Red 36 Bueno Agente colorante/Pigmento No known benefits Red 36 at a glance Synthetic pigment used to add colour to makeup, skin care, and drugs Ruled safe in its current use Also known as D&C Red 36 Red 36 description Red 36 is a water-soluble synthetic pigment used to add colour to makeup, as well as skin care and drug products. The United States Food and Drug Administration has ruled Red 36 safe in its current use. This pigment is also known as D&C Red 36, the “D&C” meaning “drugs and cosmetics.”