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Yes, you read that right. Most dark black pigment in eye makeup comes from carbon black, or a version of it. This is a red flag ingredient to look out for, particularly in eye makeup.

What Is Carbon Black

Carbon black, also known as CI 77266, is made from the incomplete combustion of petroleum products including fluid catalytic cracking tar, coal tar, ethylene cracking tar, and some vegetable oils.[1]

In cosmetics (particularly eye makeup), carbon black is used as a colorant and is a straight color, meaning it is not mixed with other substances.[2]

Why You Should Avoid Carbon Black

Carbon black is a group 2B carcinogen. It is possibly carcinogenic to humans and there is sufficient evidence that it can cause cancer in animals. Carbon black has impurities like arsenic, lead, mercury, sulfur, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo[a]pyrene. ⁠

D&C Black # 2 or Black 2 is carbon black that has been certified by the FDA. The FDA uses the preface "D&C" for regulated ingredients used in drugs and cosmetics. In order to be certified, carbon black must meet specifications like limits on the amount of impurities present.[3]

A major concern of carbon black in makeup is the dermal absorption of these impurities, particularly PAHs, which are contaminants of carbon black. PAHs have been classified as genotoxic carcinogens.[4][5]

How to Avoid Carbon Black In Eye Makeup

Check the ingredient label for either carbon black, D&C black #2, or black 2. Avoid products containing these ingredients.

A quick search of top-selling products reveals many eyeliners and mascaras contain carbon black such as the following:

Thrive Causmetics eyeliner
Estée Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Multiplying Volume mascara
Too Faced Better Than Sex Volumizing mascara
Huda Beauty Legit Lashes Double-Ended Volumizing and Lengthening mascara
Kat Von D Vegan Beauty Tattoo eyeliner
Tarte Tarteist Double Take eyeliner
L'Oréal Infallible Flash Cat Eye waterproof liquid eyeliner
Urban Decay Cosmetics 24/7 Glide-On eyeliner pencil
Physicians Formula Eye Boost 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner

Is Carbon Black Necessary In Cosmetics?

Fortunately, thoughtful companies are now creating the same deep black color using safer, synthetically created minerals like iron oxides in mascara, eyeliner, and other cosmetics. In the US, iron oxides must be synthetic because in their natural form, larger amounts of heavy metals may be present.

Carbon Black-Free Eye Makeup

Here are my favorite carbon black-free makeup products:

Lily Lolo is an all around excellent mascara for length and buildable volume. Lily Lolo Big Lash (black tube) has a thicker brush and makes lashes appear fluffier. Ilia mascara is the perfect choice for those looking for lash definition, separation, length. TOK mascara defines and lengthens lashes. It has this unique soft silicone wand that won’t hurt if you bump your eye with it. W3ll People brow gel and liquid eyeliner are both pigmented with staying power and do not run or flake off. *Important note: The Well People clear brow gel contains carbon black and should be avoided.

Save 15% on Lily Lolo and TOK mascaras with code SWITCHNATURAL15.