What it is
Acid Red 52 is a water-soluble synthetic dye of the xanthene family, widely used in Japan and Korea where it is listed as Red 106. It provides bright pink to red tones and is commonly found in lip products, cheek color, and tinted formulations, including tinted or brightening sunscreens. It is used in small amounts purely for color and has no effect on UV protection.
Safety & warnings
Acid Red 52 is a permitted cosmetic colorant in Japan and Korea, where its use is regulated. As a vivid synthetic dye it can stain skin or fabric, and color additives may rarely cause sensitivity in predisposed individuals; it is used within defined regulatory limits.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; manufactured as a defined organic dye rather than derived from natural sources.
Questions everyone asks
What is Acid Red 52 used for?
It is a synthetic colorant that gives pink to red shades in cosmetics, including tinted sunscreens, and has no UV function.
Is it the same as Red 106?
Yes. In Japan it is listed as Red 106 (赤色106号) and in Korea as 적색106호.