Ultramarine is a synthetic pigment derived from sodium aluminum sulfosilicate, which comes in a variety colors, including blue, pink, red, violet and green. Ultramarines bestow a brilliant color to many different types of cosmetic products, including eye shadows, hair dyes and some types of tattoo inks. Ultramarines are classified as color additives by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and approved for use in skin-care products, hair products and cosmetics that go around the eyes. Ultramarines are generally regarded as a safe additive by the FDA, but test any new cosmetic product containing them on a small patch of skin first because it's possible to develop an allergic reaction.
Contact Dermatitis
If you develop an allergy to ultramarine dyes, it's generally expressed as a local contact dermatitis, meaning it occurs only at the point of contact. A contact dermatitis can be caused by a substance that is irritating to your skin or one that triggers your immune system to release antihistamines. With a contact dermatitis, you may not have an allergic reaction the first time your skin is exposed to an ultramarine dye. Sensitization typically occurs over time with successive applications, eventually resulting in symptoms of an allergic reaction. However, once you become sensitized, you are allergic to that substance for the rest of your life.
Allergy Signs
Contact dermatitis causes an allergic reaction on your skin in the area that has come into contact with the ultramarine dye, such as the face, eyelid or scalp. Most contact-dermatitis reactions aren't severe, resulting in milder allergy symptoms, such as itching and a red rash. A more severe reaction to ultramarine dyes causes severe itching, blisters that drain and crust over, dry patches that crack, as well as pain and tenderness in the area. Contact dermatitis typically develops within 12 hours of exposure, peaking within 48 hours. If you develop an allergic reaction to a product containing ultramarine dye, immediately wash the area with soap and water and consult your physician for treatment advice.
Serious Allergic Reaction
Although most allergies to ultramarine dyes result in a contact dermatitis, it's conceivable that a more-severe, whole-body allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur in some. Anaphylaxis is an extremely serious allergic reaction that requires a call to 911 for medical support. Signs of anaphylaxis include anxiety, confusion, stomach cramps, diarrhea, nasal congestion, difficulty swallowing and breathing, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness and even death. Allergy UK says severe allergic reactions to permanent hair dye tend to be associated with hair dyes that contain ingredients that cross-react with other compounds, including other dyes, drugs and preservatives.
Considerations
Purchasing cosmetics that are labeled as hypoallergenic, organic and natural doesn't protect you from developing an allergy to any of its ingredients. If you are allergic or sensitive to any ingredients used in cosmetics, such as ultramarine dyes, read the product label carefully before buying it. Consumers aren't the only ones at risk of developing an allergy to ultramarine dyes. Cosmetologists, beauticians and hair dressers must also take care because they are also susceptible to developing an allergy to ultramarine dyes following repeated exposures.
