What it is
Red 226 (CI 73360) is a synthetic organic pigment of the thioindigo class, chemically identified as 6-chloro-2-(6-chloro-4-methyl-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene)-4-methylbenzo[b]thiophene-3(2H)-one (CAS 2379-74-0; molecular formula C18H10Cl2O2S2). It imparts a vivid pink-red hue to cosmetic formulations and is stable across the pH ranges typically used in personal care products. The pigment is synthetic in origin, derived from petroleum-based chemical synthesis. It is used in lipsticks, lip liners, blushes, body creams, and oral care items. In the EU, it is listed on Annex IV of EC Cosmetics Regulation No. 1223/2009 as an approved colorant. In the USA, the FDA designates it D&C Red No. 30 and permits its use in drugs and cosmetics (including the lip area) when manufactured to meet purity specifications including minimum 90% total color content and heavy-metal limits.
Safety & warnings
Approved by the FDA for use in cosmetics and drugs, including products applied to the lip area, subject to batch certification and purity specifications (lead ≤20 ppm, arsenic ≤3 ppm, mercury ≤1 ppm). Listed in EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex IV. EWG Skin Deep assigns a low hazard rating. Considered low irritation potential at typical use levels. May cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. As a coal-tar-derived synthetic dye, some consumers choose to avoid it; however, at permitted concentrations it is considered safe for cosmetic use by major regulatory authorities.
Origin & sourcing
Fully synthetic; produced via chemical synthesis from petroleum-derived precursors through thioindigo chemistry. No natural or botanical source. The base chromophore is thioindigo, a sulfur-containing analog of the natural dye indigo, first synthesized in the early 20th century.
History
The thioindigo chromophore was first synthesized around 1908 by the German chemist Paul Friedländer. The chlorinated derivative now known as D&C Red No. 30 (CI 73360) was later developed as a stable vat dye for textiles and subsequently adopted in cosmetics. The FDA formally listed D&C Red No. 30 under the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 74.1330) with regulations established May 25, 1982 (47 FR 22510). The EU included CI 73360 in Annex IV of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC No. 1223/2009) as a permitted colorant.
Questions everyone asks
What is Red 226 in cosmetics?
Red 226, also listed as CI 73360 or D&C Red No. 30, is a synthetic pink-red pigment from the thioindigo dye family. It is used to color lipsticks, blushes, and similar products.
Is Red 226 safe to use on lips?
Yes. The FDA has approved D&C Red No. 30 (CI 73360) for use in cosmetics applied to the lip area, provided the color additive meets purity specifications including limits on heavy metals. The EU also permits it as a cosmetic colorant under Annex IV.
What is the difference between Red 226 and Red 227?
Red 226 corresponds to CI 73360 (D&C Red No. 30), a thioindigo-based pigment. Red 227 corresponds to CI 73385 (D&C Red No. 33), a different synthetic dye. They produce similar red-pink hues but have distinct chemical structures and regulatory classifications.
Is Red 226 natural or synthetic?
Red 226 is entirely synthetic, produced from petroleum-derived chemical precursors via thioindigo chemistry. It is not derived from plants, minerals, or other natural sources.