Beauty · Dyes & colorants

Is Basic Violet 3 Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

TL;DR: Basic Violet 3 is banned in the EU but allowed in the US (dyes & colorants).

INCI name Basic Violet 3. CAS 548-62-9.

Is Basic Violet 3 banned in the EU?

Basic Violet 3 (Basic Violet 3) is a triarylmethane dye (gentian violet).

It is used for its preservative, coloring, fragrance, solvent or texture-enhancing function.

A possible carcinogen; banned in EU cosmetics.

Choose EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations and read the INCI list. BannedPantry flags this ingredient and suggests safer swaps.

Is Basic Violet 3 banned in the EU?

Basic Violet 3 is banned under the EU Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009), but it is allowed in US personal-care products.

Is Basic Violet 3 in US cosmetics?

Yes — Basic Violet 3 can still appear in US-sold cosmetics and personal-care products because US rules are far less restrictive than the EU's.

What products contain Basic Violet 3?

Read the INCI ingredient list on the back of the package. Scan the barcode with BannedPantry to flag Basic Violet 3 automatically.

Are there safer alternatives to Basic Violet 3?

Yes. Look for EU-compliant or 'free-from' formulations; BannedPantry suggests safer swaps when it detects Basic Violet 3.

Is Basic Violet 3 in your bathroom cabinet?

Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Basic Violet 3 or other ingredients banned overseas.

Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.