Beauty · Dyes & colorants

Is Disperse Yellow 3 Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides

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

INCI name Disperse Yellow 3. CAS 2832-40-8.

Is Disperse Yellow 3 banned in the EU?

Disperse Yellow 3 (Disperse Yellow 3) is an azo dye.

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

A sensitizer and 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 Disperse Yellow 3 banned in the EU?

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

Is Disperse Yellow 3 in US cosmetics?

Yes — Disperse Yellow 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 Disperse Yellow 3?

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

Are there safer alternatives to Disperse Yellow 3?

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

Is Disperse Yellow 3 in your bathroom cabinet?

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

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