Ingredient review

Green No. 5 (CI 10020)

INCI: CI 10020

A safe, widely approved synthetic green dye that adds color but offers no skincare benefits.

beautyskincarecolorant

In plain English

CI 10020 is a man-made green dye used to give cosmetics a green or blue-green color. It's like the green food coloring you might see in candy, but made for beauty products. It doesn't do anything for your skin—it's purely for looks.

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 No. 5 (CI 10020) 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 No. 5 (CI 10020).
  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 pigment from the triphenylmethane family, specifically a sodium salt of a sulfonated dye. It's approved for use in cosmetics in many regions, including the US and EU.

How it works

It works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light, making the product appear green. It's water-soluble and mixes evenly into liquid or cream formulas.

Pros

Vibrant color

Provides a bright, stable green hue that doesn't fade quickly in typical product formulations.

Low irritation risk

At the tiny concentrations used in cosmetics, it rarely causes skin reactions for most people.

Cons and cautions

No functional benefit

It's purely aesthetic—does not moisturize, protect, or improve skin health in any way.

Potential staining

Can temporarily stain skin, nails, or light-colored fabrics if the product is not fully rinsed off.

Best for

  • Anyone who wants a green-tinted product
  • People who are not sensitive to synthetic colorants

Use caution if

  • Those with known allergies to synthetic dyes
  • People seeking only natural or organic ingredients

Usage tips

Rinse thoroughly after use to avoid temporary green residue on skin.
Patch test if you have a history of sensitivity to synthetic dyes.
Store products containing this dye away from direct sunlight to maintain color stability.

Safety summary

CI 10020 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at regulated concentrations. It has a low risk of irritation and is not known to be carcinogenic or toxic in approved amounts. However, it offers no skincare benefits.

Research notes

Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) and EU Scientific Committee have concluded that CI 10020 is safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics at typical levels. No significant health concerns have been identified.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
Typically used at very low levels, often below 1%
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the US (FDA), EU (Annex IV), and many other countries, with concentration limits in some regions.
Common uses
Shampoos, Bath products, Soaps, Eye shadows, Lip products
Environmental note
As a synthetic dye, it may not be biodegradable. Disposal of large amounts should follow local regulations to minimize environmental impact.

Good to know

  • CI 10020 is also known as D&C Green No. 5 in the US and is approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics.
  • It is not the same as natural green pigments like chlorophyll or green tea extract.

Common questions

What is Green No. 5 (CI 10020) in beauty products?

CI 10020 is a man-made green dye used to give cosmetics a green or blue-green color. It's like the green food coloring you might see in candy, but made for beauty products. It doesn't do anything for your skin—it's purely for looks.

What does Green No. 5 (CI 10020) do in a beauty product?

It works by absorbing and reflecting specific wavelengths of light, making the product appear green. It's water-soluble and mixes evenly into liquid or cream formulas.

Is Green No. 5 (CI 10020) safe for most people?

CI 10020 is considered safe for use in cosmetics at regulated concentrations. It has a low risk of irritation and is not known to be carcinogenic or toxic in approved amounts. However, it offers no skincare benefits.

Who should be careful with Green No. 5 (CI 10020)?

Those with known allergies to synthetic dyes People seeking only natural or organic ingredients

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety AssessmentOpenFDA Color Additive Status ListOpenEU CosIng Database - CI 10020Open

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.