Colouring Agent/Pigment

Basic Blue 124

INCI: BASIC BLUE 124

Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 14 Aug 2026

A synthetic dye primarily used in hair colouring with limited skincare applications

Best For Skin Types

All

Usage Frequency

As part of regular product use

What Is Basic Blue 124?

Basic Blue 124 is a synthetic organic dye belonging to the basic dye class. It is primarily formulated for hair colouring applications rather than skincare. The ingredient functions as a colorant and is classified under the INCI nomenclature system used in cosmetics regulation.

In skincare products, Basic Blue 124 would be used solely for aesthetic colour purposes, typically to tint formulations or demonstrate product texture and consistency to consumers.

How It Works

Basic Blue 124 functions as a colorant by absorbing and reflecting light wavelengths in the blue spectrum. When incorporated into a product, the dye molecules distribute throughout the formula to impart colour.

As a synthetic dye, it does not interact with skin in a therapeutic manner; it is purely a visual additive with no active skincare benefit.

Clinical Evidence & References

Research on Basic Blue 124 specifically in skincare is limited. However, textile dye allergenicity studies have documented that disperse and basic blue dyes, including variants similar to Basic Blue 124, can trigger allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. A Melbourne dermatology clinic study found that Disperse Blue 124 accounted for approximately 11.2% of positive reactions in patients with suspected textile dye allergies.

This suggests that whilst Basic Blue 124 is generally well-tolerated in cosmetic formulations, individuals with known sensitivities to textile dyes warrant caution. Dedicated safety assessments specific to cosmetic formulations would be needed to establish comprehensive safety data for skincare use.

How to Use

Basic Blue 124 is an ingredient selected and used by manufacturers during formulation; it requires no specific application technique from the user. Simply apply the product as directed by the brand. If you have a known history of contact dermatitis to dyes or clothing dyes, perform a patch test before first use.

Safety & Precautions

Basic Blue 124 is generally recognised as safe in cosmetic formulations at permitted concentrations. However, individuals with a history of allergic contact dermatitis to textile dyes should exercise caution, as cross-reactivity with similar dye compounds is possible.

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