COLOR INDEX (CI)
The Color Index (CI) identifies colorants using numbers that designate specific color pigments, such as CI 77007 for ultramarine blue. According to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, colorants in cosmetic products are ingredients that serve primarily to impart color to cosmetic products or parts of the body. Annex IV of the Regulation lists approved colorants, which are subject to rigorous safety testing before they may be used. In addition, the Regulation establishes specific maximum concentrations and permitted areas of use for certain colorants to ensure their safe use in cosmetic products.(1-3)
(1) European Union. (2009). Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of November 30, 2009, on cosmetic products.
(2) Wich, E. (1977). The Color Index. Color Research and Application, 2, 77–80.
(3) Bährle-Rapp, M. (2012). Springer Encyclopedia of Cosmetics and Personal Care. 4th revised and expanded edition. Springer.
