Common Name(s): Natural colorant,plant/animal-derived pigment,cosmos-acceptable colorant
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides natural colour in cosmetics while simultaneously delivering bioactive antioxidant activity from the pigment molecule's radical-scavenging chromophore structure โ a dual functionality unavailable from synthetic fd&c/d&c colorants.
Why It's Used: Natural colorants provide authentic clean-label positioning with genuine bioactive benefit โ cosmos-accepted natural pigments like chlorophyllin and anthocyanins serve as both colorant and antioxidant from the same molecule.
How It Works: Natural pigment chromophores absorb visible light through ฯโฯ* transitions of extended conjugated systems (anthocyanin flavylium, chlorophyll porphyrin, carotenoid polyene). the same extended conjugation providing colour also provides radical-scavenging antioxidant activity through electron delocalisation that stabilises phenoxyl/carotenyl radical intermediates.
Typically Found In: Natural and cosmos cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ mineral / metal active
Secondary Functions: Antimicrobial,sebum regulation,antioxidant enzyme cofactor
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: Check annex iv permitted status
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Conditional - basis not stated in source record; supplier origin confirmation required to determine what evidence applies
Source Notes: Mineral/inorganic compound. cosmetic or pharmaceutical grade. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: status downgraded on audit. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating at recommended concentrations.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes at recommended concentrations
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile at cosmetic concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Niacinamide,salicylic acid,other actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities at standard concentrations
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Natural colorant stability is generally lower than synthetic pigments โ anthocyanins degrade at ph >5 (colour shifts from red to blue-green); chlorophylls oxidise to pheophytins; carotenoids photo-oxidise. formulation must protect natural pigments from ph, light, and oxidative degradation.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,eu annex iv natural colorant permitted status review