Ingredient
Disperse Violet 1
Disperse Violet 1 is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, postpartum, trying to conceive, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and carcinogen concern.
- CI 61100
- 1,4-Diamino-2-methoxyanthraquinone
- Solvent Violet 12
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 4 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Disperse Violet 1 and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Carcinogen concern
- Fetal development
Disperse Violet 1 is a synthetic dye that has been classified as a suspected carcinogen by regulatory authorities. It can be absorbed through the skin, particularly when used in hair dyes or products applied to large surface areas. The SCCS explicitly concluded that Disperse Violet 1 is not safe for use in cosmetics during pregnancy. Its carcinogenic potential and ability to cause DNA damage raise serious concerns about fetal development. While specific teratogenicity studies are limited, the principle of avoiding potential carcinogens during pregnancy is universally accepted. ACOG recommends pregnant women avoid products containing known or suspected carcinogens whenever possible. This ingredient is banned in the EU and should be avoided in all cosmetics. No reputable dermatologist or obstetrician would recommend using products containing this dye during pregnancy. If you find this ingredient listed on a product, the product should be discarded and the manufacturer questioned about quality control.
Disperse Violet 1 and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Carcinogen concern
- Infant exposure
Disperse Violet 1 is a banned carcinogenic dye that should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Its ability to be absorbed systemically raises concerns about transfer into breast milk and subsequent infant exposure. The carcinogenic classification and strong allergen profile make this ingredient completely inappropriate for use during lactation. Even if milk transfer is limited, the risk of maternal skin reactions and the ethical concerns about using a banned carcinogen outweigh any cosmetic benefit. The AAD and pediatric organizations universally recommend avoiding banned or carcinogenic cosmetic ingredients during breastfeeding. This dye is banned in the EU precisely because safer alternatives exist. Any product containing this ingredient should be avoided, and consumers should report such products to regulatory authorities.
Disperse Violet 1 and postpartum
Not Recommended
- Carcinogen concern
- Common allergen
Disperse Violet 1 is banned in the EU as a suspected carcinogen and strong allergen. Its use should be avoided by all individuals, including postpartum women. The ingredient provides no benefit that cannot be achieved with safer colorant alternatives. Postpartum women often have sensitive skin and altered immune responses, potentially increasing susceptibility to the severe allergic reactions associated with this dye. The carcinogenic risk remains regardless of pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
Disperse Violet 1 and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Carcinogen concern
- Builds up in tissue
Women trying to conceive should strictly avoid Disperse Violet 1 due to its classification as a suspected carcinogen. The preconception period is important for minimizing exposure to potentially harmful substances that could affect egg quality or early fetal development. While specific effects on fertility have not been extensively studied, the carcinogenic potential and DNA-damaging properties suggest this ingredient should be avoided when preparing for pregnancy. Reproductive specialists recommend eliminating unnecessary chemical exposures, especially banned substances, during the TTC period.
Disperse Violet 1 and PCOS
Not Recommended
- Common allergen
- Carcinogen concern
Disperse Violet 1 is a banned carcinogenic dye with no place in any skincare routine, including for women with PCOS. The ingredient has no beneficial effects on hormonal balance, acne, or any PCOS-related skin concerns. Women with PCOS often have heightened inflammatory responses and may be at increased risk for the severe allergic contact dermatitis associated with this dye. The carcinogenic potential affects all populations equally. The EU ban on this ingredient reflects scientific consensus that it is unsafe for cosmetic use. Women with PCOS should choose hair colorants and cosmetics that use safe, approved colorants such as iron oxides or other mineral pigments.
Disperse Violet 1 and general use
Not Recommended
- Carcinogen concern
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Disperse Violet 1 is a synthetic anthraquinone dye that is banned in the European Union due to serious safety concerns. It was historically used in hair dyes and textile applications but has been removed from the cosmetics market in most regulated jurisdictions. The SCCS classified this ingredient as a Category 2 carcinogen (suspected of causing cancer in humans) and documented its strong allergenic potential. It causes allergic contact dermatitis in a significant percentage of exposed individuals and can trigger severe skin reactions including eczema and photoallergic responses. The dye can penetrate the skin and potentially cause systemic effects. According to the EU Cosmetics Regulation, Disperse Violet 1 is prohibited in all cosmetic products. If you find this ingredient on a product label, the product is either old stock, illegally imported, or manufactured without proper regulatory compliance. Such products should not be used and should be reported to consumer protection authorities. Safe violet colorants include manganese violet and various iron oxide combinations.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
Related ingredients
Ingredients suggested in place of Disperse Violet 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 .
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