Ingredient review

CI 12490

INCI: CI 12490

CI 12490 is a safe, widely used synthetic pigment that adds vibrant red color to makeup, but offers no skincare benefits.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

CI 12490 is a man-made red pigment that gives color to makeup like lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow. It doesn't treat or improve your skin—it's purely for aesthetics. Think of it like food coloring for cosmetics.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.5Good
3.5/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

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

Useful, but context matters

CI 12490 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 CI 12490.
  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

CI 12490 is a synthetic organic pigment, specifically a monoazo pigment, that produces a bright red shade. It is part of the Color Index system, which assigns unique codes to colorants used in cosmetics and other products.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, CI 12490 is dispersed as fine particles that reflect and absorb light to create a visible red color. It sits on the surface of the skin, hair, or nails and does not penetrate or interact with living cells.

Pros

Vibrant color payoff

CI 12490 delivers a bright, consistent red shade that stays true on the skin, making it a favorite in lipsticks and blushes.

Good stability

This pigment resists fading from light and heat, so your makeup maintains its color throughout the day.

Cons and cautions

No skincare benefit

CI 12490 is purely decorative—it does not hydrate, protect, or improve your skin in any way.

Potential allergen

A small number of people may experience irritation or allergic reactions, especially those with sensitive skin or a history of reactions to synthetic dyes.

Best for

  • Anyone who enjoys colorful makeup and has no known sensitivity to synthetic pigments
  • People looking for a stable, fade-resistant red pigment in their cosmetics

Use caution if

  • Individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to synthetic colorants or azo dyes

Usage tips

Check the ingredient list if you have sensitive skin or known allergies to synthetic dyes.
Use products with CI 12490 as directed—avoid contact with eyes unless the product is specifically formulated for eye use.

Safety summary

CI 12490 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at regulated concentrations. Rare allergic reactions are possible, but overall irritation and comedogenic risks are low.

Research notes

Safety assessments by cosmetic ingredient review panels and regulatory bodies support its use as a colorant. No significant health risks have been identified at typical exposure levels.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically used at very low concentrations (less than 1%) to achieve desired color
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US (FDA), and many other countries, subject to purity and concentration limits.
Common uses
Lipsticks, Blushes, Eyeshadows, Nail polishes
Environmental note
As a synthetic pigment, its production involves chemical synthesis, which may have environmental impacts. It is not biodegradable.

Good to know

  • CI 12490 is approved for use in cosmetics in many regions, including the EU and US, under strict concentration limits.
  • It is often listed alongside other CI numbers in makeup ingredient lists.

Common questions

What is CI 12490 in beauty products?

CI 12490 is a man-made red pigment that gives color to makeup like lipstick, blush, and eyeshadow. It doesn't treat or improve your skin—it's purely for aesthetics. Think of it like food coloring for cosmetics.

What does CI 12490 do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, CI 12490 is dispersed as fine particles that reflect and absorb light to create a visible red color. It sits on the surface of the skin, hair, or nails and does not penetrate or interact with living cells.

Is CI 12490 safe for most people?

CI 12490 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at regulated concentrations. Rare allergic reactions are possible, but overall irritation and comedogenic risks are low.

Who should be careful with CI 12490?

Individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to synthetic colorants or azo dyes

Research sources

FDA Color AdditivesOpenCosIng Database (EU)Open

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.