A black pigment of fine carbon particles, used as a colorant.
What it is
Carbon black is a colorant consisting of finely divided particles of elemental carbon obtained by the incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons. It also appears under the Colour Index number CI 77266. CosIng lists it as a colorant.
Where it is used
Found in mascaras, eyeliners, eyebrow products, eyeshadows and other black or dark makeup.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name does not reveal the particle size or whether a nano form is used; a nano form must be labelled as such in the EU.
Functions
- Colorant
- Exclusively or mainly intended to colour the cosmetic product, the body as a whole or certain parts thereof, by absorption or reflection of visible light; (precursors of oxidative hair colorants shall be deemed colorants). All authorised colorants are substances in the positive list of Annex IV to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
EU regulation
- Conditions and warnings
- Purity > 97 %, with the following impurity profile: Ash content ≤ 0,15 %, total sulphur ≤ 0,65 %, total PAH ≤ 500 ppb and benzo(a)pyrene ≤ 5 ppb, dibenz(a,h)anthracene ≤ 5 ppb, total As ≤ 3 ppm, total Pb ≤ 10 ppm, total Hg ≤ 1 ppm.
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2016/1120
Safety Gate alerts (EU)
2 alerts about dangerous cosmetics in the EU mention this substance. An alert concerns a specific product, usually one that breaks EU rules.
- Wet n Wild – Wet n Wild Proline Felt Tip Eyeliner (2026-01-29)
- WET N WILD PROLINE FELT TIP EYELINER (2025-12-09)