Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) is a water-soluble compound found in nature and also produced for use as a color additive. In cosmetics it gives a yellow hue and improves batch-to-batch color uniformity without altering core formulation characteristics.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
Riboflavin gives products a golden tint and keeps color consistent.
Category
Color
Type
Colorant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Gives products a bright golden tint that improves visual appeal, and helps maintain consistent shade across different batches of the same item.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used as a colorant in gels, shampoos, lotions, and serums to achieve warm-toned formulas, and also appears in makeup and bath products for uniform coloration.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

Low irritation potential at cosmetic concentrations and typically well tolerated, including around the face. As with any colorant, rare sensitivities can occur; discontinue use if irritation develops.

Is Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) a Good Ingredient?

Good, because it's a reliable yellow colorant with good stability in water-based systems and a long history of safe cosmetic use at low levels. It's rated for what it does well, coloring products consistently, not for any skin performance benefit, since it doesn't offer one.

Products with Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

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