Temporary black Henna tattoos are popular with children, teens and religious follows, however the Alabama Department of Public Health has asked the public to be aware of the risks involved with applying the ink to your skin. Some people experience allergic reactions and injuries as a result of using the Henna ink.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve henna for direct application to the skin. Henna, a coloring made from a plant, is approved only for use as a hair dye. Since henna typically produces a brown or orange-brown tint, other ingredients must be added to produce other colors, such as those marketed as black henna. This so-called black henna may contain coal tar color p-phenylenediamine, also known as PPD. This ingredient may cause mild to serious allergic reactions in some individuals when it is applied directly to the skin.