Oregon Esthetician State Board

What type of colors are organic carbon-based compounds from animal or plant extracts?

1. Certified colors

2. Non-certified colors

3. Inorganic dyes

4. Synthetic pigments

The correct answer is: Non-certified colors

Organic carbon-based compounds derived from animal or plant extracts are classified as non-certified colors. This term refers to naturally occurring colors that are not subjected to the same rigorous certification processes as certain synthetic colors. Non-certified colors may be derived from natural sources, which can include plant extracts like beet juice or animal sources such as cochineal. In contrast, certified colors have undergone specific testing and approval processes to ensure safety and compliance with regulatory standards, often found in food and cosmetics. Inorganic dyes are typically mineral-based and do not fall under the category of organic compounds. Synthetic pigments are artificially manufactured and do not originate from natural sources, making them distinctly different from organic carbon-based colors derived from plants and animals. Hence, labeling such natural origins as non-certified accurately reflects their source and classification within the context of cosmetic ingredients.