Ingredient list › D&C Red 21
Is D&C Red 21 comedogenic?
D&C Red 21 is a cosmetic colorant/dye. Its comedogenicity rating is 3/5 — moderate pore-clogging risk.
D&C Red 21 has a moderate chance of clogging pores. Plenty of people tolerate it, but if you break out easily it is worth watching — particularly if it is one of the first few ingredients listed.
What is D&C Red 21?
D&C Red 21 is a cosmetic colorant/dye. On a product label it may also appear under names such as: d&c red 21, red 21.
Fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe? Yes — it is not on common Malassezia trigger lists. Check a whole product for fungal-acne triggers →
Acne-safe alternatives to D&C Red 21
If D&C Red 21 breaks you out, these lower-rated colorant options are far less likely to clog pores:
- Iron Oxides — Acne safe · 0/5
- Mica — Acne safe · 0/5
- Squalane — Low risk · 1/5
- Glycerin — Acne safe · 0/5
- Niacinamide — Acne safe · 0/5
How to read this rating
A comedogenicity rating is general guidance, not a lab result for a specific formula. An ingredient near the end of an ingredient list is present in a small amount, so its rating matters less than one near the top. Read our full sources & methodology.