What is D&C Red 3?
D&C Red 3 (INCI name: CI 45430) is a cosmetic colorant. A red colorant rated 3/5 on the classic scale.
You may see it on labels as D&C Red 3, D & C Red 3, D&C Red #3, Ci 45430, so it can hide under more than one name in an ingredient list.
Where D&C Red 3 shows up
You'll most often find D&C Red 3 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 3 bad for acne-prone skin?
A moderate rating means D&C Red 3 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 3, 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).