Ingredient
Carbon Black
Carbon Black is flagged for pregnancy and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is carcinogen concern and absorbed into the body.
- CI 77266
- Pigment Black 7
- Furnace Black
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Caution Advised
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 2 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 2 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Carbon Black and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
- Absorbed into the body
Carbon Black is a pigment used as a black colorant in eye makeup and other cosmetics. It consists of fine particles of elemental carbon produced through industrial processes. The concern during pregnancy relates to carbon black's classification by the IARC as a possible human carcinogen and potential contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). While topical absorption is generally low, the eye area has thinner, more permeable skin. Animal studies showing carcinogenic effects were primarily through inhalation, but precautionary avoidance during pregnancy is often recommended due to the theoretical risk of PAH exposure. The SCCS has expressed concerns about the quality and purity of carbon black in cosmetics. While there are no absolute prohibitions from ACOG or FDA specifically for pregnancy, many health-conscious practitioners recommend choosing alternatives when possible, especially given the availability of safer colorant options. The EU requires strict purity standards for carbon black in cosmetics.
Carbon Black and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
Carbon Black is used as a black pigment in cosmetics, applied topically to the skin surface, particularly around the eyes in makeup products. There is minimal systemic absorption from topical application of carbon black pigments. The primary concerns with carbon black relate to inhalation exposure (which isn't relevant in cosmetic use) and potential carcinogenic contamination. Since it's not absorbed significantly and doesn't transfer to breast milk, the risk during breastfeeding is considered low. However, general caution with pigment purity still applies. No specific warnings exist for carbon black during breastfeeding from medical authorities. Standard hygiene practices of keeping cosmetics away from the breastfed infant are sufficient.
Carbon Black and postpartum
Safe to Use
Carbon Black is a colorant used in cosmetics, particularly eye makeup. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, the main considerations are the same as for the general population. The carcinogenic concerns are based primarily on occupational inhalation exposure rather than cosmetic topical use. Postpartum women not breastfeeding face no additional specific risks beyond those for the general population.
Carbon Black and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
Carbon Black is a topical colorant with minimal systemic absorption. It does not have known effects on fertility or reproductive health. While carbon black has carcinogenic concerns in occupational settings with inhalation exposure, topical cosmetic use does not impact fertility. Women trying to conceive can use products containing carbon black, though some may choose alternatives as a precautionary measure before conception.
Carbon Black and PCOS
Safe to Use
Carbon Black is an inert colorant that does not have hormonal activity or interact with endocrine function. It's simply a pigment that sits on the skin surface. There are no concerns specific to PCOS with carbon black use. It does not affect hormone levels, insulin sensitivity, or other PCOS-related pathways. Women with PCOS can use products containing carbon black without concerns about their condition, though general safety considerations about pigment purity still apply.
Carbon Black and general use
Caution Advised
- Carcinogen concern
- Environmental pollutant
Carbon Black is widely used as a black pigment in cosmetics, especially in eye makeup like mascaras and eyeliners. It provides intense black color in formulations. The IARC classifies carbon black as a Group 2B possible carcinogen based on animal inhalation studies. The main concern in cosmetics is potential contamination with PAHs, which are known carcinogens. The SCCS has raised concerns about carbon black quality in cosmetics. While cosmetic exposure is topical (not inhaled), and absorption is minimal, the presence of potential contaminants raises precautionary concerns. Carbon black can also be comedogenic for some individuals. The EU Cosmetics Regulation restricts carbon black and requires purity standards. Many cosmetic brands are transitioning to alternative black pigments like iron oxides. While not banned, carbon black represents a medium-risk ingredient that consumers may wish to avoid when safer alternatives exist.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Carbon Black, each one with its own page here.
Ingredients that raise the same concerns.
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 .
One ingredient is the easy case.
A label has thirty of them. Truva reads the whole list at once and answers for the profile you set: pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS, or general use.
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