Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products)
Also known as: FD&C Red No. 6, FD&C Red No. 7, D&C Red No. 22, D&C Red No. 27, FD&C Blue No. 1, Lake dyes
Petroleum-derived or coal tar-derived synthetic colorants specifically used in lip products, where they are regularly ingested. FD&C and D&C dyes may contain heavy metal contaminants and have been linked to allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and potential carcinogenicity.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products).
Low concern from occasional use.
Daily lip product use leads to meaningful ingestion of synthetic dyes over time.
High cumulative ingestion risk. Mineral and plant pigments are strongly recommended for daily lip products.
Health Risks
Regular ingestion through lip products exposes users to coal tar derivatives and potential heavy metal contaminants including lead, arsenic, and cadmium.
FDA — Permitted color additive impurity limits
D&C Red No. 27 and related dyes have shown genotoxic potential in some studies.
Can trigger allergic reactions including hives, swelling, and contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals.
Linked to behavioral issues in children when ingested regularly.
The Lancet, 2007 — Southampton study on artificial food colors and hyperactivity
Global Regulatory Status
How synthetic dyes (fd&c in lip products) is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
FD&C color additives require FDA approval; some require batch certification.
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Only Annex IV positive list colorants permitted; many US FD&C colors effectively banned.
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Only Annex IV-approved colorants permitted.
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Only approved coal tar dyes/colors permitted; several FD&C colors prohibited.
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Only MHLW-approved tar colors permitted.
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Only MFDS-approved colorants on positive list.
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Must comply with approved lists.
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Only approved positive list colorants per Safety Technical Standards.
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Only ANVISA-approved colorants permitted.
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Only BIS-approved colors permitted.
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Only ASEAN positive list colorants permitted.
Why Brands Use Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products)
Produce intense, uniform, long-lasting color at minimal cost. They offer color consistency batch to batch that natural pigments struggle to match.
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Better alternatives exist. Brands choose synthetic dyes (fd&c in lip products) because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like iron oxides, mica, titanium dioxide deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products) in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing synthetic dyes (fd&c in lip products) in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz lip products contain no synthetic FD&C or D&C dyes. Our lip balms use only organic coconut oil, organic jojoba oil, beeswax, and vitamin E — no colorants of any kind.
