Moderate Colorant GHS Classified

Carbon Black

INCI: CI 77266

CAS Number
1333-86-4
Function
Colorant; imparts black/dark shades; used in mascaras, eyeliners, hair products
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Regulatory Status

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡บ EU Status restricted
EU Max Conc. 10%
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US Status permitted
US Notes Permanently listed as D&C Black No. 2 under 21 CFR 74.2052. Certification required. Permitted in eyeliner, eye shadow, mascara, lipstick, blushers, makeup/foundation, and nail enamel. Purity specs: total color >=95%, total PAH <500 ppb, BaP <5 ppb.

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

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
not established
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
none

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
cancer;health haz
Hazard Statements
Suspected of causing cancer if inhaled May cause damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled
Short-term Exposure Effects
May cause mechanical irritation.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Lungs may be affected by repeated or prolongated exposure. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Expert Verdict

CI 77266 is a restricted colorant in the EU (Annex IV, max 10%) with nano-form permitted at >=20 nm. In the US, it is permanently listed as D&C Black No. 2 and permitted in cosmetics with certification required. SCCS concluded safety on healthy intact skin at <=10% with negligible dermal absorption; sprayable applications not recommended. Carcinogenicity concern (IARC Group 2B) is inhalation-pathway specific, not dermal. PAH and heavy metal purity control is mandatory.

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Concern Level: Moderate

Regulatory Flags

iarc-2b nano-regulated inhalation-risk pah-impurity-risk spray-restriction batch-coa-required eu-annex-iv fda-certified-color prop65 eu_cosing_listed jecfa_concern

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carbon Black safe in cosmetics?

CI 77266 is a restricted colorant in the EU (Annex IV, max 10%) with nano-form permitted at >=20 nm. In the US, it is permanently listed as D&C Black No. 2 and permitted in cosmetics with certification required. SCCS concluded safety on healthy intact skin at <=10% with negligible dermal absorption; sprayable applications not recommended. Carcinogenicity concern (IARC Group 2B) is inhalation-pathway specific, not dermal. PAH and heavy metal purity control is mandatory. The EU classifies Carbon Black as "restricted". Safety rating: MODERATE.

Is Carbon Black allowed in the EU?

Carbon Black EU regulatory status: restricted. Maximum allowed concentration: 10%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Carbon Black do in cosmetics?

Carbon Black functions as: Colorant; imparts black/dark shades; used in mascaras, eyeliners, hair products. It is classified as a Colorant in our database. CAS number: 1333-86-4.

What is the Margin of Safety for Carbon Black?

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.

Is Carbon Black classified as hazardous under GHS?

Carbon Black carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Suspected of causing cancer if inhaled May cause damage to lungs through prolonged or repeated exposure if inhaled. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance โ€” at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

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