Ingredient guide
Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products) in Lipstick
What Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products) does in lipstick and how it's regulated.
About Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products)
Petroleum-derived or coal tar-derived synthetic colorants specifically used in lip products, where they are regularly ingested.
Why brands use it in lipstick
Produce intense, uniform, long-lasting color at minimal cost. They offer color consistency batch to batch that natural pigments struggle to match.
Regulatory status
- US FDA: Batch-certified and approved. Some D&C dyes restricted to external use only but others permitted in lip products despite ingestion.
- European Union: Not on the EU prohibited list (some ingredients have concentration limits)
- Canada: Restricted in cosmetics
Common alternatives
Other ingredients formulators use for a similar job in lipstick:
iron oxides
mica
titanium dioxide
beetroot extract
carmine (cochineal)
FAQ
What is Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products)?
Petroleum-derived or coal tar-derived synthetic colorants specifically used in lip products, where they are regularly ingested.
Why is Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products) used in lipstick?
Produce intense, uniform, long-lasting color at minimal cost. They offer color consistency batch to batch that natural pigments struggle to match.
How is Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products) regulated?
Batch-certified and approved. Some D&C dyes restricted to external use only but others permitted in lip products despite ingestion. Canada restricts its use in cosmetics.
Does Numbrrrz lip balm contain Synthetic Dyes (FD&C in Lip Products)?
No. Numbrrrz is organic coconut oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil and vitamin E, plus organic essential oils or flavoring in the scented versions. That is a formulation choice, not a judgment about other products.
