Red 40 — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: CI 16035
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 25956-17-6
- Category
- colorant
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- No
- Found In
- lipstick, mouthwash
Is Red 40 safe in cosmetics?
Red 40 is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is not classified as a common allergen and is generally well-tolerated by most skin types. Safer alternatives include Iron Oxides, Mica, Titanium Dioxide. Commonly found in lipstick, mouthwash.
What is Red 40?
Red 40 is a colorant commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products. It has a moderate risk of causing skin irritation or sensitization in some people.
Allergy & Safety Information
Red 40 is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About Colorant / Pigment Ingredients
Colorants are used in makeup and some skincare products to provide colour. Inorganic colorants (iron oxides, ultramarines, chromium oxides) and organic dyes (CI numbers) are regulated by cosmetic authorities for purity and safety. Iron oxides naturally contain trace metal impurities including nickel, which can cause reactions in nickel-sensitised individuals.
Relevance for Red 40: Coal tar dyes (FD&C and D&C numbers) are more likely to cause reactions than inorganic mineral pigments. Azo dyes can release aromatic amines upon degradation. Metallic and shimmer pigments (mica, bismuth oxychloride) may contain trace nickel contamination.
How to Identify Red 40 in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Red 40, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Lipstick, Mouthwash. These product categories are the most common sources of Red 40 exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Red 40? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Red 40 and other allergens automatically.
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red 40 safe for sensitive skin?
Red 40 may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Red 40?
Red 40 is commonly found in lipstick, mouthwash.
What does Red 40 do in cosmetics?
Red 40 functions as a colorant in formulations.
Related Guides
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