Ingredient review

CI 45190

INCI: CI 45190

A safe, widely used synthetic violet dye that adds color to cosmetics but offers no skincare benefits.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

CI 45190 is a man-made violet pigment used to give makeup and bath products a pretty purple or pinkish tint. It's also known as D&C Violet No. 2. Think of it like food coloring for your makeup — it's there for looks, not to treat your skin. It's generally considered safe in the tiny amounts used, but if you have very sensitive skin or allergies to synthetic dyes, you might want to patch test first.

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 45190 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 45190.
  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

A synthetic organic dye from the anthraquinone family, specifically a violet pigment approved for use in cosmetics in many countries, including the US and EU.

How it works

It sits on the surface of the skin or product and absorbs and reflects light in the violet spectrum, giving the product its color. It does not penetrate deeply or interact with skin cells in a meaningful way.

Pros

Vibrant, stable color

Provides a consistent violet hue that doesn't easily fade or change when exposed to light or air, so your product looks good for longer.

Widely regulated and tested

Approved by major regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU Commission, meaning it has undergone safety assessments for cosmetic use at low concentrations.

Cons and cautions

No skin benefit

This ingredient is purely cosmetic — it adds color but does not moisturize, protect, or improve your skin in any way.

Potential allergen for some

While rare, synthetic dyes can trigger contact dermatitis or allergic reactions in people with very sensitive skin or a history of dye allergies.

Best for

  • Anyone who wants colorful makeup or bath products
  • People without known dye allergies

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known allergies to synthetic dyes or D&C colors

Usage tips

Always patch test a new product containing this dye on a small area of skin before full use, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Check the full ingredient list — if you see multiple D&C or FD&C colors, the product may be heavily dyed, which could increase irritation risk for some.

Safety summary

Generally recognized as safe for topical cosmetic use at low concentrations by major regulatory agencies. Rare allergic reactions are possible, and it is not intended for eye-area use in the US.

Research notes

Limited independent research on CI 45190 specifically, but it belongs to a class of anthraquinone dyes that have been studied for skin sensitization potential. Regulatory approvals are based on historical use and safety data.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Very low, typically less than 1%
Regulatory status
Approved for cosmetic use in the US (as D&C Violet No. 2) and EU (as CI 45190) with concentration limits, but not permitted for use in eye-area products in the US.
Common uses
Foundations, Blushes, Lipsticks, Eye shadows, Soaps, Bath products
Environmental note
As a synthetic dye, it may not biodegrade easily and could contribute to water pollution if not properly filtered during manufacturing.

Good to know

  • CI 45190 is the same as D&C Violet No. 2, a name you might see on US labels.
  • It is not approved for use in products intended for the eye area in some regions, so check local regulations if using around eyes.

Common questions

What is CI 45190 in beauty products?

CI 45190 is a man-made violet pigment used to give makeup and bath products a pretty purple or pinkish tint. It's also known as D&C Violet No. 2. Think of it like food coloring for your makeup — it's there for looks, not to treat your skin. It's generally considered safe in the tiny amounts used, but if you have very sensitive skin or allergies to synthetic dyes, you might want to patch test first.

What does CI 45190 do in a beauty product?

It sits on the surface of the skin or product and absorbs and reflects light in the violet spectrum, giving the product its color. It does not penetrate deeply or interact with skin cells in a meaningful way.

Is CI 45190 safe for most people?

Generally recognized as safe for topical cosmetic use at low concentrations by major regulatory agencies. Rare allergic reactions are possible, and it is not intended for eye-area use in the US.

Who should be careful with CI 45190?

Individuals with known allergies to synthetic dyes or D&C colors

Research sources

FDA Color Additive Status ListOpenEU CosIng Database - CI 45190OpenPubChem - D&C Violet No. 2Open

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.