FDA Greenlights Fourth Natural Colorant, Paving Way for Beauty Industry Revolution
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its seal of approval to gardenia (genipin) blue, a new natural color additive, on July 14, 2025. This marks the fourth natural color approved in a span of just two months. This groundbreaking development carries significant implications for the beauty industry, as color additives sanctioned for food use often herald new possibilities for cosmetic applications.
Originating from the fruit of the gardenia flowering evergreen, this natural blue colorant is versatile enough to be used in a wide array of consumer products. These include, but are not limited to, sports drinks, flavored waters, and candies. This approval is in line with Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s initiative to gradually eliminate petroleum-based synthetic dyes from the nation’s supply chain. This is a key component of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement.
Since the unveiling of this initiative in April, an estimated 40% of the food industry has pledged to phase out synthetic dyes. This shift towards natural alternatives is predicted to spur innovation in clean beauty formulations. Cosmetic companies are increasingly on the lookout for plant-derived colorants that meet consumer demand for safer, more sustainable products.
Source: FDA Press Release