Colorant

Basic Blue 99

INCI: BASIC BLUE 99
CAS 68123-13-7 EC 268-544-3
3-[(4-amino-6-bromo-5,8-dihydro-1-hydroxy-8-imino-5-oxo-2-naphtyl)amino]-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium chloride (CI 56059)
Limited Data
Insufficient safety data available. Consider enriching this ingredient.
Details

Description

3-[(4-amino-6-bromo-5,8-dihydro-1-hydroxy-8-imino-5-oxo-2-naphtyl)amino]-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium chloride (CI 56059)

Purpose

Function

Hair colorant (naphthoquinoneimine dye), hair conditioning agent
Profile

Properties

Silicone
Silicone free
Compliance

Regulatory Status

EU
Banned
Safety
POOR
US
Permitted
Absorptionlow
Sensitizationlow
MoSadequate
NOAEL180 mg/kg
ConcernHigh
Flags
potential-allergencoloranteu_children_restricted
Verdict

Composition variability is the primary concern with approximately 63% pure dye content and remainder sugars/salts containing potentially 40+ isomeric forms. Weak mutagen in some in vitro assays but CIR concluded no carcinogenic potential at hair dye use levels. Negative 90-day oral, negative DART, negative sensitization/irritation studies.

US Note

Coal tar hair dye exemption applies. CIR 2007: safe as a hair dye ingredient. Re-opened Dec 2022 due to composition variability concerns. Non-hair dye uses (nail polish) are unlawful without FDA color additive approval.

Assessment

Ratings

Comedogenic0/5
LowHigh
Irritancy0/5
LowHigh
Reference

Identifiers

CAS Number
68123-13-7
EC Number
268-544-3
INCI
BASIC BLUE 99
Category
Colorant
Updated
Apr 2, 2026