Color and tones
Its lawsone binds to keratin and colors the strand from the outside, in copper to red tones depending on the base. A plant-based color that fades gradually.
Plant powderMoroccan heritage
Henna
Henna a shrub of hot lands.
Its leaves sun-dried, rich in lawsone.
The powder finely ground, a deep green.
The pattern a festive ritual, passed hand to hand.
INCI · LAWSONIA INERMIS LEAF POWDERCreate my henna range
- INCI name
- LAWSONIA INERMIS LEAF POWDER
- Family
- Plant powder
- Origin
- Lawsonia inermis, a shrub grown in southern Morocco
- Part used
- Dried, ground leaves
- Pigment
- Lawsone, copper tones
- Areas
- Hair, hammam, body
In short
Henna in 30 seconds
By the Carmel Cosmetics Labs R&D team · updated October 2, 2026
- INCI nameLAWSONIA INERMIS LEAF POWDER
- For hairadds copper tones, coats the strand and boosts shine
- Pigmentlawsone, which binds to keratin
- Neutral hennaa different plant (Cassia obovata) that conditions without coloring
- Warning"black henna" used for tattoos often contains PPD, banned on skin
( A )WHAT IT IS
What is henna?
Henna is a powder made from the dried, ground leaves of Lawsonia inermis, a shrub from hot regions. Its pigment, lawsone, binds to the keratin in hair and skin and gives copper tones. In cosmetics, it is used to color, coat and add shine to hair, and is part of hammam care.
Natural, neutral or black henna: the difference
Natural henna
Leaves of Lawsonia inermis. Lawsone gives it copper to red tones. This is the henna we use in our products.
Neutral henna
Despite the name, it is a different plant, Cassia obovata. It coats and adds shine without coloring.
"Black henna"
Often henna with added PPD (p-phenylenediamine), a sensitizing dye banned on skin in EU cosmetics. We do not make it.
( B )BENEFITS
01 02 03
Henna benefits for hair and body
Coating and shine
It leaves a film on the strand: hair looks thicker, smoother and shinier.
At the hammam
Paired with black soap or clay, it is part of body care rituals handed down from generation to generation.
How to use henna
- Hair
Mixed with hot water into a paste, applied to clean hair, then rinsed out. The longer it stays on, the deeper the color.
- Mask
In a small amount in a hair mask, for shine without strong color.
- Body
In a soap or hammam treatment, as a fragrant botanical touch.
( C )IN OUR PRODUCTS
Launch your henna range
We add it to hair care and hammam rituals ready to carry your brand. Choose a category to see the formulas.
( D )FORMULATOR NOTES
How we formulate with it
What our formulators consider when henna goes into your product.
- 01A powder that colors
Lawsone stains: in rinse-off care, we dose for shine without unwanted color on light hair.
- 02Never any PPD
Our henna formulas contain no PPD and no added oxidation dye.
- 03Powder quality
Grind fineness, lawsone content and microbiological cleanliness are checked on receipt.
- 04Origin as a selling point
Henna from southern Morocco can be highlighted on the packaging, provided it is documented in the product file.
Did you know?
A ritual recognized as heritage of humanity
- 2024
"Henna: rituals, aesthetic and social practices" was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, nominated by 16 countries including Morocco.
- Lawsone
Henna's pigment is named after the plant, Lawsonia, itself named after the Scottish physician Isaac Lawson.
- Celebrations
In Morocco, the henna night comes before the wedding: the bride's hands and feet are decorated with patterns.
Henna: your questions
A henna project?Our product specialist answers you on WhatsApp.Message us on WhatsApp
What are the benefits of henna for hair?
It adds copper tones, coats the strand and boosts shine. Hair looks thicker and smoother.
What is the difference between natural and neutral henna?
Natural henna (Lawsonia inermis) colors thanks to lawsone. Neutral henna is a different plant, Cassia obovata: it coats and adds shine without coloring.
Is black henna dangerous?
"Black henna" used for temporary tattoos often contains PPD (p-phenylenediamine), a strongly sensitizing dye banned on skin in EU cosmetics. Natural henna never produces a black color.
Does henna damage hair?
Pure natural henna does not penetrate the strand like an oxidation dye: it coats it. It can, however, dry out some hair types; in that case it is combined with an oil.
What is the INCI name of henna?
Its INCI name is LAWSONIA INERMIS LEAF POWDER for the leaf powder. This is the name that appears in the ingredient list.
Is henna allowed in cosmetics in Europe?
Yes. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has assessed henna as safe for hair coloring, under the conditions described in its opinion.
Can I create a henna range with Carmel Cosmetics Labs?
Yes. We add it to white label hair masks, shampoos and hammam care, or to an exclusive private label formula, made in our factory in Morocco.
Sources
Your henna range, made in Morocco
Send your brief: we formulate and manufacture in our ISO 22716 factory in Aït Melloul. Formula selection and detailed quote, with no commitment.