The Lab
Specimen No. 0160
CautionSyntheticdyehormone disruptor

Disperse Dyes (Synthetic Fabric)

disperse yellow · disperse blue · disperse red

Synthetic dyes used in polyester, nylon, and acetate fabrics that readily migrate onto skin due to poor fiber bonding. A leading cause of textile contact dermatitis and among the most common allergens in patch testing. Some disperse dyes release carcinogenic arylamines and have mutagenic potential.

medium confidence
Researched April 18, 2026

Concerns

  • Major cause of textile contact dermatitis — among top 10 patch-test allergens
  • Migrate onto skin from synthetic fabrics, especially under sweating conditions
  • Some dyes release carcinogenic arylamines under metabolic conditions
  • Mutagenic potential documented in in vitro testing

Regulatory flags

  • EU banned carcinogenic disperse dyes in textiles (REACH Annex XVII)
  • Common cause of textile contact dermatitis

Commonly found in

Polyester clothingNylon hosieryAcetate fabricSynthetic underwearActivewear

Research disclaimer: This rating is based on available peer-reviewed research and regulatory assessments at the time of publication. It is not medical advice. Consult a qualified professional for personal health or skin concerns.

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