Is red dye 30 safe? Separating Fact from Red Dye 3 Confusion

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the FDA, D&C Red No. 30 is a safe additive for its approved use in drugs and cosmetics, a fact often confused with the recent ban on the unrelated FD&C Red No. 3. This article clarifies if red dye 30 is safe and explains the important distinction between these color additives.

Quick Summary

D&C Red No. 30 is an FDA-approved dye for specific cosmetic and ingested drug applications, distinct from the recently banned food additive FD&C Red No. 3. Its safety depends on its intended, regulated use.

Key Points

FDA Distinction: D&C Red No. 30, used in cosmetics and drugs, is different from FD&C Red No. 3, which was recently banned from food.
Approved for Specific Uses: D&C Red No. 30 is only FDA-approved for external cosmetic and drug use, not for ingestion.
Not Associated with Cancer in Rats: The cancer risks linked to thyroid tumors in rats were connected to Red Dye 3, not D&C Red No. 30.
Strictly Regulated: The FDA requires manufacturers to certify each batch of D&C Red No. 30 to ensure it meets strict purity standards.
Avoidance is Simple: Since it is not used in food, consumers can avoid D&C Red No. 30 by reading cosmetic and drug labels if they have concerns.
Potential for Sensitivity: Although generally considered safe, some individuals may experience skin irritation or sensitivity to synthetic dyes like Red 30.

What Is D&C Red No. 30?

First, it is crucial to understand that D&C Red No. 30 is not the same as FD&C Red No. 3, which was recently banned by the FDA for use in food. D&C Red No. 30, also known by its chemical name 6-chloro-2-(6-chloro-4-methyl-3-oxobenzo[b]thien-2(3H)-ylidene)-4-methyl-benzo[b]thiophen-3(2H)-one, is a synthetic pigment derived from petroleum or coal tar. It is a member of the thioindigo class of colorants. Unlike its more controversial counterpart, D&C Red No. 30 is not approved for use in food products. Instead, its primary uses are in cosmetics, such as lipsticks and blushes, and in certain externally applied drugs. The FDA maintains strict regulations on its application, including specific batch certification to ensure purity and consistency.

The Critical Distinction: Red Dye 30 vs. Red Dye 3

Public confusion regarding the safety of D&C Red No. 30 largely stems from its misidentification with FD&C Red No. 3. While their names are similar, their regulatory history and applications are vastly different.

FD&C Red No. 3 (Erythrosine): This dye was historically used in foods, drugs, and cosmetics. In the 1980s, studies linked it to thyroid cancer in rats, leading the FDA to ban its use in cosmetics in 1990 under the Delaney Clause. It remained in food products for decades, prompting public health advocacy groups like the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) to petition for its removal from the food supply. As of January 2025, the FDA finally banned FD&C Red No. 3 from all food, beverages, and ingested drugs in the US, with manufacturers given until 2027 to comply.
D&C Red No. 30 (Thioindigo): This dye was never approved for use in ingestible products in the US. It is a different chemical compound and has not been the subject of the same cancer-related controversies as Red Dye 3. Its use is limited to externally applied drugs and cosmetics, with a specific restriction against being used around the eye area.

FDA Regulation and Safety of D&C Red No. 30

The FDA has listed D&C Red No. 30 as a safe additive for its specific applications in drugs and cosmetics, based on a comprehensive review of available safety data. However, this approval is not without stringent conditions.

Batch Certification: The FDA requires that every batch of D&C Red No. 30 manufactured for use in regulated products must be certified by the agency to meet strict specifications before it can be used.
Use Limitations: It is only permitted for external use in cosmetics and is explicitly prohibited in products intended for the area around the eye. For drugs, its use is limited to amounts consistent with current good manufacturing practices.

Potential Health Considerations for D&C Red No. 30

For the vast majority of people, D&C Red No. 30 poses no significant risk when used as intended. Because it is a topical, not ingested, dye, it is not associated with the internal health concerns linked to other color additives.

Potential for Sensitivity: While uncommon, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to cosmetic ingredients, including synthetic dyes like Red 30. Symptoms might include itching, rash, or redness at the application site.
Restricted Application: The restriction against use near the eyes is a precaution to prevent irritation or other adverse effects in this sensitive area.

Comparison: Red Dye 30 vs. Common Alternatives


Feature	D&C Red No. 30 (Synthetic)	Natural Alternatives (e.g., Beetroot Powder)
Source	Petroleum or coal tar derivatives	Plant-based sources (beets, berries)
Application	Cosmetics, externally applied drugs	Food, cosmetics, and supplements
Vibrancy	Very consistent and vibrant color	Can be less vibrant, may have an earthy scent/flavor
Stability	Very stable to light and heat	Less stable; can fade or change color over time
Regulations	Heavily regulated; requires batch certification by FDA	Varies by source; generally less oversight, but still subject to safety standards
Health Concerns	Generally considered safe for approved use; potential for skin sensitivity	Generally very safe; potential for allergic reactions in rare cases

Conclusion: Navigating the Facts on Red Dye 30

For consumers concerned about artificial dyes, the confusion surrounding red dyes can be significant. To answer the question, "Is red dye 30 safe?" the key is to recognize the difference between D&C Red No. 30 and the now-banned FD&C Red No. 3. D&C Red No. 30 remains FDA-approved for its specific use in externally applied cosmetics and drugs, and is considered safe for that purpose. It is not a food additive. Consumers concerned about synthetic colorants should always check ingredient lists, but can be confident that the specific cancer risks associated with the ingested FD&C Red No. 3 do not apply to D&C Red No. 30. As the cosmetics industry shifts toward natural alternatives, staying informed and checking labels remains the best practice for making health-conscious decisions.

For more detailed regulatory information, refer to the Cosmetics Info page on Red 30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Confusion is caused by the similar name to Red Dye 3 (FD&C Red No. 3), a food additive recently banned by the FDA due to cancer risks found in rat studies.

No, the FDA banned Red Dye 3 (FD&C Red No. 3) from food, beverages, and ingested drugs in January 2025. D&C Red No. 30 is a different dye that was never approved for food and is still allowed in certain cosmetics and drugs.

D&C Red No. 30 is used in certain cosmetics, such as lipsticks and blushes, and externally applied drugs. It is explicitly not for use in products for the eye area.

While generally considered safe for its approved uses, like any cosmetic ingredient, some individuals with sensitive skin may experience a reaction. It is not approved for ingestion.

Always check the ingredient label. The dye will be listed as 'D&C Red No. 30' in cosmetics and drugs. For food products, Red Dye 30 should not be listed as it is not an approved food additive.

For coloring, natural alternatives include ingredients derived from plants, such as beetroot powder, hibiscus, and purple sweet potato extract. These are often used in natural cosmetics and foods.

FD&C stands for 'Food, Drug, and Cosmetic' and indicates the dye is approved for all three applications. D&C stands for 'Drug and Cosmetic,' meaning the dye is only approved for use in drugs and cosmetics, not food.