Carbon Black (CI 77266)
The question

Is Carbon Black (CI 77266) safe in mascara?

AvoidMascara

Carbon-based black pigment used in cosmetics. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies carbon black as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B).

What the research flags

  • IARC Group 2B — possible human carcinogen
  • Lung toxicity with inhalation exposure (aerosol and powder products)
  • May contain PAH impurities
  • EU restricts to ≤10 ppm PAH content

Regulatory
IARC Group 2B (nanoparticle inhalation)

Other mascara ingredients on file

Sources & references

  1. [1]
    RegulatoryInternational regulator — iarc-monographs-on-the-identification-of-carcinogenic-hazards-to-humans
  2. [2]
    DatabaseIngredient database — 700394-CARBON_BLACK
  3. [3]
    RegulatoryInternational regulator — sccs_o_145.pdf

Research disclaimer: Ratings reflect peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments available at the time of publication, not the dose or formulation of any specific mascara product. This is not medical advice.