Ingredient review

Basic Yellow 87

INCI: Basic Yellow 87

Basic Yellow 87 is a synthetic yellow dye used mainly in rinse-off products; it is generally considered safe at low concentrations but may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

Basic Yellow 87 is a man-made yellow colorant added to cosmetics to give them a bright yellow hue. You'll mostly find it in products that get washed off quickly, like shampoos, soaps, and temporary hair dyes. Because it's a dye, it can sometimes cause skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin or if it's left on the skin for a long time.

Quick decision guide

Read the cautions before using

Basic Yellow 87 can be useful, but watch for some irritation potential.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Basic Yellow 87.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

moderate

Can bother some users, especially with frequent use, damaged skin, or strong companion ingredients.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

Basic Yellow 87 is a synthetic, water-soluble cationic dye belonging to the basic dye class. It is used to impart a yellow color to cosmetic formulations and is typically listed on ingredient labels under its Color Index (C.I.) name.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, Basic Yellow 87 works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light to produce a yellow color. As a cationic dye, it can bind to negatively charged surfaces like hair or skin, helping the color adhere temporarily. In rinse-off products, it provides visual appeal without significant lasting color.

Pros

Vibrant color

Provides a bright, consistent yellow shade that enhances the visual appeal of cosmetic products.

Good stability

Synthetic dyes like Basic Yellow 87 are generally stable in formulations, maintaining their color over time.

Cons and cautions

Irritation potential

Can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin or when used in leave-on products.

Limited function

Serves only as a colorant and offers no skincare benefits like hydration or protection.

Best for

  • People using rinse-off products like shampoos and soaps
  • Those looking for temporary color in hair dyes

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known sensitivity to synthetic dyes
  • Those with eczema or very sensitive skin

Usage tips

Use primarily in rinse-off products to minimize skin contact time.
Patch test before using any product containing this dye, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Safety summary

Basic Yellow 87 is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at low concentrations. However, it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is not recommended for leave-on products.

Research notes

Research on Basic Yellow 87 is limited, but it is generally regarded as safe by cosmetic ingredient review panels when used as directed. No significant long-term health risks have been identified at typical use levels.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Very low, typically less than 1%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in many regions, including the EU and US, with concentration limits typically set for rinse-off products. Always check local regulations.
Common uses
Hair dyes, Soaps, Bath products
Environmental note
Synthetic dyes can persist in water systems; however, Basic Yellow 87 is used in very low concentrations, reducing environmental impact.

Good to know

  • Basic Yellow 87 is often listed under its Color Index number (C.I. 48054) on ingredient labels.
  • It is not commonly found in leave-on skincare products due to irritation concerns.

Common questions

What is Basic Yellow 87 in beauty products?

Basic Yellow 87 is a man-made yellow colorant added to cosmetics to give them a bright yellow hue. You'll mostly find it in products that get washed off quickly, like shampoos, soaps, and temporary hair dyes. Because it's a dye, it can sometimes cause skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin or if it's left on the skin for a long time.

What does Basic Yellow 87 do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, Basic Yellow 87 works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light to produce a yellow color. As a cationic dye, it can bind to negatively charged surfaces like hair or skin, helping the color adhere temporarily. In rinse-off products, it provides visual appeal without significant lasting color.

Is Basic Yellow 87 safe for most people?

Basic Yellow 87 is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at low concentrations. However, it may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals and is not recommended for leave-on products.

Who should be careful with Basic Yellow 87?

Individuals with known sensitivity to synthetic dyes Those with eczema or very sensitive skin

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of Basic DyesOpenEuropean Chemicals Agency (ECHA) - Basic Yellow 87Open

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.