Red 6 (CI 15850)

Red 6 (CI 15850) is a synthetic organic colorant known for strong, warm red hues and good compatibility with oils and waxes. It delivers opaque red and coral tones in anhydrous or wax-rich formats where water-soluble dyes won't work.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A synthetic dye that gives oil- and wax-based makeup warm red tones.
Category
Color
Type
Colorant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Provides intense, warm red payoff with strong coverage in oil and wax bases, enabling smooth application and rich color on lips and cheeks.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in bullet lipsticks, tinted balms, oil-based cheek colors, and cream blush or contour sticks.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Generally safe in cosmetics when used as directed, though mild irritation or staining can occur rarely. Not permitted for certain eye-area uses in some regions (e.g., the US); check local regulations.

Is Red 6 (CI 15850) a Good Ingredient?

Fair, since it does its one job, producing red shades, well, but offers nothing beyond that: no skincare benefit, and use is restricted in the eye area in some regions. That narrow, purely decorative role holds it at Fair.

Products with Red 6 (CI 15850)

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