CI 16035/Red 40 ●
TL;DR. This ingredient functions as a synthetic colorant, giving formulas a bright red to pink shade in products such as cleansers, bath products, cosmetics, and oral care.
What does CI 16035/Red 40 do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient functions as a synthetic colorant, giving formulas a bright red to pink shade in products such as cleansers, bath products, cosmetics, and oral care.
Is CI 16035/Red 40 clean?
From a clean beauty perspective, it has clear friction because many clean frameworks restrict synthetic petroleum-derived colorants, even when they are legally permitted for cosmetic use. Irritation is not common at typical cosmetic levels, but sensitivity can occur in a small subset of users.
Is CI 16035/Red 40 sustainable?
This material is synthetically produced, typically from petrochemical feedstocks, so it does not score well on renewable sourcing. As a water-soluble synthetic dye, it may require wastewater controls because color persistence can remain visible even at low concentrations.
Is CI 16035/Red 40 COSMOS-approved?
This ingredient is not permitted in COSMOS Organic or COSMOS Natural formulas because it is a synthetic organic colorant outside the allowed natural and mineral colorant scope. It has weak Green Chemistry alignment due to nonrenewable feedstocks and limited biodegradability.
How does CI 16035/Red 40 work chemically?
The molecule is a sulfonated monoazo dye, usually supplied as an anionic sodium salt with high water solubility and strong tinting power. It is used at very low levels, often fractions of a percent, and performs best in aqueous systems but can be affected by strong oxidizers, reducers, high heat, or incompatible cationic ingredients.
Last updated 2026-08-16