Characteristics
- INCI
- Caramel
- CAS
-
8028-89-5
This is the substance number in the Chemical Abstracts Service registry. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance regardless of language, trade name, or synonyms.
- EC
-
232-435-9
This is the substance number in the European chemical identification system (EC number), used in European regulatory databases including ECHA/CosIng.
- Functions
- cosmetic colorant, masking
- EU Restr.
-
IV/146
EU regulatory status: restricted use. The ingredient is permitted in EU cosmetics but its use and labelling are regulated.
More detail →
Who it's for
Description
Caramel in cosmetics is the same familiar ingredient used to give foods their warm brown color. It is made by carefully heating food-grade sugars until they darken, creating a stable coloring material that can be used in a wide range of personal care products. In skincare and haircare, caramel is mainly there for appearance: it adds a golden, amber, or brown tint to formulas such as lotions, cleansers, shampoos, conditioners, makeup, and self-tanners, helping products look richer or more natural.
Caramel does not function as a classic active ingredient for skin or hair, so it is not typically included for moisturizing, anti-aging, or repair benefits. That said, it can be useful in products aimed at people who prefer a more natural-looking color or a warm-toned formula without synthetic dyes. It may also help brands adjust the visual shade of a product to better match a botanical or “natural” positioning.
Caveats: caramel is generally used in very small amounts, but as with any ingredient, sensitive users can still react to a finished formula because of the full ingredient blend, not caramel alone. If you are choosing products for very reactive skin, it is worth checking the complete ingredient list rather than focusing on the colorant by itself.
Frequently Asked Questions about Caramel
What is caramel used for in cosmetics?
Is caramel safe for skin in beauty products?
Can caramel help hydrate or treat the skin?
Is caramel the same as caramelized sugar in ingredient lists?
Can caramel in cosmetics stain skin or hair?
Products with Caramel (1 897 total)
Most often found in Garnier products (50 items)
