Ingredient review
D&C Red No. 17
INCI: CI 15630
A synthetic red dye approved for use in cosmetics, but with some restrictions due to potential impurities.
In plain English
CI 15630 is a synthetic red pigment that gives color to makeup and personal care products. It's a type of dye that doesn't dissolve in water, so it's often used in products like lipsticks and blushes where you want the color to stay put. Think of it like a tiny colored particle that sits on the surface of your skin or lips, providing a vibrant red hue. It's not absorbed into the skin, so its main job is purely cosmetic.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
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
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
D&C Red No. 17 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging D&C Red No. 17.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
CI 15630 is a synthetic organic pigment, specifically a monoazo pigment. It is manufactured through chemical reactions and is not found in nature. It is part of a family of dyes and pigments used to color a wide range of consumer goods, including cosmetics, plastics, and textiles.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, CI 15630 works by physically depositing colored particles onto the skin, hair, or nails. Because it is insoluble in water, it resists being washed away easily, providing longer-lasting color compared to water-soluble dyes. It is typically dispersed in a base (like oil or wax) and then applied, where it adheres to the surface.
Pros
Vibrant Color Payoff
Provides a strong, true red hue that is difficult to achieve with many natural alternatives, making it a favorite for bold lipsticks and blushes.
Good Stability
Resists fading and bleeding in formulations, ensuring the product maintains its intended color over time and during use.
Cons and cautions
Potential Irritant
While generally safe, it can cause contact dermatitis or irritation in people with very sensitive skin or a history of reactions to synthetic dyes.
Not Natural
It is a synthetic ingredient, which may be a drawback for consumers seeking 'clean' or 'natural' beauty products.
Best for
- Anyone looking for a bold, long-lasting red color in makeup
- People who are not sensitive to synthetic dyes
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to synthetic colorants
- Those seeking only natural or plant-based ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
CI 15630 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at regulated concentrations. The main safety concern is the potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Historical concerns about impurities have been largely addressed through modern manufacturing standards. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU Commission have approved its use with specific restrictions.
Research notes
Research on CI 15630 primarily focuses on its safety as a cosmetic colorant. Studies have shown low acute toxicity and no evidence of carcinogenicity in animal studies when used at approved levels. However, some studies note the potential for skin sensitization. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed it and deemed it safe for use in cosmetics under current practices.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at very low levels, often less than 1%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (as D&C Red No. 17) and EU (as CI 15630), but with restrictions. In the US, it is not permitted for use in eye area products. The EU CosIng database lists it as a colorant allowed in cosmetic products.
- Common uses
- Lipsticks, Blushes, Nail polishes, Soaps, Bath products
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic pigment, its production involves chemical synthesis, which can have environmental impacts. It is not biodegradable and may persist in the environment.
Good to know
- CI 15630 is also known as D&C Red No. 17 in the US, where it is approved for use in drugs and cosmetics, but not in eye area products.
- The 'CI' stands for Colour Index, an international numbering system for dyes and pigments.
Common questions
What is D&C Red No. 17 in beauty products?
CI 15630 is a synthetic red pigment that gives color to makeup and personal care products. It's a type of dye that doesn't dissolve in water, so it's often used in products like lipsticks and blushes where you want the color to stay put. Think of it like a tiny colored particle that sits on the surface of your skin or lips, providing a vibrant red hue. It's not absorbed into the skin, so its main job is purely cosmetic.
What does D&C Red No. 17 do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, CI 15630 works by physically depositing colored particles onto the skin, hair, or nails. Because it is insoluble in water, it resists being washed away easily, providing longer-lasting color compared to water-soluble dyes. It is typically dispersed in a base (like oil or wax) and then applied, where it adheres to the surface.
Is D&C Red No. 17 safe for most people?
CI 15630 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at regulated concentrations. The main safety concern is the potential for skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Historical concerns about impurities have been largely addressed through modern manufacturing standards. Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU Commission have approved its use with specific restrictions.
Who should be careful with D&C Red No. 17?
Individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to synthetic colorants Those seeking only natural or plant-based ingredients
Research sources
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.