Science
Mechanism of Action
This compound functions on the skin solely as a coloring agent, delivering a red pigment. It does not offer any known biological activity, therapeutic benefits, or functional effects on skin health beyond visual coloration.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Low confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
Disperse Red 15 exhibits high hydrophobicity and very low water solubility, typically requiring dispersing agents in aqueous systems. It is generally most stable within a weakly acidic pH range of 4.5 to 5.5, demonstrating sensitivity to alkaline environments and strong reducing agents, which can impact color stability.
Conflicts
- strong reducing agents
- high pH environments (alkaline)
Safety
Safety Profile
Disperse Red 15 is explicitly prohibited in cosmetic products within the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009 Annex II. The SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) evaluated Disperse Red 15 (as an impurity in Disperse Violet 1 for hair dyeing at up to 2.0%) and raised concerns regarding its in vitro mutagenic potential, recommending further studies for allergenicity, percutaneous absorption, and in vivo genotoxicity/mutagenicity. Human repeated insult patch tests of a formulation containing both dyes indicated sensitisation in 1-3 out of 104 subjects. No specific FDA approval for its use as a cosmetic color additive was identified.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Due to its prohibition in EU cosmetics, documented sensitisation risk, and unaddressed mutagenic concerns, Disperse Red 15 is deemed unsuitable and should be strictly avoided in skincare formulations.
Related
Similar Ingredients
Finding similar ingredients…