Red 40
CI 16035
Adds color.
In the Added colorants group
What it is
A red synthetic dye of the azo type, known in the US as FD&C Red No. 40.
Gives the product a red color.
What it does in a formula
Adds colorOfficial EU function: Colorant
Why some people watch for it
Added colorants
Some people prefer products without added color.
What official sources say
Restricted in certain uses · Cosmetics, EU
Allowed as a colorant in EU cosmetics with conditions (Annex IV).
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex IV: list of colorants allowed in cosmetic products (CosIng), retrieved 2026-10-09Restricted in certain uses · Cosmetics, EU
Allowed in EU cosmetics only within set limits and conditions (Annex III, entry 191).
Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Annex III: list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down (CosIng), retrieved 2026-10-09