Artificial colors are everywhere in today’s world, and most of us are familiar with seeing them in food and household products. But colorants are also commonly added to personal care, skincare, and cosmetic products, sometimes without shoppers giving them much thought.
Added colors can make a product look more appealing or help distinguish one variety from another, but they do not improve how the product cares for your skin. For people with sensitive or reactive skin, choosing products with fewer unnecessary ingredients can also make it easier to understand what they are using and identify ingredients that may not work well for them.
If you are looking for greater ingredient transparency or simply want to make more informed skincare choices, keep reading. We are taking a closer look at colorants in skincare, why they are used, how to recognize them on a label, and what to consider when deciding whether they are right for you.
Plants, spices, and minerals have long been used as natural sources of color.
History of Artificial Colors
Colorants are not a modern invention. For thousands of years, cultures around the world used naturally occurring materials such as plants, spices, minerals, and foods to add color to cosmetics, textiles, and household products.
The color industry changed in 1856 when British chemist William Henry Perkin discovered mauveine, the first widely recognized synthetic dye. That discovery led to rapid growth in manufactured colors. Some early dyes contained dangerous substances such as arsenic, lead, and mercury, which eventually contributed to greater government oversight.
In 1906, Congress passed the Food and Drugs Act, an early step in regulating potentially dangerous colors. Federal oversight continued to develop as cosmetic and personal care products became more widely available.
Today, color additives used in cosmetics must be approved by the FDA for their intended use. Some color additives must also undergo batch certification. This makes color additives a notable exception because most cosmetic products and ingredients do not require FDA approval before entering the market.
What Are Artificial Colors and How Can You Spot Them?
Artificial colors are ingredients added to change or enhance the appearance of a product. In skincare, they may be listed as dyes, pigments, or lakes. Look for names such as FD&C Yellow No. 5, D&C Red No. 7, Yellow 5, or Blue 1 Lake on the ingredient label.
Color is often added to make products more visually appealing, create a consistent look between batches, or help shoppers distinguish one scent or variety from another. While color can change how a product looks, it does not improve how well the product cleanses, moisturizes, or cares for your skin.
For anyone with sensitive or reactive skin, reading ingredient labels can make it easier to recognize unnecessary additions and learn what works best for their skin. At Madd House Hill, we do not add colorants. The natural shades you see in our products come from the ingredients themselves.
Prefer skincare made without added colorants? Explore our goat milk soap.
Are Artificial Colors Harmful?
Artificial colors are not automatically harmful. Color additives used in cosmetics must be approved by the FDA for their intended use and must follow specific requirements and restrictions. However, an approved ingredient may not be the right choice for every person or every skin type.
People with sensitive, reactive, or allergy prone skin often choose simpler products because fewer ingredients can make it easier to identify what works well for their skin. Since added colors affect appearance rather than performance, some shoppers prefer to leave them out of their skincare routines.
Pay attention to how your skin responds to any new product and read ingredient labels carefully. If a product causes persistent redness, itching, burning, or discomfort, stop using it and consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Ultimately, choosing skincare with or without added color is a personal decision. Understanding why colorants are used and how to recognize them can help you make a more informed choice.
A Simpler Choice
Added color does not make a skincare product more effective. For shoppers who prefer simpler formulas, choosing products made without added colorants is one way to reduce unnecessary ingredients and better understand what they are putting on their skin.
At Madd House Hill, we do not add colorants or synthetic fragrance to our products. The natural shades you see come from ingredients such as goat milk, nourishing oils, butters, herbs, and essential oils. Small variations are part of making products with real ingredients.
If you are ready to simplify your routine, explore our goat milk soap, goat milk lotion, and Lip Therapy. Each collection is made with thoughtfully chosen ingredients and the same straightforward approach to everyday skin care.
Real ingredients. Real care. From nature.