Is Lycopene safe in cosmetics?
Lycopene has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Lycopene
INCI: LYCOPENE
Lycopene (CAS 502-65-8 [^1_4]) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Antioxidant, colorant (CI 75125). EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 502-65-8 [^1_4] →
Function
Antioxidant, colorant (CI 75125)
Editorial assessment
EXCELLENT
Preliminary editorial note — not a computed safety verdict.
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted — GRAS status for food use (GRN 000119); no specific cosmetic restriction under 21 CFR
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Lycopene.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Lycopene, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
0.5-2%
Penetration Level
stratum-corneum
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum
Molecular Weight
536.9 Da
Log P
15.7
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
0.2-1%
Safety Margin Factor
minimal
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: Exp Dermatol 2001
Editorial summary
Preliminary editorial summary for Lycopene — not a computed safety verdict. See the sourced toxicological data above.
Regulatory Flags
colorant
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lycopene allowed in the EU?
Lycopene EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Lycopene do in cosmetics?
Lycopene functions as: Antioxidant, colorant (CI 75125). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 502-65-8 [^1_4].
Compliance Tools
Check Lycopene compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
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Substance Compliance
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MoS Calculator
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Heavy Metal Limits
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CI 75125 (Lycopene)
GOOD
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Colorant. Natural carotenoid pigment ...
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