Synthetic Colors are ingredients used to dye or add color to personal care products. Synthetic Colors are tightly regulated by the FDA and a significant portion of them have been banned over the years due to various heath related concerns.

Some Synthetic Colors are actually made from coal tar, particularly those in hair dyes. Animal studies suggest Synthetic Colors derived from coal tar may increase the risk of cancer.

According to the FDA, color additives are very safe when used properly. However, “there is no such thing as absolute safety of any substance.” said Linda Katz, M.D., M.P.H., Director of the Office of Cosmetics and Colors in FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). It is also important to remember that color additives in foods and cosmetics marketed abroad are not subject to the same safeguards as those marketed in the United States.

ExPürtise understands it’s impossible to completely eliminate exposure to Synthetic Colors, but we strongly recommend staying away from them whenever possible; especially in cosmetics designed to stay on the skin (not wash off). That’s why all ExPürtise products are formulated free of Synthetic Colors.

Common Synthetic Colors:

FD&C Blue No. 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF), FD&C Blue No. 2 (Indigotine), FD&C Green No. 3 (Fast Green FCF), FD&C Red No. 3 (Erythrosine), FD&C Yellow No. 5 (Tartrazine), and FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow).

The FDA’s website provides information on using color additives in cosmetics, in compliance with regulatory requirements.