CI 15580 (Pigment Red 51 / Helio Red RMT)

INCI: CI 15580

CAS Number
5850-87-3
Function
Colorant. Synthetic azo pigment (Barium bis[4-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo]-2-methylbenzenesulphonate]), also known as Pigment Red 51 and Helio Red RMT. Insoluble barium-based pigment lake providing a red hue. Used in cosmetic formulations for skin, nails, and hair. As a pigment (insoluble lake), it does not dissolve in water and remains on the skin surface.
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status permitted
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status prohibited
US Notes CI 15580 is not listed by the FDA as a permitted color additive for cosmetics or drugs under 21 CFR Parts 73 or 74. It does not appear in the FDA color additives inventory for cosmetic use. Formulations containing CI 15580 would not be compliant for US market distribution. Use in the US is prohibited by omission from the FDA approved list.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

CI 15580 is EU Annex IV listed and permitted in all cosmetic product types without maximum concentration restrictions. However, it is not FDA-approved for US cosmetics, creating significant regulatory asymmetry. As an insoluble barium pigment, systemic absorption is minimal with favorable safety profile for EU-compliant applications. The barium counterion warrants monitoring for formulations applied to damaged or mucous membrane tissue. Moderate concern rating reflects regulatory asymmetry and barium-salt class considerations rather than direct toxicological evidence.

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

azo-dye eu-annex-iv not-fda-approved eu-only no-us-use barium-lake pigment insoluble-colorant synthetic-colorant eu_cosing_listed

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CI 15580 (Pigment Red 51 / Helio Red RMT) safe in cosmetics?

CI 15580 is EU Annex IV listed and permitted in all cosmetic product types without maximum concentration restrictions. However, it is not FDA-approved for US cosmetics, creating significant regulatory asymmetry. As an insoluble barium pigment, systemic absorption is minimal with favorable safety profile for EU-compliant applications. The barium counterion warrants monitoring for formulations applied to damaged or mucous membrane tissue. Moderate concern rating reflects regulatory asymmetry and barium-salt class considerations rather than direct toxicological evidence. The EU classifies CI 15580 (Pigment Red 51 / Helio Red RMT) as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is CI 15580 (Pigment Red 51 / Helio Red RMT) allowed in the EU?

CI 15580 (Pigment Red 51 / Helio Red RMT) EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does CI 15580 (Pigment Red 51 / Helio Red RMT) do in cosmetics?

CI 15580 (Pigment Red 51 / Helio Red RMT) functions as: Colorant. Synthetic azo pigment (Barium bis[4-[(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)azo]-2-methylbenzenesulphonate]), also known as Pigment Red 51 and Helio Red RMT. Insoluble barium-based pigment lake providing a red hue. Used in cosmetic formulations for skin, nails, and hair. As a pigment (insoluble lake), it does not dissolve in water and remains on the skin surface.. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 5850-87-3.

What is the Margin of Safety for CI 15580 (Pigment Red 51 / Helio Red RMT)?

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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