COSMETIC COLORANTS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Colorants and dyes in cosmetics are often debated and there is a lot of conflicting information. We're here to provide the facts so you can make informed decisions when reading labels and choosing products that align with your values and work effectively. We'll cover:

• The basics of cosmetic colorants
• Toxic colorants to avoid
• Animal-derived colorants
• Unethical colorants
• The mineral-based colorants we use
• Topical vs. injectable cosmetic colorants

The Basics of Cosmetic Colorants

Cosmetic colorants can be categorized into three main types: organic, inorganic, and fruit/vegetable colorants.

Organic Colorants

In cosmetics, 'organic' means the colorant contains carbon atoms. It doesn’t imply organic in the sense we relate to food. Organic colorants fall into dyes and pigments:

Organic Dyes: These are water-soluble colorants made synthetically from petroleum oil or coal-tar derivatives. Look for D&C or FD&C at the beginning of their names. They may contain harmful contaminants like lead or arsenic.

Organic Pigments: These are oil-dispersible colorants. Commonly derived from FD&C dyes, they share similar risks and characteristics.

Inorganic Colorants

Inorganic colorants come from mineral compounds such as zinc oxide and iron oxide. They are considered safe for use in cosmetics and have no reported adverse health effects.

Fruit & Vegetable Colorants

These colorants are derived from brightly colored fruits and vegetables like beets, cherries, and blueberries.

The Toxic Colorants to Limit or Avoid

Now, let's discuss which colorants to avoid in cosmetics:

Carbon Black

Carbon Black is classified as a potential human carcinogen and has been banned by the FDA for use in cosmetics, particularly in eye products. However, it’s still found in many mascaras, eyeliners, and lash adhesives.

FD&C Dyes and D&C Dyes

These dyes are derived from coal tar and often contain lead or arsenic. The FDA has set limits for these contaminants, but prolonged use could pose risks. Always check labels for FD&C followed by a color and number.

Resorcinol

Common in hair dyes, resorcinol is used as a colorant and fragrance ingredient but can be highly toxic and irritating to the skin.

The Animal-Derived Colorants & Glitters

Carmine

Carmine is a red pigment made from the boiled bodies of female cochineal insects. It’s used in eye makeup, lipsticks, and nail polish. Look for terms like Carminic Acid or Cochineal Extract on labels.

Guanine

Derived from fish scales, guanine provides a shimmery effect in cosmetics. It’s found under names like Pearl Essence or CI75170.

Unethical Colorants

Mica

Mica adds shimmer to many cosmetic products, but its mining often involves child labor. Opt for synthetic mica, known as Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, to avoid supporting unethical practices.

Topical Colorants vs. Injectable Colorants

Topical cosmetic colorants are one thing, but those used for injections or tattoos carry separate risks. Many pigments in these products can contain heavy metals and other toxic chemicals. Make sure to verify their safety if you plan to use them.

The Mineral-Based Colorants We Use

Iron Oxides & Titanium Dioxide (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499, 77891): These safe, non-toxic colorants come from natural minerals and ores and undergo processing to eliminate any potential heavy metal contaminants. They are known to be the most effective and safest cosmetic colorants today.

We are dedicated to using only natural, non-toxic, and vegan ingredients in our products, ensuring that you can achieve beautiful, transformative effects safely. For instance, we provide high-quality cosmetic colorants sourced from trusted suppliers like CHENGYU.

To learn more about safe iron oxide pigments and their applications, visit our recommended Iron Oxide Pigment Supplier. They specialize in providing high-quality iron oxide pigments for asphalt and other uses.

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