What is D&C Red 21?
D&C Red 21 (INCI name: CI 45380) falls into the colorant category — a cosmetic colorant. A staining red dye used in long-wear lip products, rated 3/5.
You may see it on labels as D&C Red 21, D & C Red 21, D&C Red #21, Ci 45380, so it can hide under more than one name in an ingredient list.
Where D&C Red 21 shows up
As a cosmetic colorant, D&C Red 21 typically appears in lipsticks, blushes, and other colour cosmetics. Separately from clogging, its irritancy is rated 0/5 — low, so it's unlikely to sting or sensitise on its own.
Is D&C Red 21 bad for acne-prone skin?
A moderate rating means D&C Red 21 clogs some people and not others. If you're prone to congestion, patch-test a product that features it prominently before committing.
Non-comedogenic alternatives
If you're avoiding D&C Red 21, these lower-risk ingredients serve a similar role and are gentler on pore-prone skin:
- Squalane — rated 1/5 (Low risk).
- Niacinamide — rated 0/5 (Low risk).