CI 28440 is also known as Brilliant Black BN or Food Black 1 (E 151 in food). It is a synthetic azo dye that imparts a deep black to blue-black color. This water-soluble colorant is used to enhance the visual appeal of cosmetic products, providing intense pigmentation in formulations. It is commonly found in decorative cosmetics such as eyeliners, mascaras, hair dyes, soaps, shower gels, and some makeup products where a strong black shade is desired. Its high tinctorial strength and good light fastness make it suitable for both rinse-off and select leave-on applications.
Products with CI 28440
With samples available
Brilliant Black 1
by Artec Chemical
Neelicol Black PN
by Neelikon Food Dyes & Chemicals
- Sustainable option
What is CI 28440 used for?
- Cosmetic colorant: Provides deep black coloration to products. Frequently used in mascaras, eyeliners, hair dyes, and black soaps for intense, uniform pigmentation.
- Aesthetic enhancer: Improves the appearance of formulations with opacity or tint. Common in shower gels, shampoos, and decorative cosmetics to achieve appealing visual effects.
- Pigment in blends: Combined with other dyes for custom shades. Ideal in multi-color systems or to deepen tones in foundations, lip products, or nail enamels.
Origin
CI 28440 is a synthetic azo dye produced through diazotization and coupling reactions involving aromatic amines and naphthol derivatives. The process starts with sulfonated aromatic compounds, followed by azo coupling to form the chromophore, and finally tetrasodium salt formation for water solubility. It is manufactured industrially from petrochemical intermediates to meet strict purity criteria.
What does CI 28440 do in a formulation?
COSMETIC COLORANT
Safety Profile
CI 28440 is approved for cosmetic use under strict regulations, including EU Annex IV (positive list for colorants) with purity requirements aligned to food additive standards (E 151). It has low skin absorption and is generally well-tolerated in rinse-off products at low concentrations. However, as an azo dye, it may pose concerns for some users due to potential sensitization or cross-reactivity in azo-sensitive individuals. EWG rates related azo dyes moderate hazard, with possible concerns for allergies/immunotoxicity. CIR has not issued a specific monograph, but azo colorants require compliance with purity limits to minimize impurities like aromatic amines. Patch testing is advised for sensitive skin. It is not suitable for products with high leave-on exposure in some regions.
CI 28440 technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes |
| pH | Neutral in solution |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water |
Formulations with CI 28440
No data available
By Application
No data available