Ingredient review

Green 8

INCI: CI 59040

A synthetic green dye that adds color to rinse-off products; generally safe in tiny amounts but offers no skincare benefits.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

CI 59040, also called Green 8 or D&C Green No. 8, is a man-made dye that gives a green color to cosmetics. It is most often found in products that you rinse off, like shampoo or soap, because it can stain skin if left on. The amount used is very small, just enough to make the product look appealing. It does not help your skin in any way—it is purely for appearance.

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

Green 8 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 Green 8.
  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 59040 is a synthetic organic dye from the pyranine family, approved for use in cosmetics in many regions. It is a bright green powder that dissolves in water.

How it works

It works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light, making the product appear green. It does not interact with the skin or change its function.

Pros

Vibrant color

Provides a bright, consistent green shade that is stable in water-based formulas.

Low irritation risk

At the tiny concentrations used, it rarely causes skin irritation for most people.

Cons and cautions

No skin benefit

This ingredient is purely cosmetic and does not hydrate, protect, or improve skin health.

Potential staining

If used in leave-on products, it can temporarily stain skin or clothing green.

Best for

  • Anyone who enjoys colored rinse-off products
  • People looking for a fun aesthetic in their bath routine

Use caution if

  • Those with known sensitivity to synthetic dyes
  • People who prefer completely natural or dye-free cosmetics

Usage tips

Use only in rinse-off products to minimize the chance of staining.
Patch test if you have very sensitive skin or a history of dye allergies.

Safety summary

CI 59040 is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at low concentrations. It has a low risk of irritation or allergy, but it offers no skin benefits and may stain.

Research notes

Safety assessments by cosmetic ingredient review panels have found CI 59040 to be safe in rinse-off products at typical use levels. There is limited research on long-term skin exposure.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Very low, typically less than 1%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (as D&C Green No. 8) and EU, with restrictions on concentration and product type.
Common uses
Soaps, Shampoos, Bath products, Rinse-off cosmetics
Environmental note
Synthetic dyes can persist in water systems; however, the tiny amounts in personal care products are considered low risk.

Good to know

  • CI 59040 is also used in some industrial applications as a fluorescent tracer.
  • It is not typically found in high-end skincare serums or moisturizers.

Common questions

What is Green 8 in beauty products?

CI 59040, also called Green 8 or D&C Green No. 8, is a man-made dye that gives a green color to cosmetics. It is most often found in products that you rinse off, like shampoo or soap, because it can stain skin if left on. The amount used is very small, just enough to make the product look appealing. It does not help your skin in any way—it is purely for appearance.

What does Green 8 do in a beauty product?

It works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light, making the product appear green. It does not interact with the skin or change its function.

Is Green 8 safe for most people?

CI 59040 is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at low concentrations. It has a low risk of irritation or allergy, but it offers no skin benefits and may stain.

Who should be careful with Green 8?

Those with known sensitivity to synthetic dyes People who prefer completely natural or dye-free cosmetics

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of D&C Green No. 8OpenFDA Summary of Color Additives for CosmeticsOpen

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.