värvained

Värvained (colorants) are substances added to impart color to products such as food, cosmetics, textiles, and inks. They may function as dyes, which are typically soluble, or as pigments, which are insoluble. Some colorants are used as lakes, where a dye is precipitated with metal salts to create a water-insoluble coloring suitable for foods and cosmetics. The term encompasses a wide range of natural and synthetic colorings.

Natural colorants originate from plants, animals, or minerals. Examples include betalains and carotenoids from plants, anthocyanins that give berry colors, chlorophyll, and carmine derived from certain insects; mineral pigments such as iron oxides are also used in some applications. Synthetic colorants are manufactured chemicals and include many common food and cosmetic colorants.

Applications and regulation: Colorants are used to enhance or restore appearance, identify products, or distinguish brands across food, cosmetics, textiles, and printing. In the European Union, colorants used in food and cosmetics are subject to safety assessments and must appear on labels with appropriate identifiers (for foods, often E-numbers; for cosmetics, INCI names and color identifiers). Some colorants carry restrictions or warning requirements due to potential hypersensitivity or health concerns, and environmental considerations are increasingly influencing their production and use. Use is governed by good manufacturing practices and applicable regulatory frameworks.

See also: Food additive, Natural dye, Dyeing.