Basic Blue 9 (Methylene Blue)

INCI: BASIC BLUE 9

CAS Number
61-73-4
Function
Hair colorant (phenothiazinium dye); biological stain and pharmaceutical agent
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status restricted
US Notes Approved as a pharmaceutical (prescription drug) but not approved as a cosmetic color additive. Coal tar hair dye exemption may apply.

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
moderate
Sensitization
moderate

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Photosensitizer that generates reactive oxygen species upon light exposure; known to cause serotonin syndrome with MAOIs/SSRIs at systemic doses. Not evaluated by SCCS or CIR for cosmetic use. May cause staining to skin and nails.

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

potential-allergen colorant eu_banned_cosmetics eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Basic Blue 9 (Methylene Blue) safe in cosmetics?

Photosensitizer that generates reactive oxygen species upon light exposure; known to cause serotonin syndrome with MAOIs/SSRIs at systemic doses. Not evaluated by SCCS or CIR for cosmetic use. May cause staining to skin and nails. The EU classifies Basic Blue 9 (Methylene Blue) as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Basic Blue 9 (Methylene Blue) allowed in the EU?

Basic Blue 9 (Methylene Blue) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Basic Blue 9 (Methylene Blue) do in cosmetics?

Basic Blue 9 (Methylene Blue) functions as: Hair colorant (phenothiazinium dye); biological stain and pharmaceutical agent. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 61-73-4.

What is the Margin of Safety for Basic Blue 9 (Methylene Blue)?

not established The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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