Ingredient review

Brilliant Black 1

INCI: CI 28440

Brilliant Black 1 is a safe synthetic colorant for most people, but those with sensitive skin or allergies should patch test first.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

Brilliant Black 1 is a man-made black dye that gives cosmetics a deep, dark color. It's commonly found in eyeliners, mascaras, lipsticks, and hair dyes. While generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, it can cause allergic reactions in a small number of people, especially those with sensitive skin or known dye allergies.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.0Fair
3.0/ 5

Useful in the right context, but not low-maintenance

The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.

Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.

Source
synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Read the cautions before using

Brilliant Black 1 is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

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 Brilliant Black 1.
  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

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

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

Brilliant Black 1 is a synthetic azo dye, meaning it's made from petroleum-based chemicals. It's approved for use in cosmetics and some foods in many countries, including the US and EU.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, Brilliant Black 1 simply adds color. It doesn't have any active skincare benefits—its only job is to make the product look the desired shade of black or dark gray.

Pros

Vibrant color payoff

Brilliant Black 1 delivers a deep, true black that doesn't fade easily, making it ideal for eyeliners and mascaras that need to stay bold all day.

Regulatory approval

It is approved by major regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU CosIng, meaning it has passed safety reviews for use in cosmetics at typical levels.

Cons and cautions

Allergy risk

A small percentage of people may experience contact dermatitis or irritation, especially around the eyes or on sensitive skin. Patch testing is recommended.

Synthetic origin

As a petroleum-derived dye, it may not be suitable for those seeking natural or organic cosmetics. Some consumers prefer mineral-based colorants like iron oxides.

Best for

  • People who want bold, dark makeup colors
  • Those without known dye allergies

Use caution if

  • Individuals with a history of allergic reactions to synthetic dyes
  • People with very sensitive or reactive skin

Usage tips

Always patch test a new product containing Brilliant Black 1 on a small area of skin before full use, especially around the eyes.
If you have known allergies to azo dyes (like those in food or textiles), avoid products with this ingredient.

Safety summary

Brilliant Black 1 is considered safe for most people when used in cosmetics at regulated levels. However, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, so patch testing is wise.

Research notes

Studies show low acute toxicity and no significant carcinogenic risk at cosmetic-use levels. Allergic contact dermatitis is the main concern, with rare cases reported in the literature.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Very low, typically less than 1%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA), EU (CosIng), and many other countries, with concentration limits in some product types.
Common uses
Makeup, Hair dye, Bath products, Nail polish
Environmental note
As a synthetic dye, its production relies on petrochemicals and may have environmental impacts. It is not biodegradable and can persist in water systems if not properly filtered.

Good to know

  • Brilliant Black 1 is also used as a food dye (E151) in some countries, so it may appear in unexpected products.
  • It is not the same as Carbon Black or Black 2, which are different black pigments with different safety profiles.

Common questions

What is Brilliant Black 1 in beauty products?

Brilliant Black 1 is a man-made black dye that gives cosmetics a deep, dark color. It's commonly found in eyeliners, mascaras, lipsticks, and hair dyes. While generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, it can cause allergic reactions in a small number of people, especially those with sensitive skin or known dye allergies.

What does Brilliant Black 1 do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, Brilliant Black 1 simply adds color. It doesn't have any active skincare benefits—its only job is to make the product look the desired shade of black or dark gray.

Is Brilliant Black 1 safe for most people?

Brilliant Black 1 is considered safe for most people when used in cosmetics at regulated levels. However, it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, so patch testing is wise.

Who should be careful with Brilliant Black 1?

Individuals with a history of allergic reactions to synthetic dyes People with very sensitive or reactive skin

Research sources

CosIng Database - CI 28440OpenFDA Color Additive Status ListOpenPubMed - Allergic contact dermatitis from CI 28440Open

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.