Carbon Black
Also known as: CI 77266, D&C Black No. 2, channel black, lamp black, furnace black
A fine black powder produced by incomplete combustion of petroleum products. Widely used as a pigment in mascara, eyeliner, and eyebrow products. Carbon black is classified as possibly carcinogenic and poses significant inhalation risks.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid
Risk by Usage Frequency
How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Carbon Black.
Low risk from occasional cosmetic use in non-powder form.
Daily mascara and eyeliner use around the delicate eye area raises cumulative exposure concerns.
Significant risk from frequent application near eyes. Choose iron oxide-based alternatives.
Health Risks
Classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 2B) based on evidence of lung cancer in workers exposed to carbon black.
IARC Monographs Volume 93 — Carbon Black
Nanoparticle-sized carbon black can penetrate skin and accumulate in tissue.
Inhalation of loose powder products containing carbon black poses respiratory cancer risk.
May be contaminated with PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), which are known carcinogens.
Global Regulatory Status
How carbon black is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.
100% of countries with data ban or restrict this ingredient
Details
Permitted as color additive with purity requirements.
Details
Permitted as colorant (CI 77266) in Annex IV; banned in lip products; nano form restricted.
Details
Permitted as colorant; banned in lip products, mirroring EU.
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Permitted with purity requirements; restricted in lip products.
Details
Permitted as colorant with purity requirements.
Details
Permitted as colorant with purity and product-type restrictions.
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Permitted with purity requirements.
Details
Permitted as colorant with purity standards.
Details
Permitted as colorant with purity requirements.
Details
Permitted as colorant with restrictions, aligned with EU.
Why Brands Use Carbon Black
Produces the deepest, most intense black pigment available. Extremely stable and inexpensive compared to natural black alternatives.
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Better alternatives exist. Brands choose carbon black because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like iron oxide black (CI 77499), activated charcoal (for color), magnetite deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Carbon Black in Product Categories
Click a category to see every product containing carbon black in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.
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Safe Alternatives
What Numbrrrz Uses Instead
Numbrrrz lip balms contain no carbon black or synthetic colorants. Our simple four-ingredient formula has no need for pigments — and zero PAH contamination risk.
