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Colorant

RUBIA TINCTORUM ROOT

CAS 84650-16-8
22

Safety score · 0–100

Caution

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

About

Madder root — a historical red dye, but it contains lucidin, a genotoxic anthraquinone. Largely withdrawn from modern safe-use lists.

Rubia tinctorum (madder) root has been used for millennia as a red dye and folk medicine. It contains anthraquinones including alizarin, purpurin, and — most problematically — lucidin, which is established as genotoxic and mutagenic in Ames and mammalian cell assays. In 2001 the EU Commission (Decision 2001/773/EC and subsequent) withdrew herbal medicines containing madder root due to genotoxicity concerns. EU CosIng lists the INCI but there is no positive SCCS opinion supporting cosmetic use, and most regulatory and industry guidance treats it as unsuitable for cosmetics. Evidence is high on the genotoxicity side.

Skin benefits

  • Historical natural pigment

Known concerns

  • Lucidin genotoxicity
  • EU withdrawal from herbal medicines
  • No positive SCCS opinion for cosmetics
  • Reported skin reactions

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

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This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.