What it is
A synthetic azo dye used in cosmetics and externally applied drug products.
What it does
Provides a vibrant pink-red colour in lip products, mouthwash, and hair dye.
Why it’s a concern
Classified as restricted by FDA for ingestion; approved only for limited external use and in mouthwash at low levels. Azo dyes can be metabolised by skin bacteria to aromatic amines, some of which are carcinogenic.
Also known as
red 33acid fuchsin DCI 17200
CAS numbers
3567-66-6
Commonly found in
lipstickmouthwashhair dye
Safer alternatives
- beet extract
- carmine (note: insect-derived)
- iron oxide pigments
Sources
- FDA 21 CFR 74.1333