D&C Violet No. 2
D&C Violet No. 2 suppliers and sourcing guide
D&C Violet No. 2 is an oil- and solvent-soluble anthraquinone dye, principally 1-hydroxy-4-[(4-methylphenyl)amino]-9,10-anthracenedione. It is a certified color permitted only in externally applied drugs and cosmetics and in certain medical devices such as contact lenses and absorbable sutures. Cosmetic makers use it in hair products, nail polish, bath oils and other externally applied products; device makers use it to tint polymers.
- Category
- Colors
- Also known as
- Solvent Violet 13 · CI 60725 · Alizurol Purple
- Facts checked
- November 2026
Forms and grades of d&c violet no. 2
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Straight color powder
The solvent-soluble dye at a high stated total color, dissolved in oils, esters or solvents.
Oil solutions
Pre-dissolved concentrates in mineral oil or esters for easier dosing in small batches.
Device grade
Material sold to contact lens, suture and implant makers under device-specific documentation.
What to check on the COA
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
- FDA certification lot number
- Every batch of D&C Violet No. 2 must carry an FDA certification lot number; check that the COA and the container match.
- Total color
- Pure dye content by spectrophotometry against the 21 CFR 74.1602 minimum (not less than 96.0 percent).
- Volatile matter and insolubles
- Volatile matter at 135 °C and matter insoluble in both carbon tetrachloride and water, each limited by the regulation.
- Intermediates and subsidiary colors
- p-Toluidine, 1-hydroxy- and 1,4-dihydroxyanthraquinone and subsidiary colors by HPLC.
- Heavy metals
- Lead and arsenic by ICP-MS or AAS against the limits in 21 CFR 74.1602 and the supplier specification.
Storage, lots and expiry
Storage and shelf life
Store in the original sealed containers in a cool, dry place away from light and heat; powders cake in humid rooms, and dust should be controlled because small amounts stain other products and equipment. Shelf life is set by the supplier, with total color and appearance retested once past the retest date. Keep each container's FDA certification lot number with the stock so it can be traced into finished batches.
Lots and expiry dates
Record the FDA certification lot number and total color of each lot of D&C Violet No. 2, and adjust dosing when dye content differs from the previous lot. Compare shade against a retained standard in the finished product, since subsidiary-color and particle-size differences can shift hue.
Regulatory status
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
21 CFR 74.2602 permits D&C Violet No. 2 for coloring externally applied cosmetics only.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 74.1602 permits D&C Violet No. 2 for coloring externally applied drugs.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 74.3602 permits D&C Violet No. 2 for coloring contact lenses and certain absorbable surgical sutures, at listed limits.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)All batches of D&C Violet No. 2 must be certified by FDA under 21 CFR part 80.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)
This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
D&C Violet No. 2 suppliers
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
We are checking d&c violet no. 2 suppliers now
Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.
Sell d&c violet no. 2? Request a listingFrequently asked questions
What forms of d&c violet no. 2 can brands buy?
Common forms include straight color powder, oil solutions and device grade. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
What should the COA for d&c violet no. 2 include?
Expect fDA certification lot number, total color, volatile matter and insolubles, intermediates and subsidiary colors and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
How should d&c violet no. 2 be stored?
Store in the original sealed containers in a cool, dry place away from light and heat; powders cake in humid rooms, and dust should be controlled because small amounts stain other products and equipment. Shelf life is set by the supplier, with total color and appearance retested once past the retest date. Keep each container's FDA certification lot number with the stock so it can be traced into finished batches.
What is the regulatory status of d&c violet no. 2?
21 CFR 74.2602 permits D&C Violet No. 2 for coloring externally applied cosmetics only. 21 CFR 74.1602 permits D&C Violet No. 2 for coloring externally applied drugs. 21 CFR 74.3602 permits D&C Violet No. 2 for coloring contact lenses and certain absorbable surgical sutures, at listed limits. All batches of D&C Violet No. 2 must be certified by FDA under 21 CFR part 80.
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