Orange 4 (CI 15510) is a synthetic, water-soluble azo dye approved for use as a cosmetic colorant, giving a bright orange hue, standardizing shade between batches, and improving the visual appeal of gels, shampoos, and liquid makeup.
A synthetic orange dye used purely to color cosmetic products.
Category
Color
Type
Colorant
Ratings
Overall Rating
Fair
Comedogenic Risk
None
Not typically evaluated for comedogenicity — no standardized rating available.
Our take
Is Orange 4 (CI 15510) a Good Ingredient?
Rated Fair: it does its aesthetic job with no skincare benefit attached, and azo dyes can occasionally cause irritation or staining; some regions also limit its use by category and level. That's acceptable for a colorant but not enough to lift it into Good territory.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Adds a vivid tint to a product's appearance; it does not provide skincare treatment benefits. Helps color read as uniform to the eye.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Added to shampoos, body washes, gels, and liquid makeup to deliver a noticeable orange shade.
Before you use it
Safety
May cause irritation in sensitive skin or near the eyes; discontinue use if redness occurs. The dye is regulated in many regions, often requiring batch certification and adherence to category- and level-specific limits.