and we will respond within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What is natural indigo powder for hair?
Dried, powdered leaves of Indigofera tinctoria. Used with henna in a two-step process to achieve brown to black shades without synthetic dyes. It is a leaf powder, not a synthetic colorant, and quality depends on leaf purity, fineness and freshness.
Which regulations apply to indigo powder in the EU?
For cosmetic use, the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 applies: the brand needs a Responsible Person, a product safety assessment and CPNP notification. The importer or brand carries these obligations; the exporter supplies specifications and a COA per lot. Confirm specifics with your regulatory consultant.
What changed for US cosmetic imports under MoCRA?
MoCRA (the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act) expanded FDA oversight of cosmetics, including facility registration and product listing obligations that generally sit with the brand or responsible party in the US. Confirm your obligations with your US regulatory advisor.
What should a bulk indigo powder specification include?
Botanical identity (Indigofera tinctoria), leaf purity and freedom from added dyes or PPD, mesh size, moisture, ash, heavy metals and microbial limits, verified on a per-lot COA. Ask for the packing and shelf-life statement as well.
Specifications vary by crop, season and grade. For current lot specifications, sennosides or lawsone levels, MOQ and pricing to your destination, ask our export desk for a live COA.