As the season shifts, Holi arrives to paint the world in vibrant colours – an expression of happiness. While traditionally colours were sourced from flowers, berries, saffron, sandalwood and beetroot.
Today, plant-based colours have been replaced with chemical alternatives. We often assume that darker colours are more harmful than lighter ones, but the safety of a colour actually depends on its ingredient quality and regulatory compliance, not its colour.
So, this year before you reach for that bright, long-lasting colour, it’s worth asking: is the vibrant glow worth the hidden chemicals?
IMPACT OF SYNTHETIC COLOURS
A research study highlighted that industrial dyes and metal oxides are mixed with low-quality engine oil (for paste) to achieve a good texture and long-lasting effect. Moreover, these colours are produced on a small scale and do not necessarily go through quality checks. According to Indian Council of Agricultural Research,“The presence of harmful chemicals like oxides, glass particles and metal substances, etc., in the Holi colours makes them dangerous for the skin of humans.”
A blogpost by the National Council of Science Museums listed problems caused by synthetic colours: “Green might contain copper sulphate and can cause problems like eye allergy and temporary blindness. Red might contain mercury sulphide, which can lead to skin cancer, mental retardation, paralysis and impaired vision, while silver might contain aluminium bromide and is a carcinogen.”
“Chromium compounds can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, eye damage and, in some forms, long-term toxicity with repeated exposure. Mercury compounds are more dangerous, as they are neurotoxic and can affect the kidneys and nervous system,” said Dr Saurabh Arora, Managing Director of Auriga Research, which conducts advanced testing of pharmaceuticals, food, and the environment.
Similarly, purplemight contain chromium iodide, leading to health problems like bronchial asthma and allergies, and black might contain lead oxide, leading to health problems like renal failure and learning disabilities.
“There is no safe colour [talking about synthetic colours]. The darker the colour, the more harmful it is, but every colour may irritate skin,” said Dr Mahajan. He added that people with sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis should always practise precaution.
When asked if lighter colours such as yellow are safer? “Nothing is safe if ingredients are too many and not known.”
Dr Arora responded by saying that “traditional yellow made from turmeric is relatively safer than a synthetic yellow colour that may contain lead chromate.”
“There is no guaranteed ‘safe colour’ unless it is manufactured using cosmetic-grade, skin-safe ingredients under proper regulatory oversight,” he added.
WHAT ARE SAFE COLOURS MADE OF?
“Genuinely organic or herbal colours are made from natural ingredients such as turmeric, beetroot or marigold with corn starch or rice flour as natural carriers and are generally safer compared to synthetic, industrial-grade powders,” said Dr. Arora.
While there is a growing demand for natural colours, it is often confused with organic.
Dr Arora added that ‘organic’ is sometimes loosely used for marketing, so always check for the full ingredient list”.
One should be mindful of purchasing from reputable brands and avoid products that are sold loose or have no ingredient list.
HERE’S MORE YOU CAN DO:
Always check for certification.
Try to buy from reputed brands.
Avoid products sold loose or with no ingredient list or vague labelling.
Avoid asbestos or silica-based colours; look for corn or rice flour as a base.
Prefer brands that mention dermatological testing or safety compliance.
Conduct a small patch test before using the product.
– Nabeela Khan
