Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

DISPERSE RED 17.

Questionable CAS 3179-89-3 / HAIR DYEING

Disperse Red 17 is an azo dye (C.I. 11210) primarily utilized as a colorant to impart a red hue across a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products. While primarily known for hair dyeing applications, its low molecular size allows for diffusion into the hair shaft in semi-permanent uses, functioning as a surface adherent colorant in temporary applications.

Summary

colorant

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a colorant, Disperse Red 17 provides a red pigmentation to formulations. In hair dyeing, it operates either by adhering to the hair surface without chemical reaction for temporary effects, or by diffusing into the hair shaft due to its small molecular size for more semi-permanent results. In skincare, its mechanism is limited to imparting color to the product itself.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) considered Disperse Red 17 safe for consumer use at 0.2% in non-oxidative hair dye formulations and 2% in oxidative hair dye formulations (SCCS Opinion, 2013). These studies pertain to safety in hair dye, not skin efficacy.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

This ingredient is a colorant and does not typically involve 'dusting' in the context of active ingredient delivery.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Disperse Red 17 is soluble in ethanol and acetone. A saturated aqueous solution of the commercial dye exhibits a pH of approximately 3.5 at 20°C. It demonstrated stability (98.2-100% recovery) in a ~5% DMSO solution for 7 days and (100-106% recovery) in a ~1% acetone/water solution for 7 days. Storage should be in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area with the container tightly closed.

Conflicts

  • nitrosating agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Max tested
2%
Sensitization risk High

The SCCS deems Disperse Red 17 safe for consumer use at 0.2% in non-oxidative hair dyes and 2% in oxidative hair dyes, provided its nitrosamine content is below 50ppb and it is not formulated with nitrosating agents. A sensitizing potential for this ingredient cannot be excluded. In the United States, D&C Red No. 17 is subject to FDA certification. Within the EU, a concentration limit of 0.1% (by weight) is applied for tattoo ink and permanent makeup applications.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Disperse Red 17 is a colorant with established safety limits for hair dyes but carries a high irritancy and potential sensitization risk, making it a questionable choice for precision skincare formulations.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…