What a 3/5 rating means
On the comedogenic scale, a 3 is the moderate midpoint: tolerated by many, a possible trigger for congestion-prone skin. That puts D&C Red 36 squarely in the judgement-call zone, where your skin type and the product's formula decide the outcome.
This rating is disputed. Credible sources land on different numbers for D&C Red 36, so we publish the range (3) rather than a false single figure. When sources disagree this openly, your own experience carries real weight.
One thing the number cannot tell you is concentration. Ingredients are listed in descending order, so D&C Red 36 near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About D&C Red 36
It is a cosmetic colorant that gives makeup its shade. An orange-red pigment used in cosmetics, commonly named on pore-clogging lists in the moderate range.
On a label it can read as D&C Red 36, D & C Red 36, D&C Red #36, Ci 12085 — worth knowing when you scan an ingredient deck.
D&C Red 36 in makeup and skincare
It is the shade in lipsticks, blushes, and other colour cosmetics. Its irritancy is rated separately at 0/5, which is low.
Lower-rated alternatives to D&C Red 36
If you want a similar role with a friendlier comedogenic score, consider:
- Squalane — comedogenic rating 1/5 (Low risk).
- Niacinamide — comedogenic rating 0/5 (Low risk).
D&C Red 36 comedogenic FAQ
Is D&C Red 36 comedogenic?
Moderately. D&C Red 36 is rated 3/5 (moderate), the middle of the 0–5 scale: many people tolerate it, but it can contribute to breakouts on congestion-prone skin. Sources disagree on D&C Red 36, so the rating is less settled than most.
What is the comedogenic rating of D&C Red 36?
D&C Red 36 has a comedogenic rating of 3/5 (moderate). Of the 190 ingredients in our dataset with a published rating, 39 rate higher than D&C Red 36, 97 rate lower, and 53 others share its 3/5. Among the 10 rated colorants, none rate higher and 5 lower. The figure is drawn from 1 cited source, listed on this page.
Is D&C Red 36 pore-clogging?
It can be for some people. At 3/5, D&C Red 36 is in the moderate band. How much it matters depends on concentration: near the top of an ingredient list it is a bigger factor than near the end. Comedogenic ratings come mostly from rabbit-ear assays and small human patch tests of the pure ingredient at high concentration, so they are a screening guide, not a prediction for your skin or a medical claim.