Science
Mechanism of Action
This ingredient functions solely as a coloring agent, providing aesthetic pigmentation without any biological interaction or functional mechanism on the skin. It does not offer any skincare benefits or therapeutic effects.
Research
Clinical Evidence
Low confidenceN/A
Transparency
Dusting Analysis
The Formula
Formulation
Stability
PIGMENT RED 53:1 exhibits sensitivity to both acidic and alkaline conditions. It demonstrates good thermal stability, resisting temperatures up to 180-200°C, and up to 260°C for 5 minutes in HDPE. Although largely insoluble in water and most organic solvents, it is reported to disperse effectively in both oil and water-based systems, ensuring consistent color performance.
Conflicts
- Strong oxidizing agents
- Molecular metal and base ink alkali agents (in water-based flexographic inks)
Safety
Safety Profile
PIGMENT RED 53 (C.I. 15585, D&C Red No. 8) and its barium salt, PIGMENT RED 53:1 (C.I. 15585:1, D&C Red No. 9), are explicitly banned for use in cosmetic products in the United States (since 1988), the European Union (since 1988), and Indonesia (since 1990). This prohibition is based on serious health risks, including the potential to cause blood disorders and spleen sarcoma. It has been identified as carcinogenic in animal studies, leading to its classification as a questionable carcinogen with experimental carcinogenic and tumorigenic data.
Your Skin
Skin Compatibility
Our Assessment
Verdict
Due to its identification as a questionable carcinogen, the potential to cause severe blood disorders and spleen sarcoma, and its global ban in cosmetic products, PIGMENT RED 53 is an ingredient that should be entirely avoided in skincare formulations.
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References
Sources