Basic Green 4

Basic Green 4 and pregnancy

Not Recommended

• Known teratogen
• Fetal development
• Absorbed into the body

Basic Green 4 (Malachite Green, CI 42000) is a synthetic dye that has been used in hair coloring and some cosmetic products. It produces a bright green color but has significant documented health concerns that make it inappropriate for use during pregnancy. The European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has determined that Basic Green 4 is genotoxic (damages DNA) and has banned it from cosmetics due to concerns about carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity. Studies have demonstrated that this dye can be absorbed through the skin and has shown evidence of causing developmental abnormalities in animal studies. The potential for DNA damage and developmental effects makes it particularly concerning during pregnancy when fetal development is occurring. According to EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Basic Green 4 is prohibited in cosmetic products. ACOG and dermatologists strongly advise avoiding products containing ingredients banned in major markets due to safety concerns, especially during pregnancy. Any product containing this ingredient should be avoided entirely. Look for cosmetics that use safer, approved colorants.

Basic Green 4 and breastfeeding

Not Recommended

• Passes into breast milk
• Infant exposure

Basic Green 4 is a synthetic dye with documented toxicity concerns that make it unsuitable for use during breastfeeding. The compound has shown evidence of systemic absorption through skin and mucous membranes. Given the dye's genotoxic properties and potential for systemic absorption, there is risk of transfer to breast milk and subsequent infant exposure. The European Union has banned this ingredient from cosmetics specifically due to safety concerns including carcinogenicity and developmental toxicity. These same concerns extend to the breastfeeding period, as infants are particularly vulnerable to toxic exposures. Dermatologists and pediatricians recommend avoiding cosmetic ingredients that have been banned by major regulatory bodies, particularly during breastfeeding. The FDA and EU both discourage or prohibit use of this colorant. Choose products using approved, safer colorants like iron oxides or titanium dioxide.

Basic Green 4 and postpartum

Not Recommended

Basic Green 4 is banned in EU cosmetics due to genotoxicity and carcinogenicity concerns. These health risks apply regardless of reproductive status, making it unsuitable for anyone to use. The ingredient's DNA-damaging properties and potential cancer risk mean it should be avoided by all consumers, not just during specific reproductive phases. Use cosmetics with approved, safer colorants instead.

Basic Green 4 and trying to conceive

Not Recommended

• Fertility effects
• Hormone disruptor
• Builds up in tissue

Basic Green 4 is banned in EU cosmetics due to genotoxicity (DNA damage), carcinogenicity concerns, and developmental toxicity. These properties make it particularly unsuitable when trying to conceive, as genetic integrity and hormonal balance are crucial for successful conception and early fetal development. The dye's ability to damage DNA and potentially disrupt endocrine function could theoretically affect fertility and early embryonic development. The compound can be absorbed systemically through skin, and given its toxic profile, it should be avoided during the preconception period. Most fertility specialists recommend eliminating known toxicants and endocrine disruptors when trying to conceive.

Basic Green 4 and PCOS

Not Recommended

• Endocrine disruptor

Basic Green 4 is a synthetic dye banned in EU cosmetics due to serious safety concerns including genotoxicity and potential endocrine disruption. These risks are particularly concerning for women with PCOS, who already experience hormonal imbalances. The compound has shown evidence of interfering with hormonal systems in addition to its DNA-damaging effects. For women with PCOS who are managing hormonal issues, exposure to potential endocrine disruptors is especially undesirable and could theoretically worsen hormonal symptoms. The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety concluded that Basic Green 4 should not be used in cosmetics. Dermatologists and endocrinologists strongly recommend that women with PCOS avoid products containing banned or restricted ingredients, particularly those with endocrine-disrupting potential. Choose cosmetics with approved, safer colorants.

Basic Green 4 and general use

Not Recommended

• Carcinogen concern
• Common allergen
• Endocrine disruptor

Basic Green 4 (CI 42000), also known as Malachite Green, is a synthetic triarylmethane dye that produces a bright green color. While it has been used historically in cosmetics and hair dyes, substantial safety concerns have led to its prohibition in many markets. The European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has determined that Basic Green 4 is genotoxic (causes DNA damage) and has classified it as a carcinogen. Studies have shown it can cause chromosomal aberrations, developmental toxicity, and has potential endocrine-disrupting properties. The dye can be absorbed through skin and has been associated with allergic reactions and sensitization. According to EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, Basic Green 4 is BANNED from use in cosmetic products. The SCCS concluded it should not be used in cosmetics applied to the skin. If you encounter this ingredient in a cosmetic product, particularly one imported or purchased from unregulated sources, it should be avoided. Choose products using approved, safer colorants like iron oxides, mica, or other approved pigments.

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

• Flagged in pregnancy
• Flagged in breastfeeding
• Flagged in postpartum
• Flagged in trying to conceive
• Flagged in PCOS

Related ingredients

Ingredients suggested in place of Basic Green 4, each one with its own page here.

• Iron Oxides
• Mica
• Titanium Dioxide

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

• Linoleamide DEACarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Endocrine disruptor
• TolueneCarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Endocrine disruptor
• AcrylamideCarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Endocrine disruptor
• 1-NaphtholCarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Builds up in tissue
• Symphytum Officinale Leaf ExtractCarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Builds up in tissue
• Acorus Calamus Rhizome ExtractCarcinogen concern, Known teratogen, Builds up in tissue

Where this came from

Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.

Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on 15 September 2026.