Most dark black pigment in eye makeup comes from carbon black, or a version of it. Carbon black is made from the incomplete combustion of petroleum products. It is toxic, possibly carcinogenic, and the FDA has even found carbon black unsafe for cosmetics used around the eyes. A source of concern for carbon black in cosmetics is the dermal absorption of these impurities, particularly PAHs, which have been classified as genotoxic carcinogens. Check the ingredient label for either carbon black, D&C black #2, or black 2.
