Red 17 (CI 26100)
A red cosmetic colorant. It tints the formula; some people may react on contact.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Moderate
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Red 17 (INCI CI 26100) is an oil-soluble red cosmetic colorant from the azo group. Its job is to give the formula color: lipsticks, blushes, makeup and sometimes hair products. It does not care for the skin. This is a decorative, functional component, not an active. It adds shade and nothing more; it does not hydrate or treat. Its worth is in the color, not in any skin effect. Applied topically it is not meaningfully absorbed systemically, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding without issue. Irritation potential is low, but allergy risk is medium: some azo dyes trigger a contact reaction in people who are already sensitized. For most there is no reaction. If your skin reacts to dyes in makeup, it is worth patch-testing a small area first. It is not comedogenic by the available data.
Frequently asked questions
Is Red 17 (CI 26100) safe during pregnancy?
Red 17 (CI 26100) is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Red 17 (CI 26100) for?
Red 17 (CI 26100) suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Red 17 (CI 26100) and what does it do in cosmetics?
A red cosmetic colorant.
What's the INCI name for Red 17 (CI 26100)?
The INCI name is CI 26100. It may also appear as: Red 17.
See Red 17 (CI 26100) in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
CI 42090 (Blue 1), Red 27 (CI 45410), Yellow 11 (CI 47000), CI 60730, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, PEG/PPG-17/18 Dimethicone, Sodium Caproyl Prolinate, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer
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