CARBON BLACK: FROM TAR… TO YOUR MAKEUP BAG

What Is Carbon Black?

For starters, carbon black is a black pigment. It is often used in the beauty industry for its high-performance pigment and durability with striking color payoff. The pigment is created by an incomplete combustion within the petroleum family. Neither incomplete combustion nor petroleum is a good thing to read about for my lifestyle choices.

Carbon black has red flags that continue to raise eyebrows. To begin, the pigment carbon black is hidden in labels, making it significantly trickier for us consumers to identify. That seems a tad bit sneaky to me! Here are the various names you will find for carbon black. 

• Carbon black
• D&C Black No. 2
• Black 2
• CI 77266
• Acetylene black
• Channel black
• Lamp black
• Furnace black
• Thermal black

If you have a similar mindset to mine, this is frustrating. Trying to create a standard for healthier living, having to memorize not one or

two, but nine different ingredients for the same pigment is not ideal. I didn’t have to memorize that many words when I was in grade school studying for spelling tests– Ha!

Where You Will Find Carbon Black

• Mascara
• Eyeliner (pencil & liquid)
• Eyeshadow (dark/smoky shades) 
• Lipsticks & lip liners (black, burgundy, plum)
• Brow powders & pencils (deep shades)
• Nail polish

The list above showcases common places you’ll find carbon black within the cosmetic industry. With that being said, you can still find it elsewhere. 

Potential Dangers

While doing my own research, I have learned that carbon black containing PAHs is potentially carcinogenic to humans due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) being classified as a carcinogen. There is also potential of carbon black being contaminated with heavy metals… no thank you! 

On top of that, direct contact on the skin can pose risks, especially for those with sensitive skin. The pigment can cause drying, redness, and itchiness. Inhalation of dust from carbon black may contribute to lung and throat irritation. I’m not sure about you… But that does NOT sound appealing to me! 

Another red flag is, when carbon black is in nanoparticle form, it poses a risk for systemic toxicity. There are still scientific studies being conducted on this; however, with systemic toxicity, you risk the nanoparticle passing through biological barriers. This can contribute to DNA damage due to oxidative stress and inflamation from the nanoparticle. 

With that being said, carbon black is still allowed in cosmetics following strict regulations; however, regulation does not equal risk-free.

Alternatives

• Activated charcoal
• Iron Oxides
• Ultramarines
• Plant-based pigments

I have conducted my own testing and trial runs with cosmetics that pass my standard of cleanliness. Below you can find the link where you’ll find carbon black free products I recommend. https://linktr.ee/EllaBreeEdit

Final Thoughts

I believe that we have graciously been given one body to care for. This piece is not created to spark fear, but to raise awareness. Cosmetics are daily rituals, and small exposures add up. For me, the risk is not worth it. We have alternatives, so why don’t we choose to swap it out? Check your labels, share what you learn, and support brands that prioritize clean ingredients. Share this with a friend who wears carbon black daily. Follow The EllaBreeEdit for more clean beauty truths.