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HC RED NO. 21.

Valuable / HAIR DYEING

HC Red No. 21, also identified as D&C Red No. 21 or CI 45380, is a precise cosmetic colorant from the fluoran class, designed to impart vibrant red hues. It exhibits fluorescent properties, allowing it to absorb and re-emit light for a luminous appearance. This ingredient is widely approved for general cosmetic use, adhering to strict regulatory guidelines.

Summary

Colorant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions primarily as a pigment, effectively delivering color to a diverse range of cosmetic and personal care products. Its unique fluoran chemical structure enables it to absorb light and subsequently re-emit it at a longer wavelength, which can create a distinct fluorescent or 'glowing' visual effect within the formulation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 6 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

D&C Red 21 (CI 45380) maintains stability within a pH range of 6 to 8. It also demonstrates fair light fastness, contributing to its color retention properties.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Deferred evaluation
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has deferred formal evaluation, acknowledging that the FDA has assessed its safety. The FDA designates D&C Red No. 21 as safe for general cosmetic and drug applications, including lip products, specifying use in amounts consistent with current good manufacturing practices and requiring all batches to be certified. However, its use is explicitly prohibited in products intended for the eye area. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) in the EU permits Red 21 (CI 45380) in all cosmetics, provided that impurities are controlled: 2-(6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl) benzoic acid must be below 1%, and 2-(bromo-6-hydroxy-3-oxo-3H-xanthen-9-yl) benzoic acid below 2%.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

HC Red No. 21 is a valuable, widely approved cosmetic colorant that safely imparts vibrant red tones to a diverse range of formulations, with a low irritancy profile, excluding products for the eye area.

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