Ingredient

Phloxine B

Phloxine B is flagged for pregnancy and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is increases sun sensitivity and absorbed into the body.

By Team TruvaLast checked

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
PregnancyCAUTION

Phloxine B and pregnancy

Caution Advised

Phloxine B is a synthetic halogenated dye used as a colorant in cosmetics. It belongs to the xanthene dye family and contains bromine and chlorine atoms. The dye is primarily used for its red/pink color in external cosmetic products. The primary concern during pregnancy relates to the dye's photosensitizing properties and potential for generating reactive oxygen species when exposed to light. While specific pregnancy studies are limited, pregnant skin is already more sensitive to UV damage and pigmentation changes. The halogenated structure raises theoretical concerns about bioaccumulation, though evidence is insufficient to determine fetal risk. Some animal studies of related halogenated dyes have shown potential toxicity, but human data for topical Phloxine B is scarce. Neither FDA nor ACOG has issued specific guidance on Phloxine B during pregnancy. However, given pregnancy-related skin sensitivity, the photosensitizing properties, and limited safety data, many dermatologists suggest pregnant women take a cautious approach. The dye's restricted use in cosmetics (external use only, not near eyes or lips) reflects regulatory acknowledgment of its reactive properties. Pregnant women may prefer to avoid products with this colorant, especially for facial use where sun exposure is common.

BreastfeedingSAFE

Phloxine B and breastfeeding

Safe to Use

Phloxine B is a synthetic colorant used externally in cosmetics. As a large dye molecule applied topically, systemic absorption is expected to be minimal, reducing concerns about milk transfer. While specific data on breastfeeding is lacking, the primary concern would be photosensitizing effects on maternal skin rather than infant exposure through milk. The dye's large molecular structure and topical-only application suggest minimal risk of significant milk transfer. No cases of infant effects from maternal topical use have been reported. There are no specific warnings from pediatric or dermatology organizations about topical dye use while breastfeeding. The main consideration is avoiding application near the breast area where direct infant contact could occur. Breastfeeding women can likely use products containing this dye on other body areas with appropriate sun protection.

PostpartumSAFE

Phloxine B and postpartum

Safe to Use

Phloxine B can be used by postpartum women not breastfeeding, though its photosensitizing properties require consideration. Postpartum skin may be more sensitive due to hormonal changes, making sun protection particularly important when using this dye. The main precaution is ensuring adequate sun protection when using products containing this colorant, as it increases UV sensitivity. Women with postpartum melasma or hyperpigmentation should be especially cautious, as photosensitizing agents could worsen pigmentation concerns.

Trying to ConceiveSAFE

Phloxine B and trying to conceive

Safe to Use

Phloxine B as a topical colorant has no known effects on fertility or reproductive hormones. The dye's large molecular structure and external-only cosmetic use suggest minimal systemic exposure that could affect conception. There is no evidence linking topical dye use with fertility concerns. Women trying to conceive can use products containing this colorant, though sun protection is important due to photosensitizing properties. Some women prefer to minimize chemical exposures when trying to conceive, in which case natural mineral colorants may be preferred.

PCOSSAFE

Phloxine B and PCOS

Safe to Use

Phloxine B is a colorant with no known hormonal activity or impact on androgen, estrogen, or insulin pathways. The dye functions purely as a cosmetic colorant without endocrine effects. There are no concerns regarding hormone disruption or PCOS symptom exacerbation with this ingredient. The dye's structure and mechanism do not interact with hormonal pathways relevant to PCOS management. Women with PCOS can use products containing this dye. The main consideration is sun protection due to photosensitizing properties, which is important for all users but especially those with PCOS-related skin sensitivity or hyperpigmentation concerns.

General UseCAUTION

Phloxine B and general use

Caution Advised

Phloxine B is a synthetic colorant approved for external cosmetic use. The primary concern for general users is its photosensitizing properties, which increase skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet light and can lead to phototoxic reactions. Users of products containing Phloxine B should apply appropriate sun protection and avoid excessive UV exposure. The dye may cause irritation in sensitive individuals and can generate reactive oxygen species when exposed to light. Some people prefer to avoid halogenated dyes due to concerns about potential long-term effects, though regulatory bodies have deemed it safe for restricted cosmetic use. The FDA and EU regulate Phloxine B for external cosmetic use only, prohibiting its use around eyes and lips. This restriction reflects the dye's reactive properties and potential for irritation in sensitive areas. While approved for use, consumers should be aware of the photosensitizing effects and take appropriate precautions.

Same profiles

Everything else flagged for the same profiles

Keep reading

Related ingredients

Ingredients suggested in place of Phloxine B, each one with its own page here.

Ingredients that raise the same concerns.

Provenance

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.

Download on theApp Store