What it is
Red 106 is a water-soluble synthetic red colorant in the Japanese cosmetic color-additive system, corresponding to the xanthene dye Acid Red 52. It is used purely to give products a pink or red shade and has no skin-care or UV-filtering function. In a sunscreen it serves a cosmetic toning purpose, contributing to a tint or color effect.
Safety & warnings
As a synthetic dye, Red 106 is used at low levels for color only; like other water-soluble cosmetic dyes, it can in rare cases be associated with contact sensitivity in predisposed individuals. It carries no comedogenicity concern as a colorant.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; it is a manufactured xanthene-class dye rather than a plant- or mineral-derived material.
Questions everyone asks
What is Red 106 used for?
It is a synthetic dye used purely to color a product, for example to give a pink or red tint, with no skin-conditioning or sun-protective role.
Is Red 106 a natural ingredient?
No. It is a synthetic xanthene-type dye, corresponding to Acid Red 52, not a botanical or mineral pigment.