Cosmetic Colors: Natural vs. Synthetic

Regarding your question about cosmetic colors like Yellow Tartrazine (CI19140) and whether they are natural, and if there are natural color options for skincare:

Yellow Tartrazine (CI19140), also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5, is a synthetic azo dye. It is not derived from natural sources.

Yes, there are natural colorants available that can be used in skincare and other cosmetic products. These are typically extracted from plants or other natural materials. Examples include:

• Turmeric Extract Curcumin Yellow Color: Provides a yellow color, extracted from turmeric.
• Beta-Carotene Red Color: Provides an orange-red color, found in carrots and other plants.
• Cuttlefish Ink Black Powder: Provides a black color, derived from cuttlefish ink.
• Spirulina Extract Phycocyanin Blue Color: Provides a blue color, extracted from spirulina algae.
• Pumpkin Natural Water Soluble Color: Provides color from pumpkin extract.
• Strawberry Natural Water Soluble Color: Provides color from strawberry extract.
• Tomato Natural Water Soluble Color: Provides color from tomato extract.
• Dragon Fruit Natural Water Soluble Color: Provides color from dragon fruit extract.
• Spinach Natural Water Soluble Color: Provides color from spinach extract.
• Monascus Yellow Natural Water Soluble Color: Provides a yellow color from Monascus extract.

These natural colorants are often available as water-soluble powders and are incorporated into the water phase of a formulation to impart color.