Colour additives are pigments or dyes added to cosmetic and skincare formulations to impart or modify product appearance. They serve an aesthetic, non-therapeutic role and do not affect skin physiology.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Allergic contact dermatitis | Uncommon | Certain dyes (e.g., azo and synthetic colorants) can sensitize predisposed individuals. |
Skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Transient irritation may occur, more likely with high pigment loads or sensitive skin. |
Temporary staining of skin | Common | Some intense colorants may leave a residual tint that washes off. |
Photosensitivity reaction | Rare | A few colorants have been linked to light-triggered skin reactions. |
Systemic or severe hypersensitivity | Very rare | Documented isolated cases, typically with specific banned or restricted dyes. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.