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FD&C Red 40

What FD&C Red 40 is & what it does

FD&C Red 40, also known as Allura Red AC, is a synthetic azo dye used purely as a colorant to give products a red or pink shade. In cosmetics and sunscreens it has no skincare benefit and serves only an aesthetic role, adjusting the visible color of the formula. It is one of the more widely used certified colorants and appears across many consumer product categories.

What does FD&C Red 40 do in skincare?

FD&C Red 40 is a synthetic colorant, also called Allura Red AC, added purely to give a product a red or pink shade. It has no skincare benefit and serves only an aesthetic role in adjusting the formula's visible color. It is one of the more common certified dyes used across consumer products.

Is FD&C Red 40 safe?

FD&C Red 40 is a certified color additive permitted for use in cosmetics within regulated limits. It is generally considered safe at approved levels, though some people prefer to avoid synthetic dyes. If you have a known dye sensitivity, a dermatologist can help you choose dye-free products.

Is FD&C Red 40 natural or synthetic?

FD&C Red 40 is synthetic, an azo dye manufactured industrially rather than sourced from a plant or mineral. Because it is laboratory-made, it generally contains no animal-derived material and is often suitable for vegan formulas.

Sunscreens with FD&C Red 40

We rate 46 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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