Ingredient review
Red 88
INCI: Pigment Red 88 (CI 73312)
A stable, vivid red pigment approved for cosmetic use in many regions, but with limited safety data compared to more common colorants.
In plain English
Pigment Red 88 is a synthetic red powder that gives color to makeup like lipstick, blush, and nail polish. It is not a dye that dissolves, but a fine solid particle that sits on the skin or nail surface to create a lasting color. Because it is a pigment, it tends to be more stable and less likely to migrate or fade than some other colorants. However, it is not as widely studied as more common red pigments like Red 7 or Red 28, so some brands prefer better-known alternatives.
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
Red 88 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 Red 88.
- 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
A synthetic organic pigment from the isoindoline family, chemically known as tetrachloro-4-(4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)isoindoline-1,3-dione. It is manufactured through chemical synthesis and is not found in nature.
How it works
As a pigment, it provides color by reflecting and absorbing specific wavelengths of light. It is insoluble in water and most oils, so it stays suspended in the product base and deposits on the skin or nail surface without being absorbed. This gives a long-lasting, opaque color that does not bleed or smear easily.
Pros
Vibrant and stable color
Pigment Red 88 delivers a strong, true red that resists fading from light or heat, so your makeup stays bold longer.
Low irritation potential
For most skin types, this pigment is well-tolerated and unlikely to cause redness or stinging, making it suitable for sensitive areas like lips and eyes.
Cons and cautions
Limited safety research
Compared to more common red pigments like Red 7, there are fewer published studies on long-term safety, which may concern ingredient-conscious consumers.
Regulatory restrictions
Pigment Red 88 is not permitted in all cosmetic categories in the European Union, so it may be absent from many international brands.
Best for
- People looking for a bold, long-lasting red in lipstick or nail polish
- Those who prefer synthetic pigments over natural colorants for consistency
Use caution if
- Anyone with known sensitivity to synthetic organic pigments
- Those seeking products with only widely-studied, globally-approved colorants
Usage tips
Safety summary
Pigment Red 88 is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations based on available data, but it has not been as thoroughly studied as some other red pigments. The main concern is regulatory inconsistency across regions, not acute toxicity or irritation.
Research notes
Published safety assessments are limited. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has not issued a final report on this specific pigment. Most safety data comes from general studies on isoindoline pigments, which suggest low acute toxicity and low skin sensitization potential.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- Typically used at 0.1% to 5% depending on desired shade intensity
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the United States by the FDA, but restricted in the European Union for certain product types (e.g., not allowed in lip products). Always check local regulations.
- Common uses
- Lipsticks, Blushes, Nail polishes, Eye shadows
- Environmental note
- As a synthetic pigment, it is not biodegradable and may accumulate in the environment if not properly filtered during wastewater treatment. Some manufacturers are working on more eco-friendly pigment alternatives.
Good to know
- Pigment Red 88 is also used in some industrial applications like plastics and printing inks, but cosmetic-grade material is purified to meet safety standards.
- It is sometimes listed under the name CI 73312 on ingredient labels.
Common questions
What is Red 88 in beauty products?
Pigment Red 88 is a synthetic red powder that gives color to makeup like lipstick, blush, and nail polish. It is not a dye that dissolves, but a fine solid particle that sits on the skin or nail surface to create a lasting color. Because it is a pigment, it tends to be more stable and less likely to migrate or fade than some other colorants. However, it is not as widely studied as more common red pigments like Red 7 or Red 28, so some brands prefer better-known alternatives.
What does Red 88 do in a beauty product?
As a pigment, it provides color by reflecting and absorbing specific wavelengths of light. It is insoluble in water and most oils, so it stays suspended in the product base and deposits on the skin or nail surface without being absorbed. This gives a long-lasting, opaque color that does not bleed or smear easily.
Is Red 88 safe for most people?
Pigment Red 88 is considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations based on available data, but it has not been as thoroughly studied as some other red pigments. The main concern is regulatory inconsistency across regions, not acute toxicity or irritation.
Who should be careful with Red 88?
Anyone with known sensitivity to synthetic organic pigments Those seeking products with only widely-studied, globally-approved colorants
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.