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HC VIOLET NO. 2.

Questionable CAS 104226-19-9 / HAIR DYEING

HC Violet No. 2 is a synthetic cosmetic dye designed to impart a distinct violet coloration to various skincare and cosmetic formulations. Its primary role is aesthetic, delivering a visually appealing hue by temporarily adhering to the skin's surface.

Summary

cosmetic colorant

Science

Mechanism of Action

HC Violet No. 2 functions as a cosmetic colorant, imparting a violet hue to products by adhering to surfaces like skin or hair.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

As a cosmetic colorant, HC Violet No. 2's purpose is purely aesthetic, not active skincare efficacy. Its use is strictly regulated by concentration limits rather than efficacy targets, making the concept of 'dusting' (over-marketing an active ingredient) inapplicable.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This colorant exhibits good stability against light and heat, maintaining integrity up to 250°C. Its color is pH-sensitive, manifesting as reddish-violet at pH 5.0 and blue-violet at pH 9.0. Laboratory studies confirm satisfactory short-term stability in aqueous solutions when protected from light and inert atmosphere. It is insoluble in common oils, including vegetable oil, Isopropyl Myristate (IPM), light liquid paraffin oil (LLP), N-Butyl Acetate, and Silicon Oil.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
0.0005%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The SCCS allows HC Violet No. 2 in semi-permanent hair dyes up to 2.0%; however, for cosmetic products intended for brief skin contact, the maximum safe concentration is 0.0005% (5 ppm). The FDA approves Violet No. 2 External D&C for externally applied cosmetics but explicitly prohibits its use in lip products or those for the eye area, requiring batch certification. This synthetic dye may originate from petroleum or coal tar, with coal tar being a known human carcinogen and its derivatives in hair dyes linked to bladder cancer. Regulatory bodies note that a sensitizing potential cannot be excluded, and higher hazard scores are associated with its use on damaged skin or near the mouth and eyes, due to increased absorption risk leading to irritation, allergies, and potential immunotoxicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While providing a distinct violet aesthetic, HC Violet No. 2 presents notable safety considerations including potential sensitizing effects, concerns regarding its synthetic source, and strict usage restrictions, rendering its inclusion in precision skincare products questionable unless the visual effect is paramount and all safety limits are rigorously observed.

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