Brilliant Blue FCF (E133) Food Grade C.I. 42090

What is Brilliant Blue FCF (E133) Food Grade C.I. 42090? It is a synthetic blue dye with the chemical formula C37H34N2Na2O9S3. It is commonly used as a food and beverage colourant, providing a bright blue hue. This dye is water-soluble and has good lightfastness, making it suitable for use in a variety of products such as confectionery, beverages, ice creams, and jellies. It is also utilised in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, and scientific applications. Brilliant Blue FCF is approved for use in many countries and regulated under the E number system in the EU as E133.

Frequent Uses

Cosmetic Products

Commonly included in a variety of cosmetic products such as shampoos, conditioners, body washes, facial cleansers, and lotions. The dye gives off a blue hue, which can contribute to freshness and cleanliness of the product.

Textile Industry

In the textile industry, Brilliant Blue FCF is used in the dyeing of fabrics such as cotton, polyester, and blends, providing a consistent and vibrant blue colour. The dye is employed in the production of garments, household textiles, and upholstery, helping manufacturers achieve the desired shade of blue that is both pleasing and durable. 

Laboratory Applications

Brilliant Blue FCF is often used as a staining agent in laboratory settings, particularly in histology and microbiology, where it aids in the visualisation of cellular structures and tissues under a microscope. The dye binds to specific cell components, allowing scientists to differentiate between different cell types or observe specific tissue structures with greater clarity. 

Cosmetics

- shampoos

- hair colours

- soaps

Total dye content (corrected for sample dried at 105˚C for 2 hours): > 85%

Appearance: Dark blue to purple granular or powder

Loss on Drying at 135˚C: < 10%

Water Insoluble Matter: < 0.2%

Subsidiary dyes: < 3.0%

Dye intermediates: < 1.8%

Lead (Pb): < 2mg/kg

Arsenic (As): < 3mg/kg

Mercury (Hg): < 1mg/kg

Solubility 1mg/mL, H2O:  Clear to opaque blue to blue-black solution

Cas Number: 3844-45-9

Einecs Number: 223-339-8

Hazard Phrases: H0001