Basic Blue 99

AKA: 68123-13-7, C.I. Basic Blue 99, Jarocol Steel Blue, CI 56059, ARIANOR STEEL BLUE 306004, Benzenaminium, 3-((4-amino-6-bromo-5, 8-dihydro-1-hydroxy-8-imino-5-oxo-2-naphthalenyl)amino)-N, Chloride, Chloride (1:1)
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
3-[(4-amino-6-bromo-5,8-dihydro-1-hydroxy-8-imino-5-oxo-2-naphtyl)amino]-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium chloride (CI 56059)
Formula
C19H20BrClN4O2
Mol. Weight
451.70
CAS #
68123-13-7
State
Black odorless powder; [EC: SCCS - Opinion]
Functions
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Hair Dyeing
Conditions Hair
Antioxidant Protection
Locks In Moisture
Brightens Skin
Softens and detangles hair
Colors hair
Traditional Use
Synthetic organic colorant developed in the late 20th century, used in cosmetics as a blue dye for eyeshadows, nail polishes, and other color cosmetic products requiring vibrant blue hues.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-4
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR