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Moumoujus

FAST GREEN FCF.

Optional CAS 2353-45-9 / HAIR DYEING

Fast Green FCF is a synthetic triarylmethane dye, primarily employed as a vibrant turquoise green colorant in various products. While extensively used for imparting hue, it also possesses diagnostic utility in selectively highlighting areas of compromised epidermal integrity.

Summary

Colorant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions predominantly as a colorant, providing a distinct turquoise green shade. In diagnostic applications, it precisely stains regions where the skin's protective barrier is disrupted. Beyond its coloring properties, non-skincare pharmacological research indicates its potential to inhibit protein aggregation and modulate inflammatory pathways, though these findings are from in vitro and rodent models and are not directly related to topical skincare efficacy.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No data is available to assess the dusting potential or thresholds for Fast Green FCF in skincare formulations.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Fast Green FCF demonstrates good pH stability, with only very slight fading observed after one week within a pH range of 5 to 7. Stability decreases slightly at pH 3, and the color shifts to a brighter blue at pH 8. It exhibits fair to good light stability but is highly susceptible to oxidation. No significant changes were noted in 10% sugar systems.

Conflicts

  • Oxidizing agents (poor stability)
  • Concentrated acids (results in a dull orange solution)
  • Strong alkaline solutions (results in a bright blue solution)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Moderate

In the USA, Fast Green FCF (FD&C Green No. 3) is permanently listed by the FDA, requiring certification and generally considered safe for use in foods, drugs, and cosmetics when adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) established an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0-25 mg/kg body weight for ingestion. However, its use as a food dye is prohibited in the European Union and certain other regions. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as Group 3, meaning it is not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans. It is suspected of causing genetic defects if exposed.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Optional

Fast Green FCF serves primarily as a cosmetic colorant, offering a turquoise green hue. While FDA-approved for cosmetic use in the US, its medium irritancy potential and lack of direct skincare efficacy, coupled with safety concerns such as suspected genetic defects and EU food dye prohibition, make it an optional additive.

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