Color in skincare is almost always aesthetic, not functional. Synthetic dyes help products look uniform or “fun,” but many are derived from petroleum and can irritate sensitive or compromised skin. Because dyes are rarely essential, skipping them is one of the easiest exposure reductions you can make. If your skin tends toward redness, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis, eliminating unnecessary colorants is a simple experiment with potentially outsized benefits.
Color in skincare is almost always aesthetic, not functional. Synthetic dyes help products look uniform or “fun,” but many are derived from petroleum and can irritate sensitive or compromised skin. Because dyes are rarely essential, skipping them is one of the easiest exposure reductions you can make. If your skin tends toward redness, rosacea, or perioral dermatitis, eliminating unnecessary colorants is a simple experiment with potentially outsized benefits.
Common ingredients to avoid
FD&C or D&C dyes followed by a shade number (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1), “lake” pigments in leave-on skincare, and “CI” color index numbers used solely for tint.
Common ingredients to avoid
FD&C or D&C dyes followed by a shade number (e.g., Red 40, Yellow 5, Blue 1), “lake” pigments in leave-on skincare, and “CI” color index numbers used solely for tint.
Clear, radiant skin thrives without heavy silicones, allowing breathability, natural renewal, and lasting balance.
Clear, radiant skin thrives without heavy silicones, allowing breathability, natural renewal, and lasting balance.
Tips for switching
Choose brands that explicitly state “no added colorants.” For makeup, opt for mineral pigments iron oxides and micas tested for heavy metals. If you love a tinted moisturizer, try formulas where the pigment serves a purpose (e.g., iron oxides for blue-light protection) and confirm third-party testing.
Tips for switching
Choose brands that explicitly state “no added colorants.” For makeup, opt for mineral pigments iron oxides and micas tested for heavy metals. If you love a tinted moisturizer, try formulas where the pigment serves a purpose (e.g., iron oxides for blue-light protection) and confirm third-party testing.
