Ingredients

Sunset yellow, a synthetic orange-yellow dye. Approved for cosmetics; a small number of people are sensitive to azo dyes like it.

Also written Sunset Yellow, Yellow 6

Allura red, a synthetic red dye. Approved for cosmetics; a small number of people are sensitive to azo dyes like it.

Also written Allura Red, Red 40

Tartrazine, a synthetic yellow dye. Approved for cosmetics; a small number of people are sensitive to it.

Also written Tartrazine, Yellow 5

Brilliant blue, a synthetic blue dye used in shampoos, mouthwash and make-up. Approved for cosmetics and rarely a problem on skin.

Also written Blue 1, Brilliant Blue

Red iron oxide — a mineral pigment behind the warm tones of foundations and blushes. Very well tolerated.

Yellow iron oxide — a mineral pigment used to match skin tones in foundations. Very well tolerated.

Black iron oxide — a mineral pigment in mascara, eyeliner and deeper foundation shades. Very well tolerated.

The US label name for the red, yellow and black iron oxide pigments (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499) behind most foundations. Very well tolerated.

A mineral that adds shimmer. Safe on skin; ethical sourcing is the main concern.

Also written CI 77019

The key ingredient in most permanent dark hair dyes and a potent allergen — patch test every time, and never use it on skin ("black henna").

Also written PPD

A hair-dye ingredient used in place of PPD in many permanent dyes. It's a strong allergen too — many people allergic to PPD react to it. Patch test before every colouring.

Also written 2,5-Diaminotoluene, PTD