What Is Coal Tar Dye? The Colourful Ingredient to Watch Out For in Kids’ Products

🚫 Coal Tar Dyes – The Colourful Baddie Hiding in Plain Sight

Welcome to another letter in our Beauty Baddies Busted series! This week, we’re shining our sparkly spotlight on something that might look pretty in the bottle… but isn’t so pretty for your skin — Coal Tar Dyes.

What Are They?

These synthetic or man-made colours are made from—you guessed it—coal tar; a super dark, sticky syrup that comes from coal (the stuff that can make fire).

They show up as bright, bold colours in makeup, shampoo, and even bubble baths. Sigh.

Why They’re a No-Go:

Can be contaminated with heavy metals

May cause skin irritation or allergies

Scientists aren’t totally sure yet, but there have been signs it might not be the healthiest choice—so we like to stick with safer, cleaner options instead

What to Look Out For on Labels:

Look for things like:

• “CI” followed by a number

• “FD&C” or “D&C” followed by a colour and number (e.g. FD&C Blue No. 1)

  
  

Better (and Prettier!) Options:

• Natural colourants like beetroot, (we put this in our Tring Pamper Party lip balms!) clay, or mica

• Brands that label themselves as “synthetic dye-free”

🌿 Kid-Friendly & Dye-Free Brands

1. Weleda

A 100-year-old brand using sustainably sourced, naturally derived, NATRUE-certified ingredients No coal-tar dyes or synthetic colours, and plenty of gentle products

🛒 Learn more: Weleda Official

2. Green People (UK-based)

Pioneers in certified organic skincare since 1997, with a strong commitment to no synthetic colorants and an emphasis on sensitive skin care

🛒 Discover them here: Green People UK

3. 100% PURE

A California-based, award-winning brand offering fruit- and plant-pigmented cosmetics—no synthetic or coal-tar dyes allowed!🛍️ Shop their collection (mascara, foundation, blush, etc.) on their official site: https://www.100percentpure.com/

 4. ILIA Beauty

A clean beauty favourite with skin-enhancing ingredients and no FD&C or CI colorants. Lightweight products like their Super Serum Skin Tint and Limitless Lash Mascara are perfect for minimal, natural makeup routines.

🛍️ Explore their range here: ILIA Beauty | Clean Makeup, Cosmetics, & Skincare

Miss Sparkles Says:

If a colour looks like it belongs on a unicorn but doesn’t come from nature, check the label before you lather it on!

We’re glowing up the safe way — one ingredient at a time.

Until next time...🌈 Stay bright, stay curious, and always choose kind ingredients! 💌  subscribe

Friendly Heads-Up:

I’m sharing products I love and think are safer choices, but everyone’s skin is different—especially for kids! Always double-check ingredients and do a little patch test before using anything new. If you or your kiddo have allergies or skin sensitivities, it’s a great idea to chat with your doctor or skin expert first. I want everyone to glow safely, but I can’t promise these products will work perfectly for every single person.