Ci 74160

Often listed under its INCI designation, CI 74160 is a synthetic pigment known chemically as Copper Phthalocyanine Blue. This intensely vibrant blue colorant belongs to the phthalocyanine family of compounds, which are complex organic molecules built around a central metal atom—in this case, copper. First developed in the 1930s, it is created through a controlled chemical synthesis rather than being derived from natural sources, which allows for exceptional purity and consistency. Its structure forms a highly stable, planar ring system that gives it remarkable resistance to light, heat, and chemical degradation, making it a workhorse in both industrial and cosmetic applications.

In cosmetic formulations, CI 74160 functions exclusively as a colorant, delivering a deep, rich blue hue that can range from a bright royal blue to a darker navy depending on its particle size and dispersion. It works by absorbing specific wavelengths of visible light and reflecting blue tones back to the eye, and its intense tinting strength means that only tiny amounts—often less than 0.1%—are needed to achieve the desired shade. Formulators value it for its exceptional stability; it does not bleed, fade, or react with other ingredients under normal conditions, which is why you'll find it in products ranging from eyeshadows and eyeliners to lipsticks and nail polishes. Because it is a certified color additive, it must meet strict purity standards set by regulatory bodies like the FDA and EU CosIng database, ensuring it is safe for use in leave-on and rinse-off cosmetics.

The primary benefit of CI 74160 is its ability to provide a consistent, vibrant blue color that remains true over time, even when exposed to sunlight or the oils on your skin. For consumers, this means your navy eyeliner won't suddenly turn greenish after a few hours, and your blue eyeshadow won't fade into a muddy gray by midday. Its chemical stability also makes it ideal for use in long-wear formulations, as it resists migration into fine lines or creasing. While clinical evidence on its skincare efficacy is nonexistent—since it is purely a color additive—its safety profile is well-documented through decades of use in both cosmetics and food packaging, with no known skin sensitization or irritation when used at authorized concentrations.

CI 74160 is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin, due to its inert nature and lack of biological activity. It is compatible with virtually all other cosmetic ingredients, including oils, waxes, silicones, and water-based emulsions, without causing instability or color shifts. The only limitation is that it is not approved for use in products intended for the eye area in some regions (though it is widely used in eye shadows in the EU and US under strict concentration limits), so always check local regulations. There are no known interactions with active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or acids, making it a safe choice for complex formulations. However, individuals with a rare allergy to copper should be cautious, as trace amounts of copper are integral to its molecular structure.

On a product label, CI 74160 will appear exactly as "CI 74160" or sometimes as "Blue 15" or "Pigment Blue 15" in the ingredient list, often near the end since it is used in very low concentrations. You can expect products containing this colorant to display a vivid, true blue that doesn't lean green or purple, and it will typically be paired with other pigments or mica for shimmer effects. One interesting fact: the phthalocyanine structure is so stable that it is also used in blue ink for banknotes and in laser printers, meaning the same molecule coloring your lipstick is also helping to prevent forgery on currency. Despite being synthetic, its durability and safety have made it a staple in clean beauty brands that prioritize long-lasting, non-toxic color.