Ingredient
CI 77268:1
CI 77268:1 is flagged for pregnancy. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body.
- Carbon Black
- Pigment Black 6
- D&C Black No. 2
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
- 1 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 1 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
CI 77268:1 and pregnancy
Caution Advised
- Absorbed into the body
CI 77268:1 is carbon black, a black pigment commonly used in eye makeup products like mascara and eyeliner. It provides intense black color but serves no skincare function. The primary concern with carbon black during pregnancy relates to potential PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) contamination, which can occur during manufacturing. While cosmetic-grade carbon black must meet purity standards, PAHs are known environmental contaminants that can cross the placental barrier. Studies on PAH exposure during pregnancy have raised concerns about potential effects on fetal development and birth outcomes. The risk from cosmetic use is likely lower than occupational or environmental exposure, but data specific to pregnancy is limited. The EU requires strict PAH limits for carbon black in cosmetics. Many dermatologists and toxicologists suggest that pregnant women can use eye makeup containing purified carbon black, but some recommend minimizing use of products applied near mucous membranes (like eyeliner on the waterline) where absorption may be higher. If concerned, iron oxide-based black pigments offer a safer alternative.
CI 77268:1 and breastfeeding
Safe to Use
CI 77268:1 (carbon black) is a pigment used primarily in eye makeup products. When used as intended on external skin surfaces, it has minimal systemic absorption. Carbon black particles remain largely on the skin surface and do not significantly penetrate into the bloodstream when used in cosmetic formulations. The minimal absorption means virtually no transfer to breast milk would occur from typical cosmetic use. Eye makeup products are applied to areas far from breast tissue, further reducing any theoretical concern. This ingredient is considered low-risk during breastfeeding when used in properly formulated cosmetics meeting purity standards. There are no specific warnings about carbon black use in makeup during breastfeeding.
CI 77268:1 and postpartum
Safe to Use
CI 77268:1 is a black pigment used in eye makeup and other cosmetics. It provides color without skincare benefits. For postpartum women not breastfeeding, there are no specific concerns with carbon black in cosmetics beyond general considerations for the general population. The ingredient is considered safe when meeting purity standards for PAH content.
CI 77268:1 and trying to conceive
Safe to Use
CI 77268:1 is a pigment with minimal systemic absorption when used in cosmetics. There is no evidence suggesting it affects fertility or reproductive function. Women trying to conceive can use makeup products containing carbon black without specific concern for conception. Once pregnant, you may want to evaluate your comfort level with continued use, but during the TTC phase, this ingredient poses minimal risk to fertility.
CI 77268:1 and PCOS
Safe to Use
CI 77268:1 (carbon black) is an inert pigment used for coloration in cosmetics. It does not interact with hormones or metabolic pathways. There is no evidence that carbon black affects androgen levels, insulin sensitivity, or other hormonal factors relevant to PCOS. Women with PCOS can safely use makeup products containing this ingredient without concern for hormonal effects. The only consideration for PCOS would be if you have particularly sensitive or acne-prone skin around the eyes, though carbon black itself has a low to moderate comedogenic rating and is generally well-tolerated in eye makeup formulations.
CI 77268:1 and general use
Safe to Use
CI 77268:1 is carbon black, a black pigment widely used in cosmetics, particularly eye makeup products like mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow. It provides deep black color and has been used in cosmetics for decades. While carbon black has raised concerns in occupational settings due to inhalation exposure, cosmetic use presents a different exposure profile. The IARC classification as possibly carcinogenic is based primarily on workers inhaling large amounts of carbon black dust. In cosmetics, the ingredient is bound in formulations and not in respirable form. The main regulatory concern is ensuring PAH impurities are controlled during manufacturing. Both the EU and US permit carbon black in cosmetics when it meets purity standards for PAH content. The SCCS has evaluated carbon black and considers it safe for cosmetic use within specified purity limits. For most people, carbon black in makeup poses minimal risk when products are from reputable manufacturers following regulatory standards.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of CI 77268:1, 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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