Ingredient
CI 12700
CI 12700 is flagged for pregnancy and trying to conceive. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and common allergen.
- Yellow 11
- Pigment Yellow 1
- Hansa Yellow
- Toluidine Yellow
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
CI 12700 and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
- Common allergen
CI 12700 (Yellow 11) is a synthetic azo dye used as a yellow colorant primarily in nail polishes and some decorative cosmetics. Azo dyes are a class of synthetic colorants that have raised some concerns in toxicology due to their chemical structure. While specific pregnancy studies on CI 12700 are limited, some azo dyes have shown potential for metabolic breakdown into compounds of concern. The absorption through intact skin is generally low, but the ingredient can cause sensitization and allergic reactions. Due to the lack of comprehensive safety data for topical use during pregnancy and the potential for sensitization, some dermatologists recommend avoiding synthetic azo dyes when safer alternatives exist. The EU has restricted CI 12700 from use in products that contact mucous membranes, and it's primarily found in nail products where dermal contact is limited. However, given the limited pregnancy-specific data and the availability of safer colorant alternatives, conservative medical practitioners suggest minimizing exposure to synthetic azo dyes during pregnancy.
CI 12700 and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
CI 12700 is a synthetic colorant used primarily in nail products and decorative cosmetics. When used in nail polish or other products with limited skin contact, systemic absorption is minimal. There is no evidence that CI 12700 transfers to breast milk in significant amounts when used topically in cosmetics. The primary concern with this ingredient is skin sensitization rather than systemic effects. For breastfeeding mothers, the risk is considered low when used in nail products or makeup that doesn't contact the breast or nipple area. The AAD has not issued specific warnings about synthetic colorants during breastfeeding. As with all cosmetics, mothers should avoid applying products containing this ingredient to areas that may come into direct contact with the breastfed infant.
CI 12700 and postpartum
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
- Irritant
CI 12700 is safe for general cosmetic use in postpartum women not breastfeeding, though individuals with sensitive skin should be aware of potential sensitization. The ingredient is primarily used in nail products where skin contact is limited. The main consideration is the potential for allergic reactions or contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Postpartum women with no history of sensitivity to synthetic dyes can use products containing CI 12700 without special precautions.
CI 12700 and trying to conceive
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
CI 12700 presents a medium-risk consideration for women trying to conceive due to limited safety data on reproductive health. While topical absorption is low, especially in nail products, some healthcare providers recommend avoiding synthetic azo dyes when planning pregnancy due to the lack of comprehensive safety studies. The conservative approach is to minimize exposure to synthetic colorants with uncertain reproductive safety profiles when trying to conceive. Natural mineral pigments like iron oxides provide safer alternatives for those who prefer to avoid potential risks during the preconception period.
CI 12700 and PCOS
Safe to Use
CI 12700 is safe for women with PCOS as it is a synthetic colorant with no hormonal activity. Azo dyes do not have androgenic or estrogenic properties and do not interfere with metabolic or hormonal function. The ingredient poses no specific concerns for women with PCOS. As with the general population, the primary consideration is potential skin sensitization in individuals prone to contact dermatitis. Women with PCOS can use cosmetics containing CI 12700 without concern for hormonal impact. The colorant does not affect acne, oil production, or other PCOS-related skin concerns.
CI 12700 and general use
Safe to Use
- Common allergen
- Irritant
CI 12700 is a synthetic yellow azo dye used primarily in nail polishes and some decorative cosmetics. It provides bright, stable coloration and is approved for use in cosmetics in both the EU and US with certain restrictions. The primary concern with CI 12700 is the potential for allergic contact dermatitis and skin sensitization in susceptible individuals. The SCCS has reviewed this colorant and noted that while it can cause sensitization, the risk is relatively low when used in nail products where skin contact is minimal. People with a history of reactions to synthetic dyes should patch test products before use. The EU restricts CI 12700 from use in products intended for mucous membranes and eye area application. It is permitted in nail products and rinse-off formulations with appropriate restrictions. For the general population without dye sensitivities, it is considered safe when used as directed in approved product categories.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of CI 12700, 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 .
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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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